New signage celebrates indigenous community
A university in Kwantlen, Canada has taken the decision to upgrade its campus signage to include indigenous language as part of reconciliation efforts.
Wednesday, 27 Nov 2019 14:16 GMT
The Canadian university is celebrating its local indigenous community through its signage
Kwantlen Traditional Territory extends from Richmond and New Westminster in the west, to Surrey and Langley in the south, Mission in the east, and to the northern Stave Lake.
Fern Gabriel, a member of the Kwantlen First Nation – a group committed to environmental sustainability and the preservation of the land’s natural resources – supported the university in its mission.
As a teacher of the Downriver h?n?q??min??m? (Halkomelem) dialect in a nearby area, she was able to help Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) by translating the words and offering advice and wisdom.
This signage is a step on the path to ensuring the traditional, ancestral lands of the First Nations people in the KPU’s region are properly acknowledged at all our campuses”
The new signage features the dialect as well as art by KPU mixed media art graduate Brandon Gabriel who is also a member of Kwantlen First Nation. He designed a wolf and a salmon which make up the university’s coat of arms.
Dr. Alan Davis, university president unveiled the signage alongside Fern Gabriel. He says: “This signage is a step on the path to ensuring the traditional, ancestral lands of the First Nations people in the KPU’s region are properly acknowledged at all our campuses.”
Describing Fern Gabriel’s contribution, David adds: “Her wisdom and insight have been invaluable as we try to make KPU more welcoming to all Indigenous learners, employees and guests, and share with our community our deep respect for the Indigenous people of this land.”
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