Capilano University and Li´l?wat Nation sign affiliation agreement to affirm shared commitment for Ts?zil Learning Centre

August 26, 2019

NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. — Leaders from Capilano University (CapU) and Líl̓wat Nation will today sign an affiliation agreement that recognizes shared values and commitments as they continue to work together to deliver post-secondary learning opportunities. The signing takes place at the newly re-opened Ts̓zil Learning Centre (TLC) in Mount Currie, B.C. that serves the Líl̓wat Nation and other Indigenous peoples.

“This agreement is an important step for Capilano University,” says Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University. “With mutual respect, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we work in partnership with the Líl̓wat Nation to collaborate on developing culturally relevant programs and services that are delivered in an inclusive way.”

“It is an exciting time for our Nation,” says Mason Ducharme, director of Ts̓zil Learning Centre. “This agreement solidifies a valuable partnership and outlines our roles in a shared vision for strengthening and building capacity of the Líl̓wat people.”

TLC was established in 1998 and CapU faculty began teaching courses at the Centre the following year. After 20 years of operating out of trailers, TLC now has a permanent home. The $8.8 million building designed based on an S7ístken (“sh-eesh-kin”), the traditional winter home of the Líl̓wat people, provides a welcoming place for students to learn.

Courses are offered in adult education; Líl̓wat language, history and culture; carpentry and other vocational skills. Last year the University granted $300,000 for the TLC to purchase new classroom tables and chairs, computer lab chairs and desks, instructional audio-video equipment, and student lounge furniture.

“Students need the right tools to achieve academic success. We were pleased to support the re-opening of Ts’zil Learning Centre with funding to help outfit the Centre with furniture and resources designed for a university learning environment,” says Dangerfield.

The Líl̓wat Nation develops its own long-range educational plan, and CapU supports the development and implementation of this plan by offering advice and expertise related to post-secondary education and teaching courses in Mount Currie.

About Ts̓zil Learning Centre

Líl̓wat Nation’s Ts̓zil Learning Centre provides excellent learning opportunities for the Líl̓wat Nation and neighbouring communities. The centre offers a variety of dynamic academic and vocational training opportunities designed to expand employment and career choices, and fulfill dreams. Ts̓zil provides quality, culturally inclusive, holistic education based in Líl̓wat cultural renewal creating in a comfortable, safe and supported learning environment. Situated in Mount Currie, Ts̓zil Learning Centre has served Lil̓wat7úl and non-First Nations people since 1998. In the fall of 2018, the learning centre relocated to its new, 22,000 square foot facility.

About Capilano University

Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Founded in 1968, the University is best known for its jazz, film, animation and performing arts programs. CapU’s business, paralegal, early childhood care and education, music therapy and design programs are also highly regarded. The University enrols more than 10,150 students each year and offers 97 programs, including bachelor’s degrees in areas as diverse as film, jazz, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh), Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

For more information and photos of the affiliation agreement signing today please contact:

Mason Ducharme
Líl̓wat Nation
t: 604 894 2300 ext. 2278
e: Mason.Ducharme@lilwat.ca

Linda Munro
Capilano University
t: 604-983-7596
e: lindamunro@capilanou.ca

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