New centre breaks ground

Thompson Rivers University has officially broken ground on a $22 million Indigenous Education Centre that’s expected to open its doors by 2026.

The building will be constructed at the former site of the Cariboo Child Care Society and will feature a community gathering space, outdoor classrooms and dedicated areas for Elders, ceremonial activities and Indigenous research.

The 14,700 square foot building will include a double-height community gathering space and a three-story mass timber building built to LEED Gold standard. The building’s design is based on a traditional Secwépemc summer lodge.

“The first floor will house Indigenous Student Services, Indigenous Student Development and the elders in the house program, and there will be a meeting space for elders and students and communities are welcome to come and join us in this space,” Matthew said.

“The second floor of the office building will house the Indigenous Research Centre, Indigenous staff, Indigenous faculty. And then on the third floor will be our office, the Office of Indigenous Education, the administration.”

The building was developed in partnership with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and designed by Indigenous architect Patrick Stewart. TRU said the centre will enhance support for Indigenous students and help eliminate achievement gaps.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said there was “huge” need among Indigenous students for such a building.

“Being able to find a place to be able to gather, to feel a sense of grounding and support from other mentors and teachers and advisors and elders, to be able to provide some of that cultural support as well, will also help to nurture their education,” Casimir said.

“The timing is impeccable, knowing that September 30 is fast approaching us. And I really appreciate the calls to action — this is a real action.”

The new centre was approved by TRU’s board of governors in September last year and has been on the university’s long-term capital plan since 2018.

Matt Milovick, TRU vice-president of finance and administration, said foundation work is expected to start in the fall and and the project should be completed by the spring of 2026.

“We had to take down the old daycare building, so that would have started, I want to say, in sort of the middle of June,” Milovick said. “It’s gonna come out of the ground at the same time LCDES does.”

“This project has been planned since 2017. It's a long time coming.”