Knowing the place where you learn

Students at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver pass by symbols of indigenous presence every day.

But rushing around campus glued to their phones, they might not realize the significance of the ground they stand - and learn - on.

UBC acknowledges that the Point Grey campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Musqueam people.  

Former student Spencer Lindsay, who self identifies as Metis-Cree-settler, wants students and visitors to know more about what that means. So along with another former student, he embarked on a digital app project called Knowing the land beneath our feet.

"Basically it's a walking tour looking at the indigenous place names, art and architecture on campus," said Spencer.

The project is still in development, but Spencer agreed to take Lisa for a walk around UBC to show her some of the places people will be able to learn about - like the rose garden, the law school and the First Nations Longhouse  

"The [app] is going to be available as soon as we feel that Musqueam and the other artists and communities that we're consulting feel totally comfortable," said Spencer.

"We're taking our time to make sure the protocols are followed and it will be available as soon as possible."

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