2016 NIC Aboriginal Education Handbook

WWW.NIC.BC.CA

Aboriginal Education Handbook Your guide to support, services, and programs with an Aboriginal focus at North Island College.

Territorial Acknowledgments North Island College is honoured to acknowledge operations within the traditional territories of 35 First Nations inclusive of Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish traditions.

We raise our hands to the Chiefs and Elders of these territories where we are guests.

Table of Contents 4

Our Elders

6

Our Advisors

8

Financial Support

10

Student Services

12

Getting Involved

14

Programs and Courses

16

Regional Delivery

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Training Services

Gila’Kasla NIC is honoured to welcome Aboriginal learners from many Nations and cultures and recognizes the wealth of traditional knowledge students bring to the college community. We strive to create a welcoming environment that nurtures your success.

KELLY SHOPLAND K’ÓMOKS FIRST NATION INTERIM DIRECTOR, ABORIGINAL EDUCATION NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE

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KITASOO/XAI’XAIS NUXALK HEILTSUK

WUIKINUXV

DA’NAXDA’XW

DZAWADA’ENUXW TLATLASIKWALA

Mount Waddington Campus KWAKIUTL

KWIKWASUT’INUXW HAXWA’MIS MAMALILIKULLA-QWE’QWA’SOT’EM GWA’SALA-‘NAKWAXDA’XW ‘NAMGIS

QUATSINO

GWAWAENUK

HOMALCO

TLOWITSIS KLAHOOSE

CHEK’TLES7ET’H’

WE WAI KAI WEI WAI KUM KWIAKAH

Campbell River Campus

EHATTESAHT NUCHATLAHT

Comox Valley Campus

MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT

HESQUIAHT

K’ÓMOKS

HUPACASATH AHOUSAHT TSESHAHT

TLA-O-QUI-AHT UCLUELET TOQUAHT

Port Alberni Campus

Ucluelet Centre UCHUCKLESAHT

HUU-AY-AHT

DITIDAHT PACHEEDAHT

This map has been created with the approval of the Aboriginal Education Advisory Council to North Island College

The NIC region includes the northern half of Vancouver Island from the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District in the west; Courtenay, Campbell River north to Port Hardy, as well as the BC mainland from Desolation Sound to Klemtu.

All Nuu-chah-nulth nations are shown at the request of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples.

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Our Elders Elders in Residence are role models who can provide you with cultural guidance and traditional knowledge. Contact them for advice and support to help you achieve your goals.

FERNANDA PARE

EVELYN VOYAGEUR

FERNANDA PARE

Fernanda’s traditional name is Nagega, and she is of Kwakiutl, Namgis, K’ómoks and Carrier Sekani ancestry. She makes traditional button blankets, attends numerous potlatches, and believes we must practice and live by our traditional ways with honour and dignity. She has worked as an administration assistant with the City of Toronto’s Finance and Land Use Planning departments. Fernanda and her husband have one son and five grandchildren, and they reside on traditional territory in K’ómoks.

CONTACT

fernanda.pare@nic.bc.ca T. 250-334-5000 ext. 4020 Rm 117, Trades Training Building Comox Valley Campus

EVELYN VOYAGEUR

Evelyn Voyageur, RN, BScN, PhD is of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation, of the Dwadainox tribe. She speaks Kwa kwa la fluently. She has worked in hospitals and communities in Alberta and BC, as well as taught and developed nursing curricula at UVic and NIC. Evelyn counsels survivors for the Indian Residential School Society. She has received many awards for her contribution to Aboriginal nursing, including becoming one of Health Canada’s First Nation and Inuit Branch’s first recipients of the Award of Excellence in Nursing.

