Capilano University (CapU) is a teaching-focused public university based in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The university is named after Chief Joe Capilano Sa7plek (Sahp-luk) who was the leader of the Squamish people (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) from 1895 to 1910. In 2012, CapU became Canada’s first university to receive accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (or NWCCU) in Washington, one of six major regional agencies in the U.S. that are recognized by the United States Department of Education. The university was originally founded as Capilano College by school boards and residents of the North Shore and Howe Sound in 1968 based on the need for a public institution serving the local communities immediately northwest of Vancouver. As of 2019, it has grown to enroll approximately 12,700 students per year. Capilano University’s academic offerings include nationally and internationally recognized liberal arts, professional, and career programs which lead to degrees, diplomas, and certificates.