November 2023

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Celebrates its 40^th Anniversary with Grand Gala and Significant Milestones

 

NVIT celebrated its 40^th anniversary with a grand gala night, bringing together the institution's most significant contributors and partners. The milestone was marked by an evening of reflection, gratitude, and recognition for NVIT's remarkable journey in Indigenous education and community support.

 

As NVIT enters a new decade, three key developments are driving the institution's mission and vision forward:

  

1. Our New Strategic Plan - Accomplishment and Foundational Driving Force for NVIT as we embark on 40 years!

NVIT's Strategic Plan for 2023-2028 serves as both an accomplishment and a foundational driving force for the institution's continued growth and impact. Immersed in the Nlaka’pamuxcin and Nsyilxcən Indigenous languages, this plan reflects NVIT's commitment to oneness with the community.

 

2. NVIT's Renewed Commitment to Indigenous Emergency Support Services (IESS) and Partnership with BCACCS

 

NVIT is strengthening its role in Indigenous Emergency Support Services (IESS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR). This effort aims to provide immediate support to communities during evacuations and enhance emergency preparedness.

Throughout the remainder of 2023, NVIT and EMCR will collaborate on several key initiatives:

• Developing a joint workplan with shared priorities and initiatives.
• Creating culturally safe evacuee emergency support and services in B.C. through a formalized provincial-level memorandum of understanding.
• Establishing NVIT as a Provincially Delegated Indigenous ESS Centre in BC.
• Training and supporting NVIT's Faculty and Staff for coordinating donations management and delivering IESS in partnership with local communities.
• Creating an ESS/EOC curriculum through an Indigenous lens.
  

 

In addition, NVIT has renewed its partnership with the Justice Institute of BC, exploring the transferability of students, sharing curriculum, and joint program offerings, further enriching the educational opportunities for NVIT students.

 

NVIT has also formed a strategic partnership with the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS), aiming to address the unique needs of the Indigenous Early Learning & Child Care (IELCC) workforce in Indigenous communities. This collaboration focuses on recruitment, training, and retention, with a particular emphasis on supporting new graduates during their transition to employment.

The partnership's key areas of focus include:

• Recruitment: Identifying and addressing the unique, place-based needs and opportunities related to recruiting community members interested in a career in IELCC.
• Training: Developing quality, place-based training programs to support students in achieving their goals and ensuring communities have the workforce they need.
• Retention: Exploring supports for IECEs as they transition from graduates to employees and developing mentorship and leadership development programs.

These combined initiatives underscore NVIT's dedication to strengthening Indigenous communities and supporting their unique needs.

 

3. Susan Aglukark's Inspiring Visit

As part of the 40th-anniversary celebration, renowned Indigenous singer Susan Aglukark graced NVIT with her presence on October 18, 2023. She shared her remarkable journey from a small-town girl from a northern rural community to an internationally acclaimed artist, even surpassing Michael Jackson on the charts at one point.

Susan’s inspirational story provided an opportunity for our community members to reflect on their own journeys and how her resilience is our resilience! 

 

In a statement from Hon. Selina Robinson - Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, she highlighted that NVIT has been doing great strides in incorporating Indigenous culture, tradition, and knowledge while providing high-quality education. She looks forward to the critical role of NVIT as a post-secondary institution dedicated to meeting the needs of Indigenous learners. 

 

NVIT's 40th-anniversary celebration was a testament to its commitment to Indigenous education, community support, reconciliation, highlighting the institution's progress, and ongoing dedication to making a positive impact to communities across British Columbia and beyond.