Kwantlen Polytechnic University today announced three new members to its board of governors. The new Indigenous governors include Rhiannon Bennett and two elected student board members, Taylor Lanthier and Samantha Jack.
“Our new board members bring with them different backgrounds, expertise and diverse voices that will help us tackle issues and new ideas as we move forward at the university,” said Sandra Case, chair of KPU’s board of governors, in a news release.
Bennett was the first Indigenous person elected to the Delta school board in 2014. Professionally, Bennett has worked with Indigenous youth and families with the majority of her work in decolonization and reconciliation. She is Musqueam and was raised in Ladner.
“I am looking forward to utilizing skills and experiences gained from my term as a trustee on the Delta Board of Education,” said Bennett. “I bring with me a unique perspective shaped by being an Indigenous woman who has worked in and alongside education systems for over 20 years.
“I am hoping to lead institutional changes around decolonization and reconciliation that will reach higher standards than what can be achieved without an Indigenous perspective at the table.”
Bennett wasn’t re-elected in last year’s municipal election.
