We would like to acknowledge the territories of the Lekungen, W̱SÁNEĆ and Malahat Peoples. The lands of these Coast Salish Peoples brought us together to pursue this initiative as team. Without the openness and collaboration of the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and Malahat Nation we would not have been able to lay the foundation that allowed us to develop this fund.
This initiative started with the possibility of engaging the W̱SÁNEĆ and Malahat Nations during a proposal pursuit in the summer of 2020. To honour the local Nations the team worked with the SENĆOŦEN Language-Revitalization Group to name the award and begin in a good way. What emerged through conversation was this phrase: ḴEL,ḴELOŦEN ȻE S,ISTEW̱. In English, it translates to a dream for what becomes of you.
ḴEL,ḴELOŦEN ȻE S,ISTEW̱ Education Fund
A Dream For What Becomes Of You
There are very few Indigenous professionals working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in Canada. Many engineering and architecture firms work with Indigenous communities but few have Indigenous people working within their organizations. Our partners recognize this and want to help Indigenous people pursue careers in our industry. The fund will provide both financial support and career mentorship.
Post-Secondary Award
We invite all Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students pursuing careers in architecture or engineering to apply to the award. An award of $5,000 will be awarded annually to one successful applicant.
Mentorship
All applicants will have the opportunity to make direct connections with industry professionals while allowing them to fully focus their energy on their studies. This will provide more opportunities for upcoming Indigenous professionals to work at places that meet their goals and needs more effectively.