Capilano University Celebrates Official Opening of Aboriginal Student Centre

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 31, 2013) -

WHAT: Ceremonial opening of Capilano University's new Aboriginal student centre, made possible by an investment from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology. The ceremony will be followed by a tour of the Kexwusm-ayakn student centre and outdoor ceremonial pavilions.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 1, 2013; Ceremony: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.; Tour: 4:30 - 5 p.m.

WHERE: North Shore Credit Union Centre for the Performing Arts / Kexwusm-ayakn student centre, Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, B.C.

WHO: The Honourable John Yap - Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism; Dr. Kris Bulcroft, president and vice-chancellor - Capilano University; Alfred Waugh, architect - Formline Architecture + Urbanism; Dignitaries and Elders - Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations; Capilano University students, faculty and staff.

INFO: The Kexwusm-ayakn student centre is a multi-purpose home away from home where First Nations learners can meet, study, share meals and collaborate as well as learn from in-residence First Nations Elders and visiting community members. Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business, and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour, will also be in attendance.

PHOTO OPPS: Coast Salish witnessing ceremony including blanketing and other traditional elements; Coast Salish performers dressed in regalia, singing, dancing and drumming; Ceremonial pavilion featuring cedar house posts created by Squamish carver Klatle-Bhi who will be in attendance; Pat Ernst Metis jazz trio performance; Carnegie Centre student drummers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Capilano University
Jane MacCarthy
604 983-7596 or Cell: 604 868-4374
janemaccarthy@capilanou.ca


Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
Dan Gilmore
250 952-6400