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CONTACT

evelyn.voyageur@nic.bc.ca T. 250-334-5000 ext. 4054 Rm 209, Puntledge Hall, Comox Valley Campus

DARYLE MILLS

MAXINE MATILPI

DARYLE MILLS

Daryle is of Cree, Dene, Stoney and Irish heritage. He participates in local cultural events and activities, where he shares his cultural background and Cree and Lakota teachings. His family is from Fort Chipewyan, north of Fort McMurray on Lake Athabasca, where he is known by his Cree name of Tipiskowpisimwikimusqua. A former millwright and trades person, he has provided social services and youth support for the last 16 years.

CONTACT

daryle.mills@nic.bc.ca T. 250-923-9700 ext. 7885 Rm C217, Campbell River Campus

MAXINE MATILPI

Maxine Matilpi, JD, LLM is Kwakwaka’wakw with Kwakiutl and Ma’amtigila roots. A former lawyer and university professor at UVic, VIU, and SFU (Law, First Nations Studies, and Women’s Studies), she lives in K’ómoks/Pentlatch territory where she enjoys biking, walking, and gardening. Maxine is also a certified laughter yoga leader and Nia teacher. In her spare time, she likes to help family members sew button blankets.

CONTACT

maxine.matilpi@nic.bc.ca T. 250-923-9700 ext. 7887 Rm C217, Campbell River Campus

If you live outside Campbell River and the Comox Valley and would like to talk to an Elder in Residence, please call 1-800-715-0914.

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Our Advisors Aboriginal advisors can help you explore programs, create an educational plan, and secure financial support.

Book an appointment to meet your advisor today.

SARAH GEORGE

AMANDA CHICKITE

SARAH GEORGE

Sarah George is a Cowichan Tribes member, who was born and raised in the Cowichan Vallley and grew up on the Koksilah Territory. She is a registered social worker who recently completed her Bachelor of Social Work at VIU. Sarah works with Aboriginal students to explore career paths, develop educational plans, find funding opportunities and smooth students transition to college. She is also eager to develop working relationships with local First Nations, Tribal Councils and Aboriginal funding agencies.

CONTACT

sarah.george@nic.bc.ca T. 250-334-5029 F. 250-334-5018 Comox Valley Campus

AMANDA CHICKITE

Amanda Chickite is Laichwiltach and a member of the We Wai Kai Nation. She achieved a undergraduate degree from Vancouver Island University with a major in First Nations Studies. Amanda has worked with Natural Resources Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Amanda meets with students to help them plan their educational and career goals.

CONTACT

amanda.chickite@nic.bc.ca T. 250-923-9741 F. 250-923-9703 Campbell River Campus

If you live outside Campbell River, Port Alberni and the Comox Valley and would like to speak to an Aboriginal advisor, please call 1-800-715-0914.

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LUKE GEORGE

DEBRA EDZERZA

LUKE GEORGE

Luke George comes from the Tseshaht community, and was raised in the territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations in Port Alberni. He has worked for National Parks and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, and was an elected leader of his community. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Malaspina University College. He is happy to meet with students to discuss their dreams and goals.

CONTACT

luke.george@nic.bc.ca T. 250-724-8746 F. 250-724-8700 Port Alberni Campus

DEBRA EDZERZA

Debra Edzerza joined NIC as the Aboriginal Advisor in Mount Waddington in November 2014. Deb is Tahltan First Nations and is from the Crow Clan; her family is from Telegraph Creek, although she lived in Whitehorse, Yukon before moving to Port Hardy. She completed her Master in Education with a focus on Multi-Disciplinary Leadership from UNBC in December and holds a Bachelor of Education (University of Regina, 2006).

She was most recently the Executive Director of Yukon Women in Trades and Technology and has experience as a teacher and outreach counselor (Elijah Smith Elementary School) and as mental health first aid trainer (Council of Yukon First Nations), among other things.

CONTACT

debra.edzerdza@nic.bc.ca T. 250-949-7912 ext. 2860 Mt. Waddington Campus

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Financial Support Whether you need help securing band funding, paying for a tutor, or finding scholarships and bursaries, we’re here to help.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE WWW.NIC.BC.CA/FINANCIALAID

NIC provides financial support to students throughout the year who need help with books, transportation, childcare, groceries, or other emergencies that would otherwise prevent them from completing their studies.

