Jul 11, 2017
Vancouver, BC - snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rick Ouellet as Director of Aboriginal Education and Services effective August 1st, 2017. This newly-established position is designed to enhance the access of Aboriginal learners to Langara, advance the indigenization of the College and curricula, and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal communities and organizations.
Dr. Ouellet joins Langara with a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained as the Director, Wabnode Centre for Aboriginal Services at Cambrian College in Ontario, Aboriginal Student and Community Development Officer at The University of British Columbia (UBC), and lecturer at both UBC and Simon Fraser University (SFU). During his time at Cambrian the college’s indigenous population tripled and their efforts to reduce educational barriers and develop programs and partnerships in support of indigenous learning earned national recognition, receiving the 2016 and 2017 CiCan Silver Award for Indigenous Education Excellence. Cambrian was also the first college in Ontario to partner with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Rick possesses the ideal combination of experience in student services, academic programming, and community engagement we need to advance the Aboriginal initiatives outlined in our Academic Plan, and support Langara’s contributions to reconciliation,” said Dr. Ian Humphreys, Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Students.
Dr. Ouellet recently completed his PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies at UBC, and holds an MA in Archaeology and BA in History, both from SFU.
“I am very happy to be back working on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking Musqueam people,” said Dr. Ouellet. “I look forward to the good work that will further educational opportunities at Langara College for Indigenous peoples and communities.”
Active in his community, Dr. Ouellet served for many years as a spokesperson for the Council of Elders of the Descendants of Jasper Park, worked with Aboriginal youth in Vancouver, and was a co-founder of SFU’s First Nations Students Association.
About Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Communications & Marketing
Langara College
604.323.5702
mdawson@langara.ca
