May 2006
Federal grant aids community-university alliance
May 1, 2006
KAMLOOPS-A $1 million grant under the Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) program of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) will have local, regional and national interest and impact, spokespersons from Thompson Rivers University (TRU) announced today.
"Thompson Rivers University is honoured by the confidence placed in our institution by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in the awarding of this major research grant, and by the trust placed in us and our body of researchers by our many partners, collaborators and co-investigators," said TRU president Roger Barnsley.
Over the course of the five-year grant, chief investigator Dr. Will Garrett-Petts of TRU will be joined by 37 co-investigators, 21 collaborators and 36 partner groups in developing quality of life indicators for small cities and other related projects.
TRU and its partners, chief among them the 1000-member strong Federation of Canadian Municipalities, will focus on creating a template for the measurement of quality of life in small cities, a unique project in that no such measurement paradigm exists as yet; quality of life measurements for larger centres (ie: the number of art galleries and municipalities measured on a per capita basis) do not adequately reflect quality of life in small cities.
Project partners will augment the $1 million CURA grant with $2.3 million in cash and in-kind contributions for infrastructure and research support for quality of life research and related projects, which include mapping cultural intersections and processes, community assets and creativity, with individual research on such topics as formal and informal learning, small cities and the media, First Nations storytelling, community rituals, and the like.
The projects will build on findings arising from a previous CURA project related to small cities that resulted in a large number of significant publications, exhibitions and presentations.
The CURA adjudication committee stated that "while this CURA focuses on small cities and communities in one (fairly broad) area of Western Canada, it has implications for similar-sized communities across Canada."
The committee went on to applaud TRU's "rigorous and engaging" multifaceted approach to mapping the quality of small city life, and noted that "the range of partners and the quality of the support letters are truly outstanding. It is obvious that the partners share the excitement and vision of the importance of mapping the quality of life in small cities and the potential the studies hold for changing policy and practice around small city life."
"Thompson Rivers is very pleased to be the lead university in a research consortium doing ground-breaking work in the areas of small cities and quality of life," said Barnsley, explaining that "We have been working hard at TRU to foster a vibrant, relevant research culture, and to forge mutually beneficial networks in our community and far beyond our boundaries. The findings related to this research project are expected to have local, regional and national interest and impact for changing policy and practice around small city life."
SSHRC launched the CURA program in 1999 to support the creation of community-university alliances based on an equal partnership between organizations from the community and the university, which, through a process of ongoing collaboration and mutual learning, will foster innovative research, training and the creation of new knowledge in areas of importance for the social, cultural or economic development of Canadian communities.
-30-
For more information, please contact lead researcher Dr. Will Garrett-Petts at 250-828-5248 or by email.
TRU welcomes teen diplomats
May 5, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Over 200 teenaged delegates representing 49 countries will discuss global issues May 10 when TRU hosts the Interior High School Model United Nations Conference for the thirteeth time.
The students, who will come from 16 schools from six different school districts, with many costumed to match their chosen country, will debate topics around this year?s conference theme, "60 years and Beyond."
"The theme is reflective of the success of the United Nations has had since its inception but acknowledges the work that lies ahead," said Bill Hamblett, Sa-Hali Secondary vice-principal, who, along with Sa-Hali Secondary social studies coordinator Ross Nybo, coordinates the event on behalf of School District # 73, which sponsors the event together with Thompson Rivers University.
This year is the thirteenth Interior High School Model United Nations Conference. This is a joint venture between Thompson Rivers University and the school district.
Like a real United Nations, the Model UN is a day-long program set up like a mini-mirror of the UN, with an introductory opening plenary, a closing plenary for voting, and a series of committee sessions at which delegates create resolutions around specific global issues.
Along with UN committee staples like Security Council and the World Health Organization, this year's conference highlights the agendas of such UN committees as the World Food Programme, UN Convention on Climate Change, Special UN Committee on the Reduction of Small Arms, Special UN Committee on Youth, and the UN Organization on Drugs and Crime: Human Trafficking.
"The Interior High School Model United Nations Conference is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about international relations and global problems. In our ever changing world, we need people who are able to critically analyze world events and pressing social and economic problems."
"Secondary schools involved in the event are AL Fortune (Enderby), Charles Bloom (Lumby), Chase, Clarence Fulton (Vernon), George Elliot (Winfield), Kelowna, OK Mission (Kelowna), Salmon Arm, Quesnel, and six Kamloops high schools: Brocklehurst, NorKam, St. Ann's Academy, Sa-Hali (Host School), Valleyview and Westsyde.
