Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has determined that Indigenous students are in need of a larger, more appropriate gathering space on campus in order to create a sense of belonging at the school. Part of that push is The Coyote Project, a two-year research project conducted throughout the institution, with the goal of learning what services Indigenous students need to be successful. "Lots of them weren't from Kamloops, they weren't from the Kamloops area, so they were away from home and it was important to them that they had a home away from home." TRU does have a space on campus designated for Indigenous students called Cplul'kw'ten, or the Gathering Place, which includes a kitchen, study space and event space. The final paper on the project has not yet been published, but when it is, Arnouse said she hopes the university will implement change aimed at increasing Indigenous student retention at TRU.

Source: CBC News December 28, 2018 23:03 UTC