'House of Learning:' Northern B.C. university unveils new sign in Indigenous language

The University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George has unveiled a new sign in Dakelh to recognize its place on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation.

Visitors to the Prince George campus of UNBC will now be greeted by a sign reading "Nizdeh Nekeyo Hohudel'eh Baiyoh," which translates to "House of Learning."

The university will also fly a Lheidli T'enneh flag outside the school and has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lheidli T'enneh promising a collaborative future. 

It's the latest development in the relationship between the university and the Lheidli T'enneh.

In 2004, 248 hectares of crown land claimed by the First Nation was granted to UNBC, nearly doubling its campus size.

In 2013 the university worked with Lheidli elders to revive the craft of canoe carving in the region, and in 2014 a traditional pit house was built on the university grounds in an experiential learning course led by Indigenous instructors. 

"We are happy to continue to collaborate and strengthen our ties with UNBC," said Lheidli T'enneh First Nation Chief Dominic Frederick in a release. "Today is another example of recognizing the Lheidli T'enneh traditional territory that the University's Prince George campus is situated within."

In 2015, the city of Prince George voted to change the name of Fort George Park to Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park in order to reflect the Indigenous roots of the community and a Lheidli T'enneh flag also flies outside city hall.

The new sign received positive reaction on social media.