A land awakening ceremony led by Indigenous Elders on Nov. 13 marked the start of construction for a new child care centre at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (KPU) Surrey campus.
First Nations Elders lead a land awakening ceremony at KPU Surrey for a future child care centre.
KPU is developing a 61-space child care centre in partnership with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), along with funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C. through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Earlier this year, the agreement was extended for 2026-27 until 2030-31.
Thursday's awakening ceremony included a blessing of the land with medicines sacred to the three First Nations -- Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen -- whose traditional territory includes the land where the child care centre is being built. Representatives from the First Nations addressed a crowd gathered under a tent on the construction site, previously used as a parking lot.
"This goes deeper than a land acknowledgement. It's an understanding that the land that we're on, that we thank it, for letting us build on it. We'll be learning on it as well," says Sqwayeten Cheryl Gabriel, a Kwantlen First Nation Elder. "It's no longer going to be a parking lot. It's going to be a building for children -- for our future."
Through this collaboration, MNBC will help shape programs that reflect Métis culture and values, ensuring Métis families have access to early childhood education that celebrates their heritage. The partnership also supports the creation of inclusive, culturally grounded programming designed to meet the needs of Métis children and families, while welcoming and benefiting the broader community, including families working or studying at KPU.
Also among those participating in the ceremony were Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell, KPU Elder in Residence Lekeyten and MNBC Region 2 Director Allan Lavallee.
"It's important that all children feel a sense of belonging starting from birth and throughout their early years," says Lavallee. "By creating a space like this and providing opportunities for Métis child care professionals to share resources, we're helping all children feel included and proud of who they are."
Additionally, the facility will include new classroom spaces for potential early childhood education programming at KPU, and offer the potential for practicum placements for students.
KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bruce Choy says the ceremony is a meaningful moment for KPU and Indigenous communities, whose stewardship of these lands continues to guide and inspire a shared journey.
"The support of the Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations is vital for ensuring the education provided here will be culturally relevant and respectful as we walk the path of reconciliation."
"My heart is full that we're all coming together today for this special ceremony where our Métis children will have a place to thrive and grow," says Debra Fisher, MNBC Minister of Education, Minister of Children and Families, and Region 4 Director.
Gary Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildford, speaking on behalf of Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, says the B.C. government is proud to fund more child care spaces that will benefit local families.
"Coming together to celebrate this project in such a meaningful way is a great start to this important project, and I look forward to one day seeing young children here learning about how they are connected to this land and our community," says Begg.
Calling the ceremony a powerful moment of connection and hope for the future, Sukh Dhaliwal, MP for Surrey Newton, says the project will provide much needed child care spaces for the growing community of Newton.
"This will be a place where children will grow, learn and thrive, while also honouring the land and traditions of the Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen Nations. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects like this, because we know that accessible, quality child care is vital to supporting families and building strong communities. This is a lasting gift to our families and to the entire community."
Anna Gainey, Canada's Secretary of State for Children and Youth, echoes that sentiment.
"Child care spaces like those coming to KPU and across Surrey help families thrive," says Gainey. "These centres strengthen communities, give kids the best start and ease pressure on parents."
The child care centre, being constructed at KPU Surrey in the Newton neighbourhood, is designed as a one-storey mass timber structure, arranged around an open courtyard to offer children a safe play space away from vehicle traffic. Construction is expected to be complete by 2027.
