Sep 28, 2023
Vancouver, BC - snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College installed and raised the Musqueam flag today, now a permanent fixture on the main campus. The event, attended by students, employees, and special guests was one of several held at Langara leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Christie Charles attended the ceremony and performed a traditional Musqueam song as the flag was raised. Her late father Henry Charles helped lead the gifting of the College's Musqueam name, which means 'house of teachings', on January 11, 2016.
“The Musqueam have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. snəw̓eyəɬ leləm Langara College has been here for half a century. Raising the flag is not just a cloth on a pole; it solidifies that Musqueam and Langara are now one on the land it is located, and now both have a responsibility to it and its communities,” said Gail Sparrow, Special Advisor to the President and former Musqueam Chief.
"Raising the Musqueam flag recognizes that we are on Musqueam territory and the special relationship we have with Musqueam, including the privilege of being gifted the name snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓,” said Dr. Paula Burns, President and CEO, Langara College. “As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I encourage our students, staff, and faculty to take time and learn more about the 94 calls to action and participate in local truth and reconciliation activities in your community.”
Events this week represents the College's commitment to truth and reconciliation, with learning and engagement opportunities being held across campus. Earlier this fall, Langara announced strategic priorities for the year, including enhanced Indigenization throughout the College.
Langara strives to increase equitable access for all, and welcome and support Indigenous students in their learning journey. College faculty, through the teaching and development curriculum centre, have developed a set of principles with Musqueam on how to assist with decolonizing and Indigenizing curriculum. The College actively recruits staff and faculty to increase representation and inclusion of Indigenous groups.
About snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 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, Public Affairs
Langara College
mdawson@langara.ca
