University Canada West Establishes New Scholarship to Honor Squamish First Nations Elder and Activist

VANCOUVER, September 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

University Canada West (UCW), located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is proud to announce the establishment of a new scholarship for First Nations students aspiring to pursue its MBA program.

As part of the University's 2015 student convocation ceremony, UCW honored their special guest, Squamish elder and advocate Emily Baker, by setting up a new scholarship: the Emily Baker MBA Scholarship. As a result, UCW will guarantee to offer a full scholarship for a First Nations MBA student every year.

Announcing the scholarship, UCW's President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Arthur Coren said, "It is a privilege to honor Ms. Baker in this way and to provide an opportunity for more young First Nations students to pursue their higher education and business goals."

Speaking on behalf of the family was Emily's daughter, Faye Halls, who recently retired as Department Head for Squamish Nation Employment & Training. She recounted some of her mother's achievements and said, "Mom is an inspiration to all of us. We believe naming this scholarship in her honor is a great way to pay tribute to the contributions of a remarkable woman. It will help many students in the future and our family is very happy to be here today."

Mrs. Baker is a Squamish elder, and widow of late Squamish Chief Simon Baker (known traditionally as Khot-La-Cha or 'Man with a Kind Heart'). On 10 December last year, Mrs. Baker turned 100 years old. In her time, she has experienced and championed many changes.

Advocating equal rights for First Nation students, Mrs. Baker fought for years so that her children could attend Canadian public school. Following two years of negotiations, her daughters became the first First Nation children to attend public school in Canada.

Mrs. Baker also started and ran her own successful business. After purchasing carved craft items from the local community, she opened Khot-La-Cha Arts and Crafts in 1972. She ran the business for 25 years until her daughter Nancy took it over, and it continues to thrive to this day.

The UCW MBA degree educates students in areas vital to business operation and administration. It develops core competencies in critical thinking, persuasive communication, system analysis, leadership, and business ethics. The program emphasizes applied learning, teaching students through case studies relating to a large variety of industries in Canada and around the world.

About University Canada West (UCW) 

University Canada West is a contemporary independent university located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) and Master of Business Administration.

Courses are offered at UCW's downtown Vancouver campus and online too. The University also offers courses online providing flexible options for students to earn a respected qualification.

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