KPU waiving tuition for Indigenous students of local nations is a step in the right direction

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On June 20, Kwantlen Polytechnic University announced they will waive tuition fees for Indigenous students who are members of the First Nations communities KPU campuses are located on. KPU campuses rest on the traditional unceded territories and waterways of the Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, and Tsawwassen peoples. 

KPU is the first university in British Columbia to announce a tuition waiver for Indigenous students, and is a step towards reconciliation. 

This announcement follows a similar one by the University of Waterloo in May. UWaterloo will be waiving tuition fees for students who are a part of the two First Nation communities whose traditional territory the university is located on the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. 

“We are committed to creating new opportunities and a welcoming environment for Indigenous students in higher education,” said KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Alan Davis, in the news release. “Offering free tuition to eligible students continues KPU’s efforts to have open and generative partnerships with Indigenous communities.”

“Education is fundamental to reconciliation,” said Davis. 

KPU’s website says 59 per cent of the Indigenous population in KPU’s region currently doesn’t have any post-secondary education. They recognize a strong need to make post-secondary education more accessible to Indigenous students. 

Until 1961, Indigenous people were not allowed to attend university. Leaving reserves for extended periods of time, such as receiving an education, resulted in enfranchisement. This meant having to give up status as an Indigenous person and the associated rights. Enfranchisement also often resulted in being removed from the band list, meaning visiting home, family, and one’s community was challenging. 

This cut between an Indigenous person and their community meant a loss of language, culture, and identity for many. It is also why many Indigenous people find leaving for post-secondary education difficult today as community is a highly significant part of life. 

Enfranchisement occurred because the Canadian government was afraid of educated Indigenous people who retained their identity. Now, KPU is advancing their newly-detailed commitment to truth and reconciliation by supporting Indigenous Peoples who want to receive a post-secondary education. 

Other universities are working towards similar efforts such as the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. 

In a statement to Postmedia, Jennifer Chin, the associate registrar at UBC, said the university aims to be the “most accessible large research university globally for Indigenous students, faculty, and staff.” About 55 per cent of Indigenous students at UBC received some form of financial support from the university. 

SFU told Postmedia in a statement that they are “working to reduce financial barriers and improve access to education for Indigenous students.” Previously in 2021, SFU staff called for a tuition waiver for Indigenous students. 

Truth and reconciliation needs to be actively sought out by not only universities, but all public bodies. We have a responsibility to repair and reconcile with Indigenous Peoples. 

UWaterloo also announced that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students across Canada will be charged the Ontario domestic tuition rates, along with Native American students from the United States, in acknowledgement of the Jay Treaty. KPU has not announced a similar plan, however, more details about the tuition waiver will be available soon. 

Waiving tuition fees for Indigenous students eliminates a large barrier for many. However, it’s important to recognize that more obstacles still clutter the path to success. Few resources, a lack of Indigenous language and culture programs, and few Indigenous professors and educators can cause many to feel out of place. 

Waiving tuition fees for Indigenous students whose traditional territory our campuses are located on is only one step in the right direction, but the first step is always the most important.