Indigenous Student Services

Indigenous Student Services is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students and visitors to our Gathering Place.


m̓i ce:p kʷətxʷiləm (Welcome everyone)

Territorial Acknowledgement

We at Kwantlen Polytechnic University respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and study in a region that overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral First Nations territories of the xwməθkwəyə̓ m (Musqueam),qi̓ cə̓ y̓ (Katzie),SEMYOME (Semiahmoo), scə̓ waθən (Tsawwassen), qiqéyt (Qayqayt) and kwikwəƛə̓ m (Kwikwetlem); and with the lands of the qw̓ ɑ:nƛ̓ ə̓ n̓ (KwantlenFirst Nation, which gifted its name to this university.

In the cause of reconciliation, we recognize our commitment to address and reduce ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression and racism that Indigenous Peoples continue to experience.

hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ is the Downriver dialect of the broader language Halkomelem, one of the Coast Salish or Salish family of languages in BC.  We encourage you to click on the image (QR code) to learn more and support Indigenous language revitalization efforts. 




 

We're Here for You

We continue to provide student support online, virtual and on campus (modified hours). If you are looking for assistance and tips on applying for scholarships and awards, accessing resources to help with transition to online learning or wanting to learn more about our various student supports, we’re here to help! Please visit our Facebook page for announcements, new resources for students, events and more.

  • Prospective Indigenous Students

    Have questions? Submit your questions via our online form.

  • Visit the Gathering Place

    KPU Surrey Campus

  • Current Students Questions and Inquiries

Student Support and Engagement

Whether you have a question about your program, looking to connect with other Indigenous students or you're trying to find student supports, Indigenous Services for Students has you covered.

  • Elder and Cultural Advisor Program

    Lekeyten, of the Kwantlen First Nation, has been KPU's Elder in Residence since 2015. In this role, Lekeyten supports and encourages Indigenous students on their educational journey.

    Kwantlen First Nation Elder, Lekeyten
    Elders Program
    Students – contact IndigenousServices@kpu.ca to request an appointment
    Faculty and Staff – complete the Elder Request Form

     

  • Indigenous Book Club

    Our book club focuses on works by Indigenous authors and is intended to foster a space for new learning, respectful sharing and inquiry, and collaboration by bringing together students, faculty, staff and Elders.
  • Indigenous Student Orientation

    In addition to various on campus and virtual orientation events, an interactive and free Indigenous Online Orientation course is available to all new Indigenous students to help support the transition to post secondary studies. To access the course, click on the link below and use your student ID number and password to log on.

  • Indigenous Student Self Identification

    By self-identifying as an Indigenous learner at KPU you will be part of our growing Indigenous community and culture. You will assist KPU with assessing university participation and completion rates and examining our overall strategic goals of providing a learning environment that is accessible and inclusive to the needs of Indigenous students and communities. Your participation will greatly help with the creation and improvement of services, programs and events for our Indigenous community at KPU.

  • The Gathering Place

    A welcoming space for all students to socialize, attend events, study and connect with other students.  Computers are available and a projector to use for group projects, film screenings, etc.

  • Events

    We host a variety of student engagement events throughout the year.  Check out National Indigenous History Month, Indigenous Dialogue Series and our Facebook page KPUtheGatheringPlace for announcements, community events, online events and more.

Beyond the classroom

  • Resources And Support For Indigenous Community At KPU And Beyond

     The devasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School system continues to this day. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented the experiences of survivors who attended these institutions including an estimated number of student deaths at these schools and in 2015 released it’s report outlining 94 Calls to Action.  Unmarked graves found at several Residential School sites have confirmed stories told by survivors.  Support is available for those impacted by residential schools or triggered by these reports. 

  • Indigenous Advisory Committee

    The Indigenous Advisory Committee provides guidance to KPU on Indigenous affairs, acting as a communication link between the university and the Indigenous community. Our membership includes individuals with diverse experience and expertise from local school districts, First Nations bands, Métis Nation and organizations, and faculty members.

  • Indigenous Participation at KPU

    We acknowledge we must continue to make tangible efforts to decolonize our approaches while enabling the resurgence of Indigenous agency in our learning activities. To do so we are actively seeking the wisdom and experience of local Indigenous knowledge keepers, leaders, First Nation communities, and indigenous organizations to help direct our efforts towards genuine ways to increase Indigenous participation and education at KPU.

Welcome to the KPU Community

You're about to begin your educational journey at one of Western Canada's largest teaching- and learning-centred universities. At KPU, we offer you a university experience that's relevant, challenging and hands-on. Each year we get thousands of students job-ready and prepared for success.

Find out more about the resources and support available to you and the incredible programs that make KPU the place where thought meets action.

  • KPU Library Resources

    Our Indigenous Liaison Librarian has put together an Indigenous studies collection of resources, including books, films, journals and more. This collection also highlights special topics, including residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Indigenous languages to name a few.

  • Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

    KPU's tuition rates are affordable and competitive with other post-secondary institutions. Our tuition estimator can help you calculate the approximate costs for your specific situation and provides a full breakdown of fees. While post-secondary education is a big investment, we're here to help with a range of scholarships, awards, bursaries and financial assistance:

Need More Info?

Interested in a program, but still not sure? Learn more about programs, courses, fees and how to apply by attending an Information Session.

Register for an Information Session

Over 140 programs. Endless possibilities.

Check out our Viewbook

Contact Us

Indigenous Student Services

E:  IndigenousServices@kpu.ca      P:  604.599-2059      Facebook 

Surrey Campus, Maple 166 (next to the Gathering Place)

 

Our Team

Gayle Bedard, Associate Vice President, Indigenous Leadership, Innovation and Partnerships

Natalie Wood-Wiens, Manager, Indigenous Student Services

Lekeyten, Elder-in-Residence, Kwantlen First Nation

April Leprette, Coordinator, Events and Communications