The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) and the University of Northern British Columbia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the educational success of Lheidli students at UNBC through an initiative involving comprehensive financial assistance and academic support.

The MOU further strengthens a longstanding collaborative relationship between the LTFN and UNBC and is a meaningful response to the University’s commitment to act on Truth and Reconciliation.

Building on the success of a 2019 pilot agreement, the Lheidli T’enneh Tuition Initiative ensures eligible students have access to post-secondary education at UNBC at no cost. The MOU formalizes a tuition waiver from the University in concert with substantial financial support from the LTFN to cover student needs such as living expenses, course-related fees, textbooks and tutoring services. 

“This initiative opens pathways and empowers Lheidli T’enneh students to pursue educational goals by addressing the financial barriers before them, offering tools to support their success,” says Chief Dolleen Logan, on behalf of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “By deepening our collective responsibility to support the academic success of Indigenous students, we continue walking the long road to Reconciliation together. Our ongoing partnership with UNBC is crucial to ensuring that all voices and perspectives are considered as we work together to ignite the next generation of Indigenous leaders in British Columbia, Canada and globally.”

A signing ceremony for the MOU took place in the Robert Frederick Gallery at UNBC’s Prince George campus on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh. The agreement follows the Respectful Acknowledgement pledge the University made last year, and is another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the LTFN and UNBC.

 “This initiative is a powerful reflection of the mutual respect and open dialogue between the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and UNBC. It reinforces our existing ties and honours the history of our relationship,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “As an institution, UNBC has a responsibility to act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This is another tangible and important step in that ongoing process and will uplift and elevate Indigenous voices and perspectives within the University community for generations to come.”