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FREDERICTON – New Brunswick Community College (Â鶹ԼÅÄ) 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 Â鶹ԼÅÄ Fredericton’s graduation ceremony, where Indigenous leaders walked into the Richard J. Currie Centre alongside Â鶹ԼÅÄ 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 Â鶹ԼÅÄ 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 Â鶹ԼÅÄ Board of Governors, and the successful participation of Indigenous students and partners in Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s learning activities.”

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

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

Â鶹ԼÅÄ Indigenous Student Advisor Charlie Nicholas and Â鶹ԼÅÄ Information Technology student Jeremiah Palmater perform a Mi’kmaq honour song as Â鶹ԼÅÄ President and CEO Marilyn Luscombe and Â鶹ԼÅÄ Board of Governors Chair L. Paul Elliott present friendship gifts to Indigenous leaders. Â鶹ԼÅÄ 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 (Â鶹ԼÅÄ) is a provincially recognized post-secondary institution renowned for producing skilled, knowledgeable college graduates. Â鶹ԼÅÄ 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, Â鶹ԼÅÄ

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