Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes three new members to its Board of Governors. The new Indigenous governors include community member Rhiannon Bennett and two elected student board members, Taylor Lanthier and Samantha Jack.
“Our new board members bring with them different backgrounds, expertise and diverse voices that will help us tackle issues and new ideas as we move forward at the university,” says Sandra Case, chair of KPU’s Board of Governors.
Bennett was the first Indigenous person elected to the Delta Board of Education in 2014. Professionally, Bennett has worked with Indigenous youth and families with the majority of her work in decolonization and reconciliation. She is Musqueam and was raised in Ladner.
“I am looking forward to utilizing skills and experiences gained from my term as a trustee on the Delta Board of Education,” says Bennett. “I bring with me a unique perspective shaped by being an Indigenous woman who has worked in and alongside education systems for over 20 years.
“I am hoping to lead institutional changes around decolonization and reconciliation that will reach higher standards than what can be achieved without an Indigenous perspective at the table.”
Lanthier and Jack are fourth-year KPU students. Lanthier is a non-status Métis student majoring in criminology. She is interested in Indigenous peoples and women in the criminal justice system. Lanthier aspires to become a lawyer with a focus on Indigenous and environmental law.
“I decided to join the board to get more involved at KPU in a way that would be meaningful to me,” says Lanthier. “I am hoping that, as one of the student representatives, my experiences and views will provide a unique perspective to the board on various discussions and topics.”
Jack is an Indigenous student from Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Yale First Nations. She is majoring in political science.
“I believe we will be very influential in terms of supporting KPU's commitment to decolonization and resurgence. I hope to do my position justice and to do so to the best of my ability,” says Jack. “I look forward to supporting the future and vision of the university.”
She founded the Indigenous Student Council at KPU and is involved in the Indigenous Advisory Committee as well as the President’s Diversity and Equity Committee.
Learn more about the KPU Board of Governors here.