-30-
For more information, please contact Bill Hamblett at 374-0861 or by email.
Public welcome at adult education conference
May 5, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Organizers of this year's Adult Basic Education Association of British Columbia (ABEABC) conference for adult educators, to be held at Thompson Rivers University May 10-13, have opened the meeting up to students and members of the public.
Hosted by TRU's University Preparation department and ABEABC, the 2006 conference was organized around the theme, "A Celebration of Learning."
This year, for the first time, this invitation includes student learners who will be offered special workshops and opportunities to collaborate with instructors.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Jeanne L. Higbee and Dr. Dan Pratt. Dr. Higbee currently serves as Professor and Senior Advisor to the Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy at the University of Minnesota General College. Her topic will be "Enhancing Intellectual Growth: Embedding Skill Development in Content-Area Courses." Dr. Pratt is Professor of Educational Studies at UBC and his topic is "Awakening our Teaching Biases."
Workshop topics include: "Oral Traditions and Literacy" with Dr. Gerry William (NVIT), "Making the Transition to University: a Student Panel" with Kathy Mitchell (TRU), "Piecing/Peacing it Together: Student-Centred Activities with a Musical Twist" with Janet Funger (Burnaby School District/VCC), "Using the WWW to celebrate and encourage learner writing" with Charles Ramsey (NALD), "Exploring Conflict" with Mary Haywood (NOVA), and "Intercultural Intersections - Practical tips for understanding and communicating in a culturally diverse classroom" with Emma Bourassa (TRU).
The Kamloops community, and private and public educators are invited to attend this conference at Thompson Rivers University.
For further information and to register for the conference visit the website or contact Lee Emery at 250-828- 5928.
-30-
For more information, please contact Lee Emery at 250-828- 5928
Island MVP committs to WolfPack
May 8, 2006
KAMLOOPS-First team all-star and Island MVP Chris van der Weie will suit up with the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men's basketball team this fall.
The 6'6" power forward, who helped his Ladysmith Secondary team to second place at the AA provincials this year and will be enrolled in first-year Arts courses at TRU is ready for the transition to CIS play.
"I'm excited," he said. "I know it will be lots of hard work, but it should be lots of fun, too."
WolfPack head coach Nevin Gleddie also has confidence in the young recruit.
"Chris will be ready to play right away," he said. "Chris is going to be a very good player in this league and I am very excited to have the opportunity to coach a player of his calibre.
"Chris was one of the most dominant players at the AAs in scoring, blocking shots and rebounding. He's a very versatile player who can score inside and out, and with his athleticism, he will be a great defender in our systems. For his size he is also a very good 3-point shooter and will enable us to play him in a lot of positions."
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Nevin Gleddie at 250-828-5272 or 250-318-8733
Chris van der Weie at 250-245-5550 or 250-616-2550
2006 BC Secondary Schools Mathematics Contest results released
May 9, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Results of the final round of the BC Secondary Schools Mathematics Contest, which attracts budding mathematicians from Kamloops and the surrounding area, including 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Barriere, Clearwater, Merritt and Williams Lake, were released today.
After the writing of the March 1st preliminary round, which saw 146 students (81 Juniors?Grades 8-10 and 65 Seniors?Grades 11 and 12) participate, with the top Junior and Senior in each school awarded Preliminary Round Book Prizes, a maximum of 6 students from each school were invited to write the Final Round at TRU on May 5.
A total of 58 students participated in the Final Round ? 29 Juniors and 29 Seniors, with the top three Juniors and the top three Seniors awarded Final Round Book Prizes and the top three Seniors also receiving scholarships to TRU.
The winners in the Final Round were:
JUNIOR
- FIRST PLACE: Sam Red, Williams Lake Secondary
- SECOND PLACE: Ryan Wei, Sa-Hali Secondary
- THIRD PLACE: Jerry Han, South Kamloops Secondary
SENIOR
- FIRST PLACE(TIE): Drew Hegadoren, NorKam Secondary,$500
- FIRST PLACE(TIE): Josh Smith, Williams Lake Secondary, $500
- THIRD PLACE: Caroline Fliegner, South Kamloops Secondary, $200
-30-
For more information, please contact Sonja Hot at 250-828-5375.
