Feb 26, 2020

Vancouver, BC – To support their expanding working relationship, today Musqueam and Langara College have named Gail Sparrow Special Advisor to the President snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College. In this newly-created role, Ms. Sparrow will provide advice and support, and assist Langara in working with Musqueam on cultural and protocol issues.

“For some time now, Langara has come together with Musqueam to both share our culture with their students and employees, and provide educational training and services to our community. This new Advisor role will help us to expand the good work we are doing together,” said Wayne Sparrow, Chief of the Musqueam First Nation.

Based at Musqueam, and funded by Langara, the Special Advisor will facilitate linkages and planning between Musqueam and the College, advise Langara on the educational activities and needs of the Musqueam community, support Musqueam student success, participate in events and celebrations, and coordinate the participation of Elders in Residence and other Musqueam Cultural Leaders on campus. Overall, the role will work to enhance the positive working relationship between Musqueam and snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College for their mutual benefit.

“Gail has been such a great friend to Langara. Her important place in her community, combined with her experience at Langara, make her the ideal person to serve in this crucial role, as we deepen our engagement with Musqueam,” said Dr. Lane Trotter, President and CEO, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College.

Gail Sparrow is a former Chief of the Musqueam First Nation. An alumna of Langara, she currently serves as an Elder-in-Residence at the College, helping to provide a supportive environment for Indigenous students. She played a key role in strengthening the connection between Musqueam and the College, educating the Langara community on the history, culture, and teachings of the Musqueam and the land on which the College is located. Ms. Sparrow was also instrumental in Langara receiving its Musqueam name, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, which means house of teachings. This past November she was named a 49 Langaran, one of 49 remarkable people celebrated by the College as part of its Beyond 49 anniversary campaign.

About snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located. Langara is celebrating its 49th year on West 49th Avenue with Beyond 49, an integrated celebration, alumni engagement, and fundraising campaign to reconnect with alumni, and raise funds for student support and important College initiatives.

Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Public Affairs 


604.323.5702
mdawson@langara.ca