The University of Victoria (UVic) and Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation (formerly known as Lake Cowichan First Nation) have signed a five-year collaboration agreement a significant step towards a shared future of mutual respect, learning and growth.
UVic and Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation holding the signed agreement. Credit: Hannah Mashon/UVic
This agreement outlines a framework for joint initiatives, including educational programs, research projects and community engagement activities.
This collaboration agreement is not just a document; it is a commitment to ongoing dialogue, mutual respect and shared success. We are here to learn and take guidance from Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation. This document is a beautiful way of coming together and reaffirms the commitment to working together in a good way with good hearts and good minds."
- Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Robina Thomas, UVic's vice-president, Indigenous
The agreement came about as the university considers future use of a 25-acre property located in Lake Cowichan generously donated by Jeanne S. Simpson to UVic in 1967, serving as a base for field studies and resource management for nearly five decades. Use of the Jeanne S. Simpson Field Studies Resource Centre has declined over the years, prompting UVic to consider its future, while recognizing the deep cultural and historical significance of the land to the Ts'uubaa-asatx people.
Caretaker's residence at the Jeanne S. Simpson Field Studies Resource Centre. Credit: Hannah Mashon/UVic
Ts'uubaa-asatx is excited to enter into a multi-year collaboration agreement with UVic built on the guiding principles of respect, collaboration, commitment, transparency, culture, education and values for not only the property at Ch'itupt nit, but also in our approaches to education on all fronts. We look forward to moving the relationship forward on collaborative projects, ideas and values on key areas. Ts'uubaa-asatx sees this as the beginning of a great relationship that will grow in the near and foreseeable future."
- Aaron Hamilton, operations manager of Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation
By working together, both partners commit to developing and prioritizing educational programming and services that promote the growth and development of students, community-based education and economic development, while upholding the values of Ditidaht culture, land and language.
Download a copy of the Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation | University of Victoria Collaboration Agreement 2024-2029.
The collaboration agreement aligns with UVic's commitment to ʔetal nəwəl | ÁTOL,NEUEL | Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things, which focuses on UVic's relationships with one another, with the lands and waters and with all living beings.
UVic and Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation holding the signed agreement. Credit: Hannah Mashon/UVic