Outstanding Educator to Receive TRU Honorary Degree
May 10, 2006
KAMLOOPS-At its Arts, Fine Arts, Journalism & Student Development Convocation to be held at 2 pm on June 8, TRU will bestow an honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon an outstanding individual and TRU pioneer who reflects TRU's legacy and the high value the university places on teaching.
"I think bestowing this honour on me reflects on the university in that it is to be complimented for having chosen an ordinary teacher," said Ciriani. "It is yet another sign that the university is dedicated to its teaching role. It is axiomatic that a university has to have teachers engaged in research, but the teaching role can still be central."
In actuality, John Ciriani was not "an ordinary teacher," but an exemplary one. Born in Fernie, BC in 1930, he graduated from high school there. After earning an honours degree in mathematics in 1952 and a teacher training diploma in 1953 from the University of British Columbia, he returned to Trail to teach.
He taught mathematics, English, science and physical education courses at Trail Junior High School from 1953 to 1956, then took a position at J. Lloyd Crowe Senior Secondary School in 1956 while working toward a Bachelor of Education degree at UBC, which he completed in 1957.
After teaching English, mathematics and physics at J. Lloyd Crowe from 1956 to 1961, John Ciriani was appointed head of the mathematics department at that school and his teaching shifted entirely to mathematics until 1966. Also during this period, he taught curriculum and instruction in mathematics at the university level as instructor of a summer course at UBC.
In 1966, John Ciriani was appointed assistant to the principal of J. Lloyd Crowe, remaining until 1971, when he resigned to accept a position as chair of the Cariboo College mathematics department and left his home town with his new Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education in hand, which he completed in 1970 at Washington State University.
From 1971 until he retired in 1995, John Ciriani was a mainstay of the mathematics department at the former Cariboo College and University College of the Cariboo.
A born educator with a gift for teaching, John Ciriani was considered to be the best teacher at Cariboo College. He won a teaching merit award in 1985, and was presented with the university's inaugural Master Teacher Award 1988.
TRU math professor Jim Totten, who taught with John Ciriani, said, "John could certainly be a candidate for "best all-time teacher."
John Ciriani also helped to teach the teachers. His mentorship of his colleagues was well noted and appreciated. He kept meticulous notes including lesson plans and work sheets for each of his courses, which he freely shared with his colleagues. His notes, lesson plans and work sheets are still used in the department today. He was also a member of a group that worked to improve the teaching skills of campus instructors.
"John was supportive and had a major influence on teaching styles," said TRU professor Dave Tomkins. "He was a great resource for methods on how to reach some student who was having a great deal of difficulty."
Throughout the transition of the university from a community college to a degree-granting institution, John Ciriani was heavily involved in curriculum development, course planning, and establishing transfer credit with the major universities. While holding the position of chair of the mathematics department a number of times during his tenure at TRU, John Ciriani established the math department as a model department which other departments try to emulate.
John Ciriani also reached out beyond campus boundaries as the founder of the Provincial High School Mathematics Contest, which now attracts students from all over the province. Even though he's retired, he continues to send contest problems for consideration.
Teaching was John Ciriani's major focus and passion, however. Greg McInulty, a former student of John Ciriani who is now a secondary math consultant, said, "I always knew that John had a special touch that made it easy to learn from him, but years of working as an educator have given me deep insight into why that is. John is a professor who has changed my worldview in a profound way and enhanced my love of learning at every turn."
-30-
For more information, please contact John Ciriani at 250-376-9725 or Roger Barnsley (TRU President) at 250-828-5001.
TRU women's volleyball ID camp this weekend
May 10, 2006
KAMLOOPS- Recruits interested in joining the WolfPack next fall get the chance to show their skills this weekend at the WolfPack women's volleyball ID camp at the TRU gymnasium.
Prospective players will attend five training sessions over two days, getting physical and agility testing, a VO2 test(Cardio), a technical assessment, weight training program review, and get in some game play.
The weekend's schedule is as follows:
Saturday May 13
- 8:30 Registration
- 9:00 Camp Begins- Wt Training and Testing Only
- 11:00 Lunch Break
- 1:00 Afternoon Session - In Gym
- 3:00 Dinner Break
- 5:00 Evening Session- In Gym
- 7:00 Evening Conclusion
Sunday May 14
- 9:00 Camp Begins- In Gym
- 12:00 Lunch Break
- 1:00 Afternoon Session- In Gym
- 4:00 Camps End
-30-
For more information, please contact Carrie Barrett (head coach) at 250-374-4911, 250-318-0789 or by email.