BAND FUNDING WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/ABORIGINALSERVICES

If you hold a Certificate of Indian Status or are Inuit you may be eligible for post-secondary funding through your band or tribal council. This funding often covers tuition, books, supplies, and living allowances. Each band and council has a unique post-secondary education policy.

Aboriginal student advisors can help you complete your application and provide your band with all the necessary information. To get started, ask your band office to send you their post-secondary education application and policy. You may have it faxed to one of our Aboriginal advisors.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

Aboriginal students can apply for many scholarships and bursaries, including: • North Island College Foundation: www.nic.bc.ca/awards • Irving K Barber Aboriginal Bursary: www.bcscholarship.ca • New Relationship Trust Bursaries and Scholarships: www.nrtf.ca/funding • First Citizens Fund: www.bcaafc.com/programs/first-citizens-fund • Indspire: www.indspire.ca • Aboriginal Learning Links: www.aboriginallearning.ca • Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool: www.aandc.gc.ca/bursaries CONTACT WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/ABORIGINALSERVICES

For more information or to apply, contact an Aboriginal student advisor at your local campus.

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From Quality Instruction to Fulfilling Work “The instructors were all really friendly and had great, personal stories to share with us. They always gave positive reinforcement and encouraged us to keep going. Shortly after I completed the aquaculture technician program, I was offered a contract as Head Maintenance and Fish Technician at InStream Fisheries Research Inc.” TREVOR WESLEY AQUACULTURE TECHNICIAN 1 CERTIFICATE GRADUATE

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Student Services Whether you’re planning your education or getting ready to graduate, we provide a wide range of resources to help you reach your goals.

COUNSELLING WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/LEARNINGANDSUPPORT

Professionally-trained counsellors are available at our Campbell River, Comox Valley and Port Alberni campuses to help you succeed. Contact them for help resolving personal or academic difficulties. They can also help you explore your career options, or develop problem-solving skills and learning strategies.

PEER TUTORING WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/LEARNINGANDSUPPORT

Need a bit of extra help to get you through? All NIC students registered in credit courses can connect with peer tutors for studying skills and writing support.

ACCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/LEARNINGANDSUPPORT

Students with a documented permanent disability can access a wide range of support services, from education planning to adaptive technology. Contact us for more information about access services, resources, and special programming.

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRE WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/EMPLOYMENT_RESOURCES

Looking for assistance finding a job, either while you’re a student or after you graduate? NIC’s Employment Resource Centre can help you develop strategies for effective job searches, learn more about co-op education opportunities, connect with businesses and organizations seeking new employees, and more.

CONTACT WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES

Throughout your time at North Island College, you’ll find we’re here to help not just with admission, registration, and advising, but with just about everything, from random information and directions to first aid and security.

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Aboriginal Student Advising Aboriginal advisor Amanda Chickite helps a NIC Campbell River student choose the program and courses to meet her career goals.

Advisors are available throughout the year to students across the college region.

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Getting Involved Make the most of your NIC experience by connecting with students and participating in activities, councils, and student-led events.

STUDENT LOUNGES AND DROP-IN MEETINGS WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/ABORIGINALSERVICES

Whether you want to hang out with other students or chat with an Aboriginal advisor, meeting places are a great place to connect, no appointment necessary!

Locations vary at each campus, from a dedicated Aboriginal study lounge in Port Alberni to weekly drop-in meetings in Campbell River and the Comox Valley.

GATHERING PLACES WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/ABORIGINALSERVICES

Gathering Places acknowledge Aboriginal culture and history at NIC’s Port Alberni and Campbell River campuses. They are home to many ceremonies, celebrations, and classes and are used by all students throughout the year.

