Thanks to support from the Ike Barber Fund, KPU will host a one-day forum titled: Open Doors, Open Minds https://www.kpu.ca/opendoors to introduce and encourage potential KPU Indigenous high school students to education and career opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Trades disciplines within our diverse polytechnic environment at KPU.

The activities for the day will include a welcome by our Elder-in-Residence, Lekeyten of the Kwantlen Nation, opening comments by the Provost, visits to the Gathering Place, hands-on workshops, keynote presentations/performances, an Education Fair, tours of the university and a breakfast/lunch hosted by KPU. The cost of bus transportation is also supported.

Shane Wally and Jane Koepke travelled to KPU and talked about the Carcross/Tagish First Nation’s inspiring mountain biking project, Single Track to Success http://destinationcarcross.ca/explore/single-track-to-success/. Hip Hop artist, Dakota Bear also performed, http://digitaldrum.ca/meet-the-artist-dakota-bear/ and Brad Baker of the Squamish Nation and leader with the North Vancouver School District spoke with the students about the importance of education.

Performances were by: V’ni Dansi, a Vancouver-based traditional Métis and contemporary dance company dedicated to sharing the dances, stories and culture of the Métis - led by Artistic Director Yvonne Chartrand. As well, the Git Hayetsk Dancers, an internationally renowned dance group, will perform - led in partnership by artist and carver Mike Dangeli of the Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Tlingit, and Tsetsaut Nations and University of Alaska Southeast professor Dr. Mique’l Dangeli of the Tsimshian and Tlingit Nations.