As we celebrate 150 years of Canada, it is also time to reflect on our country’s longest inhabitants — First Nations. As part of the Faculty of Science Dean’s Seminar Series, Dr. Gwen Point will speak on the progress Canada and its First Nations people have together made in addressing Aboriginal issues, and the serious challenges that remain unaddressed.
On Thursday, September 28, Dr. Gwen Point will bring her unique perspective on this topic to the University of the Fraser Valley Abbotsford campus. The event will be held in the lecture hall (room 101) in B building. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to attend from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
In addition to currently serving as the UFV chancellor, Dr. Point has an extensive background in government and community support. She is a well-respected and well-recognized Stó:lo leader, mentor, and cultural advisor. She has contributed her deep cultural knowledge and experience to numerous books, conferences, workshops, and communities, often as an invited keynote contributor. Dr. Gwen Point holds a BEd from UBC, an MEd from the University of Portland, a doctorate in education from SFU, and an honorary doctorate from UVic. Her connections to our university stretch back decades. To name just a few of her roles, she’s been a student, a member of the Board of Governors, a faculty member, and an Aboriginal curriculum coordinator. Dr. Point has also held a number of provincial government and regional posts supporting education, child and family services, and First Nations communities.
This seminar is offered with the intent to educate community members on recent Canadian history that will help us collectively make change for a better future. Greg Schlitt, acting dean, faculty of science explained that, “The faculty of science is providing the venue towards broadening the reach of this education. We seek to bring germane and important topics before as wide an audience as possible [through this series].”
