Acknowledgement of Territories
The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)
The Copper
For some Northwest Coast First Nations, a Copper — a traditional copper shield — symbolizes wealth and power. Knowledge is power. A Copper gains value the more it changes hands and is broken and put back together. Life can be challenging, but much like a Copper, our students build strength as they gain knowledge and overcome challenges. That is why we chose the Copper to symbolize this Indigenous Vision. This Copper was created by Alano Edzerza, a Tahltan multimedia artist and entrepreneur based in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
Did you know?
Indigenous Gathering Place is called Mi Chap Tukw which means “a home away from home”. The hand logo, called Snewayelh (“teachings”), symbolizes the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next and it raised in the Coast Salish welcome gesture.
Upcoming scholarships, awards and bursaries deadlines
- KEL,KELOŦEN CE S,ISTEW » Education Fund Award – Do you identify as an Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis persons from BC with a desire to pursue a career in the Architecture and Engineering industry? Are you enrolled or have you applied for the 2022/2023 post secondary school year? If this resonates with your journey, please apply at: www.indigenousaeaward.ca An award of $5,000 will be awarded to one successful applicant, and all applicants will have the opportunity to make direct connections with industry professionals. Application Deadline Extended to April 30th, 2024.
- Indspire – Indigenous Education Bursary and Scholarships (Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST) *new – Toyota Canada Foundation Indigenous Bursaries in Automotive Technology
This award will be distributed to Indigenous students who are attending post-secondary institutions across Canada (i.e. college, university, technical college, or apprenticeship program) and are enrolled in two-year automotive mechanic, automotive technician, or automotive power programs. Students will receive this Bursary during both years of their two-year program provided that they continue to be enrolled.
BCIT Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund (IEAF) – Indigenous post-secondary students experiencing financial pressures can apply for the IEAF. Students who access emergency funding do not have to repay it. BCIT Indigenous students can contact our office for help with the application process.
Indigenous Vision
In May 2019, BCIT launched An Indigenous Vision: A Framework for Action and Accountability. The Vision complements the three commitments in BCIT’s Strategic Plan. Furthermore, our implementation plan is structured around the principles of the Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education Protocol.
Land acknowledgement & protocol welcome
What are the main differences between an Indigenous protocol welcome and a land acknowledgement in British Columbia? Find out about their purpose, cultural significance, and who can do them.
Learn more