UNBC adds First Nations language to campus sign

The sign at the entrance to the University of Northern British Columbia is now welcoming people in the dialect spoken by the Lheidli T’enneh.

Nizdeh Nekeyoh Hohudel’eh Baiyoh means “House of Learning” in the Dakehl (Carrier) language.

The sign was unveiled Friday during a ceremony that also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen ties between the university and the band.

A new flag pole has also been installed in the rose garden in the bus loop where the Lheidli T’enneh flag will now permanently fly.

“These permanent fixtures on campus are just more examples of how the UNBC community and the Lheidli T’enneh can continue to build a co-operative, long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship where principles of respect, communication, trust and understanding will lead to positive and meaningful collaborations and partnerships,” UNBC president Daniel Weeks said in a press release.

“The fixtures also signify several of our key core values of inclusiveness and diversity which reflect the spirit of the University’s motto – En Cha Huna (that person also lives).”

Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick welcomed the steps.

“We are happy to continue to collaborate and strengthen our ties with UNBC,” he said.

“Today is another example of recognizing the Lheidli T’enneh traditional territory that the university’s Prince George campus is situated within.”