The Indigenous Education Centre (IEC) at TRU, currently under construction, represents a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting Indigenous students and advancing truth and reconciliation. This $22-million project, designed in partnership with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and led by Indigenous architect Patrick Stewart, is expected to open in 2026.
Give NowThe IEC is envisioned as a hub for Indigenous education, culture and community at TRU. The centre is designed to embody the cultural heritage and traditions of the Secwépemc people. Key features of the building include:
Inspired by traditional Secwépemc summer gathering houses, this space will serve as a focal point for community events, cultural practices and ceremonies.
Designed to integrate natural elements, these spaces will provide a unique setting for learning that reflects Indigenous ways of knowing.
These dedicated areas will offer a place for reflection, guidance and traditional ceremonies.
Equipped with modern resources, these spaces will support scholarly work that centers Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
These facilities will offer a supportive environment for academic success, tailored to the needs of Indigenous students.
Comfortable and welcoming spaces for students to connect, study and relax.
Dedicated offices for Indigenous faculty, staff and community organizations will be integrated into the centre.
The design of the IEC is deeply rooted in Secwépemc traditions. The centre will feature a three-story mass timber building, with its Community Gathering Space reflecting the traditional design of Secwépemc summer lodges. The exterior of the building will have a scalloped effect, reminiscent of the woven tule mats traditionally used in Secwépemc structures.
In accordance with Secwépemc tradition, the Community Gathering Space is positioned with its long axis running east-west, aligning with the natural environment and incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into the building’s design.
As part of the development of the IEC, 14 of 34 Ponderosa pines will be removed from the site. This necessary step supports the creation of a space that reflects Indigenous culture and values. TRU is committed to environmental stewardship and has taken proactive measures to minimize tree removal, including working with arborists and engaging Secwépemc advisors throughout the process. For every tree removed, TRU will replant at least two, and the removed trees will be milled into lumber for future projects.
The Indigenous Education Centre is more than just a building; it is a symbol of TRU’s dedication to truth and reconciliation. The centre will serve as a centralized hub for Indigenous learning and support services, offering a space that fosters understanding, respect and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
This project is a critical step in fulfilling TRU’s 10-year goal to eliminate achievement gaps for Indigenous learners. It also underscores our responsibility as a place of knowledge to be a leader in Indigenous relations and to honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Want to learn more? See our brochure for more information.
Read BrochureThe Indigenous Education Centre’s role as a gathering place echoes the historical significance of the Secwépemc Summer Council House, where leadership and communities met to discuss important matters affecting the nation. Just as the summer council houses provided a space for collaboration and decision-making, the IEC will offer a modern environment for learning, cultural exchange and community building—continuing the tradition of supporting Secwépemc ways of knowing and being.
Photo of a Secwépemc Summer Council House.
Credit: Ken Favrholdt and the Secwépemc Museum.
Construction of the Indigenous Education Centre is expected to be completed in 2026. We look forward to the IEC becoming a vibrant part of our campus, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous students and the broader TRU community.
To learn more about supporting this project, please contact:
Bradley Bostock
Director of Development
Kaleena Carriere
Advancement Officer, Indigenization
T 250-318-3046 | C 250-852-7694
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