TRU signs agreement with College of New Caledonia
May 17, 2006
PRINCE GEORGE - KAMLOOPS - The College of New Caledonia (CNC) in Prince George and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement that will expand access to university degree completion and other post-secondary studies for residents across the CNC college region.
Under terms of the agreement, which has been in development for several months, the institutions will work together to create new post-secondary opportunities that will include:
- The ability for many CNC certificate and diploma students to ladder credits into TRU degrees through clearly articulated transfers between programs
- A 'dual admissions' process for university studies in Arts, Science and Business that would give first- and second-year CNC students and their parents greater assurance of a seamless transfer from the college to these TRU degrees
- Establishing CNC as the focal point for local and regional access to a wide range of TRU degrees that can be completed without forcing students to leave the community or disrupt current employment, through 'open learning' programs with maximum flexibility in program admission, laddering of college credits and credit banking, prior learning assessment, and by taking CNC courses and/or TRU distance and online courses.
"As a primarily undergraduate, teaching-focused university, TRU is unique among universities in Canada because of our comprehensive range of programs, our ability to ladder credits from certificates and diplomas into degrees, and our flexibility in creating degree access through our open learning mandate," said TRU President, Roger Barnsley.
"This partnership complements and expands on existing degree completion opportunities in the northern part of our province. As well, several exciting programs now under development at TRU, including a degree for trades and technology teachers, and a leadership degree for journeyperson tradespeople, will add to the opportunities available from TRU fro students in northern BC."
Along with 'open learning' degrees in Arts, Science, Business, General Studies, Technology Management, Tourism and Health Sciences, TRU also offers a variety of certificates and diplomas, including a new program in Water Treatment Technology program, and a growing selection of graduate-level studies for a wide range of professionals and other degree holders, through distance education.
Over the next several months, officials at CNC and TRU will work to establish the details by which CNC will become a focal point for students of all ages across the region who are interested in furthering their post-secondary education through this partnership.
- 30 -
Josh Keller - Director
Marketing & Communications
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC
250-828-5008
jkeller@tru.ca
Internationally recognized Canadian to receive TRU honorary degree
May 24, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Thompson Rivers University will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree this June upon Dr. Fraser Mustard, a major Canadian medical researcher and expert and advocate for early childhood education.
One of the world's leading experts on childhood learning and behaviour, Dr. Mustard is founding president and fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and through his work there, has been a leader in Canada with respect to the socioeconomic determinants of human development and health.
"People throughout Canada and the world have benefited greatly from the lifelong efforts of Fraser Mustard," said TRU president Roger Barnsley. "His leadership, vision and support of health and education symbolizes Thompson Rivers University's commitment to lifelong learning and the importance of child welfare and development."
Perhaps the single most important impact of Dr. Mustard?s work has been the creation of the Council for Early Child Development, formed in 2004 following the publication in 1999 of his pivotal Early Years study, co-edited with former New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain.
The study showed that most of the "wiring" in the human brain, which supports life-long learning, behaviour and health, is in place by the age of six, and that children's earliest experiences and interactions with adults and other children are far more important than previously realized.
Born in Toronto in 1927, Dr. Mustard graduated high school there in 1947 then earned an MD from the University of Toronto in 1953, and a PhD in Biology at Cambridge University in 1956. For the next ten years, he was engaged in a major research career into platelets, arterial thrombosis, heart attacks and little strokes and was a member of the team credited with discovery of the effects of Aspirin.
He was awarded the Royal College of Physicians of Canada Medal in 1958, and in 1965 was elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation and made a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. In 1966 Dr. Mustard founded the new medical school at McMaster University, in 1967 he received the Gairdner Foundation International Award, and in 1976 was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
In 1982, Dr. Mustard founded the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIAR), which led to his interest in research into the social determinants of health and human development and a focus on early child development.
As a major researcher, Dr. Mustard has had 489 publications in academic journals and has served on the editorial boards of six academic journals. As an internationally recognized scholar and specialist, Dr. Mustard has acted as advisor to the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, UNICEF, the Aga Khan University in Pakistan, and the Canadian and Australian governments, and has been awarded 16 Canadian and two international honorary degrees.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Mustard has served on numerous provincial and federal government committees, advisory boards and foundations, and is currently a member of a dozen humanitarian and educational boards, among them the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, of which he is founding president and institute fellow, Friends and Alumni of Canadian Institutes of Health Research, of which he is a founding member, the Council for Early Child Development of which he is founder and Chair Emeritus.
