INDIGENOUS VISION

2020 - 2025

November 2020
We acknowledge that we live, learn and work on the unceded territory of the Sc’ianew First
Nation. The Sc’ianew people, although a distinct and independent nation, are part of a
larger Indigenous cultural group referred to as Coast Salish on Vancouver Island with a
broad area that encompasses Southern Vancouver Island.
Reconciliation Journey
The Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific and United World Colleges (Canada), known as Pearson College
UWC, has embarked on a journey of reconciliation that involves decolonization and a renewed commitment
to the rights, needs and aspirations of Indigenous learners who enroll in the College’s programs and aspire to
achieve the expectations of the learner’s families and communities.

Indigenous Vision
To recognize, include and honour Indigenous people and Indigenous knowledge systems, while improving
scholarship opportunities and campus life for Indigenous Students, Faculty and Staff. Through our vision, we
embody the school’s mission and align its values with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing as part
of our leadership role as a United World College. We incorporate this ground-breaking work to decolonize,
indigenize and shift the current structural model and paradigm to truly honour reconciliation.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The College will achieve this vision through its Reconciliation Action Plan – a comprehensive five-year plan
that outlines Pearson College’s commitment to support a journey towards a change of systems, strengthened
Indigenous education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, a culturally responsive learning
environment and strengthened relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Legal and Policy Context

This journey is influenced by and aligned with several acts of legislation and policies that provide a framework
for our responsibilities to Indigenous peoples: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
People (UNDRIPi), Bill 41 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (DRIPAii), the Douglas Treatiesiii
and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (TRC Calls to Action)iv.

Truth Before Reconciliation

At Pearson College, we acknowledge the negative impact of historical and present-day colonization and
assimilation policies on Indigenous people in what is now known as Canada, and also acknowledge the strength
and resilience of Indigenous people and cultures. As such, we recognize that the journey of reconciliation is
complex and multifaceted, requiring a meaningful relationship, approach and respectful processes, protocols,
and considerations. This is not a step-by-step pathway. There will be inspirational and uncomfortable
conversations, causing changes in direction that will be required as part of the journey towards transformation.

INDIGENOUS VISION: PEARSON COLLEGE UWC PAGE | 3

The College’s journey towards reconciliation will not only ensure that mistakes of the past are not repeated,
but it will also set conditions to build an authentic educational system and community that is culturally
responsive, safe and relevant for Indigenous students, Faculty and Staff.

Guiding Principles: Four Posts

In many Indigenous cultures, the foundation that sustains their central place of governance, gathering or
living, whether it is a longhouse, bighouse, pithouse, lodge, teepee, or shelter, it is a structure made from a
pole or post. In many Indigenous contemporary teachings1, posts are often used as an analogy to represent
foundational concepts, principles and strength. Within the context of this journey, the four posts that make up
the framework for the guiding principles are as follows:

• Indigenous Led
• Truth Before Reconciliation
• Commitment and Respect
• Shared Values and Shared Understanding

Inclusive and Indigenous Led

Pearson College recognizes that the reconciliation journey is complex and must include Indigenous peoples
and communities. This journey is inclusive, comprehensive and embraces the voices of Indigenous Alumni,
Indigenous students of Pearson College, the Pearson community, and the Indigenous community.

Guiding Framework to Pearson College’s Reconciliation Journey

Nuts’a’ (One) Respect Sc’ianew People and Territory: Respect and honour the Sc’ianew First Nation’s rights to
land, territory and place.

Ćese (Two) Indigenize Organizational Systems: Indigenize and decolonize where possible the College’s
organization, governance and decision-making model, including the Board, management, faculty, staff
and volunteers.

Łiw (Three) Culturally Responsive and Culturally Safe: Provide culturally responsive promotion, recruitment,
retention and systems for the success of Indigenous students.

1
Not all Indigenous people and teachings refer to “posts” as an analogy, but it is used often among Coastal First Nations in BC. Use and reference of this analogy is not
intended to homogenize Indigenous people, but rather to illuminate one example of Indigenous knowledge and teachings.

PAGE | 4 INDIGENOUS VISION: PEARSON COLLEGE UWC

Nos (Four) Alignment of Pearson College and Indigenous Values: Align the Pearson College and UWC
Movement values, policies and guidelines using an Indigenous lens with reference to UNDRIP, TRC and MMIWG
and other relevant documents.

ŁkáĆes (Five) Authentic Relationships: Establish genuine sustainable partnerships with Sc’ianew First Nation
and other Indigenous organizations.

Dxen (Six) Centre Indigenous Way of Life: Embed Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in all aspects of
life and experience at Pearson College.

ToCes (Seven) Centre Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Review and indigenize all aspects of the
educational experience.

Tá,Ŧes (Eight) Broaden Understanding of Reconciliation: Educate the Pearson College community about the
broader context of reconciliation in British Columbia and Canada.

Huy ch q’u, Gilakas’la, Kleco Kleco, Thank-You.

For general inquiries, please contact: For media inquiries, please contact:

Deanna Cuthbert, Chief Coordinating Officer, Brian Geary, Director of Communications

Operations and Facilities Management bgeary@pearsoncollege.ca
dcuthbert@pearsoncollege.ca or communications@pearsoncollege.ca
phone 250-391-2416 phone 250-391-2419

i
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People outlines 46 articles that set the standard for the treatment of Indigenous Peoples. Please refer to
definitions in the appendices for more information about UNDRIP.
ii
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (Bill 41), is legislation passed by the BC Government in October 2019 to align Provincial laws with UNDRIP.
Please refer to the appendices for more information.
iii
The Douglas Treaties are historic treaties established with First Nations on Vancouver Island between 1850 and 1854. Please refer to the definition in the appendices
for more information about the Douglas Treaties.
iv
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established in 2008 and outlined 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. For
more information, please refer to the appendices.

INDIGENOUS VISION: PEARSON COLLEGE UWC PAGE | 5

LESTER B. PEARSON COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC AND 
UNITED WORLD COLLEGES (CANADA)
650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria, BC Canada. V9C 4H7
P 250.391.2411 E info@pearsoncollege.ca
www.pearsoncollege.ca

Photo credits: Arvin Dang, Thomas Martin