The College of New Caledonia (CNC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG).
The MOU formally recognizes the work CNC and AHSPG have undertaken to establish and promote a collaborative working relationship to provide family housing that is safe and affordable.
“Finding safe and affordable housing is often a challenge for Aboriginal students who have moved with their entire families to pursue education,” said CNC Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson, in a news release. “We have worked with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George to remove barriers that can exist for students with families.”
With this MOU, CNC and AHSPG agree on the principles of cooperation and communication in the spirit of providing holistic support services for students who come from communities throughout the region and beyond.
Providing safe and affordable housing is one part of the equation to empower First Nations and Metis people.
“Our hope is graduates will one day pay it forward by helping others become empowered,” said AHSPG President Ruby Baptiste.
Forming relationships with community partners is essential to both the success of students and the College, according to CNC President Henry Reiser.
“We are proud to formalize this relationship with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George,” he said.
Those community partnerships are also essential to the success of the AHSPG.
“We are excited to include partners such as CNC in responding to the current and future housing needs in the community,” AHSPGExecutive Director Christos Vardacostas.
