The Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Native Education College (NEC) to kick-start a range of possible learning initiatives.
The agreement is set to lead to scholarship programs, better resources for education and development, and ongoing communications and marketing activities, according to the authority that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR.)
“We are proud to partner with the NEC to support their work to develop a culturally appropriate and supportive learning environment for indigenous learners,” VAA's president and CEO Tamara Vrooman said in a statement.
“The signing of this MOU today lends YVR’s full support to create educational opportunities, cultural understanding, and drive meaningful change that will help communities thrive for generations to come."
Benefits to the VAA include annual Indigenous cultural awareness training, potential for future advisors and employees, and an ongoing opportunity to reflect Indigenous culture and learning into the work of the airport, according to the VAA.
NEC works with First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous communities to deliver accredited post-secondary and adult upgrading programs across the province. It develops its programs with Indigenous content and teaching methods for Indigenous learners on its campus in East Vancouver.
The announcement builds on the VAA's commitment to advancing Indigenous reconciliation under its 30-year Sustainability and Friendship Agreement, which is based on friendship and respect to achieve what it calls "a sustainable future for the community and the lands on which the airport operates."
