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FREDERICTON – New Brunswick Community College (¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ) officially launched its Indigenous Learning and Engagement Initiative today, taking the first steps on a new path towards reconciliation.

The Indigenous Learning and Engagement Initiative will increase opportunities for students and staff to learn from and about Indigenous culture and history. The launch occurred at ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Fredericton’s graduation ceremony, where Indigenous leaders walked into the Richard J. Currie Centre alongside ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ officials, and coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day on Thursday, June 21.

“We offer an open invitation to the Indigenous peoples of this land to walk with us, to share with us what they would have us know and to guide us all as we find our way back to right relationships,” said ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ President and CEO Marilyn Luscombe.

“As an institution, we recognize that we must renew our relationships with the Indigenous peoples of this land to foster a greater understanding among students, staff and the ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Board of Governors, and the successful participation of Indigenous students and partners in ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ’s learning activities.”

As part of the Indigenous Learning and Engagement Initiative, ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ has hired its first Director of Indigenous Learning and Engagement. The director’s mandate is to guide ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ in fulfilling commitments in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action; engage Indigenous communities in authentic partnerships with ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ; and develop learning outcomes and activities for ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ students and staff.

“I invite all staff and students to join us on this journey towards reconciliation,” said Luscombe.

¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Indigenous Student Advisor Charlie Nicholas and ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Information Technology student Jeremiah Palmater perform a Mi’kmaq honour song as ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ President and CEO Marilyn Luscombe and ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Board of Governors Chair L. Paul Elliott present friendship gifts to Indigenous leaders. ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ launched its Indigenous Learning and Engagement Initiative during graduation festivities for the Fredericton campus today.

With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ) is a provincially recognized post-secondary institution renowned for producing skilled, knowledgeable college graduates. ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ offers students full-time concentrated study periods in one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. For more information, visit: .

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Media inquiries: 
Tanya Greer
Communications Coordinator, ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ

Phone: 506.453.8194                            
Email: Tanya.greer@nbcc.ca