Construction has started on a housing project for Indigenous students at the College of New Caledonia [CNC] campus in Prince George. The BC government is investing $2.6M into the facilities, which will include 12 furnished student rooms, a suite for an Elder, shared kitchen, living area, washrooms and laundry facilities, as well as a designated area for cultural practices, teachings and activities.
“A safe, welcoming and supportive home gives Indigenous students the foundation for continued success,” said Lheidli T’enneh Chief Clayton Pountney. “We’ve worked closely with our Elders and community members to get to the start of construction and look forward to the completion of the new building.”
The 440 square-metre (4,735 square-foot) building for first-year Indigenous students is being built next to existing student housing to help ensure students can easily participate in campus life. Occupancy is expected by spring 2020.
Approximately 20% of the CNC student population is Indigenous, many from remote parts of northern British Columbia; CNC serves 21 First Nations communities.