He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1986, received the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation Distinguished Service Award and was named Professor Emeritus, Pathology, by McMaster University in 1988, and received the Canadian High Technology Person of the Year and the Canadian Research Management Association R&D Management awards in 1989.
In 1993, Dr. Mustard was awarded the William J. Dawson Medal by The Royal Society of Canada and named Professor Emeritus, Pathology, by the University of Toronto. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1994, received the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada Award of Merit in 1996, was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1998. He received the W. Gunther Plant Humanitarian Award in 1999 and the FNG Starr Award by the Canadian Medical Association in 2001, and in 2003 was named to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Dr. Mustard will receive his honorary doctorate at the Education, Social Work and Tourism Convocation Ceremony to be held at Thompson Rivers University's Kamloops campus at 10:00 am June 8th.
-30-
Photo available: contact Bronwen Scott at 250-371-5739 or by email.
For more information, please contact:
- Dr. Fraser Mustard at 416.849.1332
- Dr. Roger Barnsley at 250.828.5001
Calgary high school grad commits to WolfPack
May 25, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Kim Olness, a 6'4" middle/right side who graduates from St. Mary's Secondary in Calgary, Alberta, this June, will suit up with the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women's volleyball team this fall.
Olness, who has also played club volleyball for Cal Air, explained the factors that influenced her decision to move west for varsity play.
"I chose TRU because it really feels like the best fit for me. When I visited the campus a couple weeks ago, I instantly felt welcomed by everyone around me. It's very easy to instantly see all the potential TRU offers, while growing and expanding," she said.
Olness was also very impressed with WolfPack women's volleyball head coach Carrie Barrett.
"Carrie has been so helpful to me," she said. "I saw many great aspects in her whenever we met, and I know she will be a great motivation to me in the coming years. I look forward to the coming season and I can?t wait to get out there."
The feeling is mutual, said Barrett.
I am thrilled to add Kim to our roster," she said. "Kim is a well rounded young woman whom I believe will fit in well with this year's recruiting class and veterans. She is a terrific student, and at 6'4 and technically disciplined Kim will make an impact on our volleyball program."
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Kim Olness at 403-281-6388
Carrie Barrett at 250-374-4911
Graduating TRU students organize first-ever grad party
May 26, 2006
KAMLOOPS-For the first time, TRU graduates will have a prom-of sorts.
Student Shital Parekh and a group of imminent grads are organizing a graduation celebration, featuring dinner, live entertainment, dancing and a cash bar.
"Graduation Celebration is a semi-formal event for all grads from all faculties to celebrate their achievements while studying at TRU and is meant to be a final university party," said Parekh.
"This is a great opportunity for students to feel a part of the university and to bring their friends and family along with them to celebrate their graduation," she said, explaining "the chosen date is before the official convocation ceremonies on June 8 and 9 and will build excitement for the special commemoration."
The celebration, to be held in TRU"s Independent Centre on June 7th from 5:30pm to midnight, is sponsored by Thirsty Thursdays, TRU Alumni Association, TRU Foundation, CMA and TRU ACE.
Tickets are $30, available at Bookies and the TRUSU desk.
-30-
For more information, please contact Shital Parekh at 372-3386 or by email.
Eminent Canadian research figure to receive TRU honorary degree
May 29, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Thompson Rivers University will confer an honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon eminent Canadian research figure Dr. Suzanne Fortier this June
Dr. Fortier, who assumed the presidency of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in 2006, has had a long and successful career as a scientist and administrator.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Fortier authored or contributed to more than 60 scientific papers and was among the pioneers helping to shape the new scientific discipline, bioinformatics.
"Dr. Fortier symbolizes the importance of scholarship and research to Canadians and to our university," said TRU president Roger Barnsley.
Dr. Fortier's life is also testament to the power of learning.
Born in St-Timothée, Québec, in 1949, Fortier was the first person in her family to attend university. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and a PhD in crystallography in 1976 from McGill University.
Immediately upon graduation with her doctoral degree, Dr. Fortier held several research positions over a six-year period before joining Queen's University in 1982, and became a full professor in both the departments of Chemistry and Computing.
