Honouring cultural identity, diversity through mother tongues
TRU celebrates linguistic diversity with a parade and rally for International Mother Language Day on the Kamloops campus on Feb. 23.
Land acknowledgement
Thompson Rivers University campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl̓ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples. Recording by Vernie Clement, Lhoosk’uz Dene, Dakelh
Rooted in respect
Thompson Rivers University is dedicated to Indigenous student success, to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and to promoting Indigenous knowledge and scholarship. Through collaboration, innovation, respect and humility, the university fosters a welcoming environment that is grounded in the principles of reconciliation and can address the calls to action placed on everyone in this country.
Future students
We offer a wide spectrum of choices for students. You can choose anything from a six-month certificate program to a four-year degree and anything in between, including one of our many trades and apprenticeship programs.
- Learn about Cplul’kw’ten
- Meet some of our students
- Talk to a recruiter
- Take a tour
- See our services for students
Current students
Cplul’kw’ten is a friendly and welcoming Indigenous centre that provides information on all aspects of university life and doubles as space to socialize, study or just take a break from your day. It is truly a home away from home.
- Elder in the house
- Mentoring program
- Team of support staff
- Learning circles
- Counselling
Indigenous student handbook
Feel at home here
You are not alone in your journey at TRU. Located in south-central BC and surrounded by numerous First Nations, our university continues to build its network of supports and services.
While many of our students come from the region and are Secwépemc, Dakelh, Tŝilhqot’in, St’át’imc, Okanagan, Nuxalk, Nlaka’pamux, as well as students of Métis and Inuit ancestry, we welcome Indigenous students from across the country and around the globe.
We are right here for you.
Download PDFIndigenization at TRU
Good work takes time, and at TRU, indigenizing initiatives are wide-ranging and ongoing.
Here are some examples:
A partnership with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
Material from the Secwépemc Cultural Education Society
Indigenous Awareness Week activities
Estil, Secwepemctsín for ‘stop’, is stopping traffic
Ch’nook Scholars program for business students
A First Nations territorial marker
Coyote Project
The Coyote project is TRU’s roadmap to achieving the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. It has united all of TRU in creating a campus that is welcoming and supportive to all, especially indigenous students and staff. Faculties and departments are addressing barriers to recruitment, retention and completion for indigenous students.
Learn More2025 Secwépemc calendar
Download the Secwépemc calendar to explore Indigenous language, culture and seasonal teachings throughout the year. Each month highlights important words, stories and cultural knowledge connected to Secwépemc traditions and ways of knowing, offering opportunities to learn and reflect all year long.
A printed version of the calendar is also available and can be ordered through Print Services for offices, classrooms, or personal use.
Beyond the classroom
We embrace inclusiveness and celebrate Indigenous cultures with events, clubs and many other ways for you to get involved with your campus community.
- Annual TRU powwow
- Cultural activities
- Intercultural ambassador
- Indigenous awareness week
- Indigenous grad ceremony
- Indigenous law club
- Drumming circle
- TRUSU Indigenous rep
- Indigenous study abroad
Jessy's Story
Even as a child, Jessy Dame knew his future would be tied to health care. With a nursing degree at TRU at hand, this young Métis student is well on his way to fulfilling his calling — but beyond clinic and classroom, Jessy’s time at TRU has also nourished his Indigenous roots, expanded his understanding of the planet and strengthened his capacity to create positive change.
News and events
Stay connected with the latest news.
Building Future TRU abroad: advancing global partnerships in education and research
TRU is strengthening its international and Indigenous partnerships following meetings in New Zealand and Australia.
Reconciliation from the bench: insights from Chief Justice Marchand
The Honourable Leonard Marchand, chief justice of the courts of appeals for BC and the Yukon, shared his insights with a TRU Law class.
Traditional Secwépemc (Shuswap) Territory
Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses are both situated on the traditional and unceded Secwépemc (Shuswap) territory.
We acknowledge and give honour to the Secwépemc — the ancestral peoples who have lived here for thousands of years — upon whose traditional and unceded land Thompson Rivers University is located. The Secwépemc maintain a spiritual and practical relationship to the land, water, air, animals, plants and all things needed for life on Mother Earth. It is with that in mind that we owe this debt of gratitude.
There are approximately 7,000 Secwépemc people in the territory, which spans 180,000 square kilometres through the interior plateau of south central British Columbia. The mountain ranges, grasslands and river valleys surrounding the Fraser, and North and South Thompson rivers create the boundaries of the territory.
TRU has one of the largest Indigenous student populations among BC post-secondary institutions, with well over 2,000 students (about 10 percent), representing 16 First Nation and Indigenous peoples enrolled in new, continuing, open learning and trades programs.
In addition to Secwépemc students, Indigenous students at TRU come from several BC nations, including the Carrier, Okanagan, Nuxalk, and Nlaka'pamux, as well as students of Métis and Inuit ancestry.
Honouring Indigenous Teaching
More than 40 TRU Elders, deans, faculty and staff are the proud recipients of the Alan Blizzard Award from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. This national award recognizes excellence in their collaborative teaching through the Knowledge Makers, which mentors Indigenous students to success as Indigenous researchers.
