Okanagan, WFN sign MOU to support Indigenous students, deepen partnership

Okanagan College and Westbank First Nation (WFN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will increase access and support for WFN members in achieving their postsecondary education goals. The agreement outlines seven ways in which the partners will continue to collaborate on projects and programs that will benefit learners from the WFN community, while helping both organizations learn from one another and build professional capacity. It additionally describes how Okanagan will turn to WFN for guidance on First Nations ways of knowing, doing, and being and how these can be incorporated into the educational, organizational, and cultural fabric of the College. “Our members have been accessing post-secondary education and training opportunities at Okanagan College for decades and in growing numbers,” said WFN Chief Christopher Derickson, “and so we value being able to provide input and guidance into how the College can continue to make good on its commitment to providing welcoming, inclusive and supportive spaces for Indigenous students to thrive.” Okanagan (BC)