Squamish Nation and Simon Fraser University have signed a renewable three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the school announced Wednesday. The MOU, which was officially signed Nov. 29, aims to further strengthen the relationship between the university and the Squamish Nation. Goals of the agreement include collaborating on cultural, academic and research activities, according to a news release.
Under the MOU, the Nation and SFU will explore opportunities to:
· Strengthen cultural protocols and events between the parties;
· Strengthen administrative protocols between the parties;
· Exchange information and expertise to strengthen and enhance services and programs at SFU and in the community in collaboration with SN;
· Discuss recruitment and retention initiatives as they concern SN community;
· Discuss and collaborate on potential programs. For example, language course development and offerings;
· Discuss and collaborate on initiatives involving SN youth. For example, summer camps, tutoring, sports, and orientation and life skills training.
· Discuss joint research initiatives; and
· Discuss the utilization of SN cultural resources and experts by SFU, and vice versa.
“The MOU is a commitment to continue to build a relationship with SFU so that the university becomes a place where our students attend and thrive both culturally and academically,” said Chris Lewis, councillor of the Squamish Nation and member of the SFU Board of Governors. “We look forward to working with SFU to develop in the community training, projects and research.”
SFU’s Burnaby and Vancouver campuses are located on the traditional territories of the Squamish as well as well as the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Kwikwetlem Nations. Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell, was among the first graduates of SFU’s Executive MBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership (EMBA ABL), offered by SFU’s Beedie School of Business.