Dr. Fortier remained at Queen's University until 2005, holding the posts of Associate Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research (1991-1994), Dean of Graduate Studies and Research (1994-95), Vice-Principal, Research (1995-2000), and Vice-Principal, Academic (2000-2005).
She received the Distinguished Service Award from Queen's University Council in 2005 for exceptional contributions to research and academics and her devotion to Queen's University.
Dr. Fortier has also held many external administrative and collegial posts. She was a member of the Council of Science and Technology Advisors (CSTA) from 1998 to 2005 and served on the boards of the Royal Military College of Canada, the Ontario Centres of Excellence, Inc. and NSERC, where she was a council member from 1996 to 2005 and Vice-President from 1997 to 2002. She is currently a member of the Ontario Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress.
In keeping with her philosophy that "Scientific research is helping to improve Canada's economy and quality of life," in January 2006, Dr. Fortier assumed the presidency of NSERC, where she continues to promote research and development in universities and the private sector, also assuming the role of chair of the Networks of Centres of Excellence Steering Committee.
Dr. Fortier's degree will be conferred at the university?s Science and Nursing Convocation Ceremony to be held at its Kamloops, BC, campus at 10 am June 9.
-30-
For more information, please contact Suzanne Fortier at 613-995-5840
Photo available.
TRU appoints two new associate vice presidents
May 29, 2006
KAMLOOPS-The appointments of two new associate vice presidents were announced at Thompson Rivers University's public board meeting Thursday afternoon.
Filling the position of Associate Vice President, Research and Graduate Studies will be Dr. Nancy Van Wagoner, who will join TRU this summer.
Dr. Van Wagoner, currently Professor of Geology and Director of Continuing and Distance Education at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, holds a BSc in Geology from California State University and a PhD in Geology from Dalhousie University, with a specific research interest in global change and geochemical cycles. She has over 17 years' experience in academic administration, serving in leadership positions in a number of professional organizations.
Filling the position of Associate Vice President, Finance, will be Mr. Paul Manhas, who will join TRU August 1.
Currently the Director, Business Support (Finance) with the Interior Health Authority (IHA), Mr. Manhas has been accountable for the financial performance of the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap health service sector with an annual budget in excess of $250M and 5,000 employees. He holds a BSc and a Licentiate in Accounting from the University of British Columbia, and he is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
-30- Photos available or call 250-371-5739.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Cliff Neufeld (VP Administration & Finance) 250-828-5011
Dr. Mark Evered (Provost & VP Academic) 250-377-6126
Distinguished First Nation leader to receive TRU honorary degree
May 30, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Next week Thompson Rivers University will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon aboriginal leader and innovator C.T. (Manny) Jules, who has devoted over 30 years of his life to the betterment of First Nations entrepreneurship and self-government.
"Manny Jules is a role model for staff, faculty and students of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal ancestry at Thompson Rivers University," said TRU president Roger Barnsley.
Born and raised on the Kamloops Indian Band Reserve, Manny Jules graduated from Kamloops High School in 1974, the same year he was elected councillor of Kamloops Indian Band for the first time, and then completed a Fine Arts diploma at Cariboo College. In 1984, after 10 years as a band councillor, Manny Jules was elected chief.
During his 16 years as chief, Mr. Jules developed, negotiated and signed a Statement of Political Relationship between the Kamloops Indian Band and the City of Kamloops, created Kamloops Indian Band Heritage Policy, implemented a First Nations sales tax on fuel, tobacco and alcohol, and co-founded the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council.
He was the driving force behind the passage in 1988 of Bill C-115, the only First Nation-led amendment to the Indian Act to date, well-known as "the Kamloops Amendment," which created the modern form of First Nation property tax authority and led to the creation in 1989 of the Indian Taxation Advisory Board (ITAB), the only First Nation-led administrative body to be directly involved in the exercise of the Minister's decision-making powers under the Indian Act.
Manny Jules was appointed ITAB's first chairperson, and was twice reappointed. Under Jules' direction, ITAB provided federal, provincial, municipal and First Nation governments with the unique administrative framework necessary to deal with the implementation of the authority for First Nations to tax real property on reserves and implemented a regulatory framework that oversaw the development of 98 First Nation Tax Authorities across eight provinces.
