Formed to create a link to Indigenous communities while guiding their learners, the Indigenous Advisory Council acknowledges the unceded lands of the Coast Salish who allow the JIBC community to gather and learn in their territory.
Responsibilities
The Council was created in June 2002 to provide JIBC with a link to Indigenous communities. The Council’s mandate is to make recommendations and provide guidance that enhances services, improves retention and ensures the success of Indigenous learners in JIBC programs.
Composition
Members include Elders and representatives of diverse Indigenous communities. This includes professional content experts in a range of areas relevant to the JIBC mandate, Indigenous students, and alumni.
Members are appointed by the President & CEO, Dr. Michel Tarko, in consultation with the Office of Indigenization and Council.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Blaine Wiggins
Superintendent, BC Ambulance Service
Colleen Hodgson
Director of Education, Métis Nation of British Columbia
Connie Kaweesi
JIBC Board of Governors member and Sessional Faculty at Northern Lights College and the University of Northern British Columbia
Dave Seaweed
Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator, Douglas College
Jason La Rochelle
Director, Office of Indigenization, JIBC
Ken Pruden
Elder-in-Residence, JIBC
Ken Tourand
President and Chief Executive Officer, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Lori Pruce
Director, Aboriginal Programs and Relationships, Corrections Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Province of British Columbia
Dr. Michel Tarko
JIBC President and CEO
Tamara Starblanket
Dean of Academics, Native Education College
