Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Established by the government of British Columbia in 1981, Kwantlen, now Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has five campuses located in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia. KPU offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations in more than 140 programs. Almost 20,000 students annually attend courses at KPU campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Civic Plaza.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University currently offers a range of credentials, many of which are completely unique, to successfully meet the evolving needs of regional and global employment markets. Students have the opportunity to bridge certificate and diploma credentials into bachelor's degrees, creating the option of academic and professional enhancement of applied and technical programs.

KPU was gifted its name by the Kwantlen First Nation. The word 'Kwantlen' means ‘Tireless Runner’, and it’s reflected in the university's motto:

The representation of a wolf and salmon in KPU's Coat of Arms, was created by former KPU Fine Arts student, Brandon Gabriel, nephew of the hereditary Chief of the Kwantlen People, Chief Marilyn Gabriel.

In 2015, KPU appointed its first Elder in Residence, Lekeyten of the Kwantlen First Nation. In his role, Lekeyten supports Indigenous students on their educational journey sharing knowledge, traditions, teachings, and promoting an understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and values.

Further underscoring the respect and interconnectedness of the university and the First Nation, KPU's Chancellor and President, and Vice Chancellor, have both been given the title and responsibility of Sí:yá:m (Leader) by the Chief of the Kwantlen First Nation.