NVIT is proud to celebrate Associate Registrar, Hilary Thomas, who has been selected for a Transfer & Articulation Service Award as part of the 2025 BCCAT Transfer Awards.

Presented by the BC Council on Admissions & Transfer (BCCAT), this award recognizes individuals who make a meaningful and positive impact on the advancement of transfer and articulation within BC’s post-secondary system through their dedicated service.

Hilary was nominated by Amanda Street, NVIT’s Registrar, who highlighted Hilary’s leadership and commitment to expanding transfer pathways for learners. “Hilary's efforts to advance and advocate for transfer connections to and from NVIT have greatly benefited the NVIT community, aligning the institution with BC transfer standards while also promoting Indigenous education through her exemplary allyship practices,” Amanda shared. “Her forward-thinking initiatives, relationship-based practices, and strong commitment to learners and institutions across the province make her truly deserving of this recognition.”

One of Hilary’s most significant contributions is her role in the development of NVIT’s Open Certificate Program, a visionary initiative designed to honour Indigenous ways of knowing while ensuring transferability within BC’s post-secondary system. This balance of cultural integrity and academic mobility supports the growth of meaningful pathways for Indigenous learners and strengthens NVIT’s place within the BC Transfer System.

As BCCAT expressed, “Because of individuals like Hilary, the BC Transfer System remains responsive and flexible, meeting the needs of mobile learners.”

NVIT extends heartfelt congratulations to Hilary Thomas for this well-deserved recognition and for her ongoing dedication to supporting learners and advancing Indigenous post-secondary education across British Columbia.

Dawn Hutchinson - a dedicated NVIT student in the Environmental Resource Technology (ENRT) program. Dawn’s journey is an inspiring testament to the importance of blending education with cultural heritage.

Dawn's path to ENRT was ignited during an Indigenous forestry internship with West Fraser Mills in her hometown of Williams Lake. There, she job-shadowed professional foresters and discovered a variety of career opportunities within the field. Inspired by her mentors, Dawn decided to further her education to become a registered professional forester.

“NVIT was the obvious choice,” she shared. “The program not only provides the technical training I need but also integrates Indigenous studies, which is important to me. I appreciate how the curriculum incorporates Indigenous knowledge. It feels like a place where I can grow both professionally and personally while connecting with my heritage.”

At NVIT, Dawn has actively engaged in student life. She was recently elected Secretary Treasurer of the Student Society and has applied for the Student Ambassador Program. These roles not only enrich her educational experience but also empower her to represent her peers.

Dawn believes that her involvement in these programs will open doors to numerous opportunities. “Having a voice for the students allows me to make an impact on the community and our shared experiences,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to developing my public speaking abilities and building the confidence to stand up for my ideas.”

As she continues her studies, Dawn is excited to meet new people, expand her network, and enhance her leadership skills—essential tools for her future career in forestry.

“Time spent in these programs is more than just a learning experience; it’s a chance to develop essential life skills that will serve me in any professional path I take,” Dawn emphasized.

At the heart of NVIT’s Culinary Arts Program is Kim Wallace, our dedicated Culinary Instructor and Chair of the department. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to Indigenous communities, Kim is making a remarkable impact both in the kitchen and beyond.

As the Culinary Instructor & Chair, Kim teaches Level 1 & 2 Professional Cook programs and instructs the Youth Employment Training Services (YETS) program. His role is not just about sharing culinary skills but also about inspiring and building confidence through food. "I love to teach, inspire, and build confidence by incorporating food to build bridges within our Indigenous communities," Kim shares. His enthusiasm is matched by the incredible support from NVIT’s faculty and staff, making each day a rewarding experience.

Kim’s message to future students is clear: NVIT is an Indigenous centre for excellence dedicated to strengthening community connections. "We care and support each other and have respect for our environment," he emphasizes. At NVIT, culinary students gain access to the most up-to-date learning tools, equipment, and recipes, all while being grounded in Indigenous knowledge. This unique approach ensures a positive, engaging, and fun learning environment that stands out from other culinary institutes.

When William Smerechanski began searching for the right place to pursue his education, he discovered NVIT’s Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions (IHWA) program. As a proud Métis, NVIT’s Indigenous-centered approach and proximity to home made it the perfect fit for his academic journey.

During his time in the IHWA program, William not only gained valuable skills but also experienced personal growth. "One memorable achievement from my time in the IHWA program was learning about myself and building lasting relationships with my cohorts," he shared. Graduating from his first year was a significant milestone, and now in his second year, William is focused on earning his bachelor’s degree. He also received the Beedie Luminaries scholarship through the Spark Program for single parents, which has helped him continue his education with greater financial security.

William's success at NVIT has opened doors professionally as well. He recently secured his first job in the field as a Mental Health and Addictions Counselor with Native Courtworker, a role that aligns closely with his studies. "I can apply what I learn on the job to my studies, and what I learn in class helps me support those in need," he explained.

Looking forward, William is eager to continue making a positive impact in his community, using the knowledge and skills he has developed at NVIT to support those on their healing journeys.