As ITAB chair, Jules led the development of specialized First Nation property taxation software and the creation in 1995 of the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) to realize the infrastructure financing benefits of property tax. In 1996, Jules co-founded the Centre for Municipal-Aboriginal Relations with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and was awarded the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) Economic Developer of the Year and Recognition awards.In 1997, he co-founded the First Nations Gazette, which publishes notices and text of First Nations laws.
Still working to help Indian Bands to realize increased investment from improved infrastructure and to obtain financing at improved rates, Jules led the creation of the Financial Management Board and Statistics Institute through the National Table on Fiscal Relations in 1999, the same year he saw the successful reclamation through purchase and negotiated settlement of 45,000 acres of alienated Kamloops Indian Band reserve lands.
Throughout his career as Chief of the Kamloops Indian Band, Jules also was involved in creating the BC First Nation Language Program, the Project Pride Task Force, the BC Heritage Society and the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources.
In 2000, Jules retired as chief to devote his full attention to leading the drive to establish the First Nations fiscal institutions.
He continued as ITAB chair until 2003, when he became lead spokesperson for the First Nation Fiscal Institutions Initiative and focused on leading Bill C-19, the First Nation Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, which passed by Parliament in 2004 and received Royal Assent in March 2005.
First Nations want what Canadians take for granted-employment opportunities, good health care, a stable income, and decent housing, reliable public services, good roads, healthy water and sewer systems and a better future for our kids," said Jules. "I see a future in 10 years where there is no Indian Act. It has been replaced by First Nation legislation. I see a future in 10 years where there is no longer a purpose for the Department of Indian Affairs. It has been replaced by our own First Nation public institutions that protect national standards and provide a third order of government."
Manny Jules was previously recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UBC in 1997. He will receive his TRU honorary degree at the Business, Trades & Technology and Applied Computing Science Convocation Ceremony to be held at the university's Kamloops campus at 2 pm June 9.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Manny Jules at 250-828-9857
Dr. Roger Barnsley at 250-828-5001
BC's Registered Massage Therapists applaud new TRU Bachelor of Health Science Degree
May 30, 2006
KAMLOOPS-In keeping with the laddering approach that the university pioneered in BC, Thompson Rivers University (TRU), BC's newest provincial university located in Kamloops, BC, has created a new degree option for health-care professionals.
The degree option, available to registered massage therapists (RMT), medical laboratory and x-ray technicians, among others, was modeled on TRU's existing health sciences degree for respiratory therapists. That degree has now been reconfigured to provide BC RMTs and other health-care diploma graduates from recognized programs and institutions with the opportunity to obtain a bachelor degree related to their discipline.
"I am pleased that we are able to provide this new opportunity for massage therapists and other health-care workers," said TRU Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Mark Evered. "It is one more step in our ongoing efforts to meet the educational needs of the province through the variety of modes of study we can now offer."
The announcement of the new degree is very good news for registered massage therapists in BC, said Damon Marchand, president of the Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia (MTABC) and of the Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance.
"This new degree offering is recognition of our efforts to improve BC's quality of life and will allow us to further advance our profession and expand our opportunities within the health care system," he said.
There are over 1800 RMTs regulated and licensed in B.C. under the Health Professions Act whose training includes 3000 hours of training at an accredited college, health sciences studies such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology and neuroanatomy, clinical sciences studies such as manual skills, orthopaedics, remedial exercise, hydrotherapy and patient education and management of chronic diseases, injuries and the effects of long-term stress.
The comprehensive education program and stringent external accreditation process for registered massage therapists in BC lends itself well to the new degree option. Registered massage therapy graduates in BC hold a credential equivalent to three-year post-secondary diploma; TRU will grant up to 90 credits in recognition of this prior learning to enrollees in the health sciences degree program, who will then complete the equivalent of one year of full-time on-campus or on-line study to attain their degree.
"British Columbians from across the province are increasingly turning to RMTs for careful management of chronic diseases, injuries and the effects of long-term stress, and BC RMTs continue to lead North American education and training," said Marchand. "This new degree will continue to keep BC as a centre of excellence in massage therapy."
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Brenda Locke-MTABC Executive Director by phone (604)873.4467 or by email.
Bryan Daly-Chair, TRU Allied Health and Distance Education for the Sciences (250)828.5433 or by email.
For background information, please visit:
Message Therapists of BC
TRU Open Learning
TRU Faculty of Distance Education
New student information