REGIONAL ABORIGINAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES WWW.NIC.BC.CA/SERVICES/ABORIGINALSERVICES

Regional Aboriginal Advisory Committees help NIC develop, deliver, and create the strongest possible programs, services, and support for Aboriginal residents.

Aboriginal students are invited to participate. For more information, contact Kelly Shopland, Interim Director, Aboriginal Education at 250-923-9749 or email kelly.shopland@nic.bc.ca.

WRITE HERE READERS’ SERIES WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ABOUT_US/EVENTS/READING_SERIES.ASPX

North Island College’s Write Here Readers’ Series began in 2012 with a focus on highlighting authors of regional significance at all four campuses. During the last three years, the series has brought Aboriginal authors Jeannette Armstrong, Lee Maracle, Eden Robinson, Duncan Mercredi, Diane Jacobsen, Garry Thomas Morse, Philip Kevin Paul, and Wanda John-Kehewin to NIC campuses and local cafes across the region. Mercredi returned to Port Hardy in 2014 to give a storytelling, writing workshop, and community reading for NIC students, high school students, and community members.

EVENTS AND CONFERENCES WWW.NIC.BC.CA

Contact an Aboriginal advisor to discuss possible events and workshops for fellow students, staff, and the community. NIC has hosted drum-making workshops, welcoming feasts, luncheons, the Indigenous Voices and Visions series, and gatherings for emotional and spiritual wellness.

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Write Here Readers Series Aboriginal author Janet Rogers reads at Cafe Guido in Port Hardy as part of NIC’s annual Write Here Readers Series.

Rogers also performed at the College’s Port Alberni and Campbell River campuses.

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Programs and Courses At NIC you will find over 70 programs and more than 900 courses to meet your needs. Choose from university transfer courses or programs in business, trades, health, fine arts, tourism, and more.

ABORIGINAL PRIORITY ADMISSION

Students with Aboriginal ancestry may be eligible for a priority seat in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Practical Nursing diploma, as well as Early Childhood Education, Human Services, and Health Care Assistant programs.

For admission requirements, visit: www.nic.bc.ca/services/aboriginalservices/programs.aspx PROGRAMS AND COURSES

North Island College incorporates Aboriginal ways of knowing into courses and programs, including: • Courses with Aboriginal Focus All campuses NIC offers courses which include First Nations authors and perspectives. These include: • ENG 125 and 126, Composition and Indigenous Literature • ENG 096, First Peoples Literature and Composition • KWA 096, Introduction to Kwak’wala • FNS 096, BC First Peoples Studies • Education Assistant/Community Support, Indigenous Focus Certificate Port Alberni & Mount Waddington Designed for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners, this program provides students with the skills needed to work in schools, outreach programs, and community support agencies.

Courses schedules are subject to change. For a complete list of courses and programs visit www.nic.bc.ca/programs or contact an Aboriginal student advisor.

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Finding Community “I feel a strong sense of community at NIC. There is a lot of support available. The Elders in Residence are a real encouragement, keeping me on track and helping me look at the world in a new way.”

ALANNA MITCHELL ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (UNIVERSITY TRANSFER), K’ÓMOKS FIRST NATION

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Regional Delivery NIC partners with Aboriginal communities to put college instructors and resources where you need them.

Contact us to develop programs and courses in your community.

A NEW MODEL OF EDUCATION

In 2011, NIC collaborated with the First Nations Employment Society and the Homalco First Nation to operate a regionally delivered Health Care Assistant certificate. The program combined upgrading with core health courses to successfully graduate nine new health care assistants.

The model was so successful in meeting the community’s training needs, it is now being used in upgrading, health, trades, and business programs across the region. Programs include: •

Health Care Assistant

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Applied Business Technology

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Early Childhood Education

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Carpentry Foundation

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Adventure Guiding

•

Upgrading

The regional delivery model adapts to many NIC courses and programs. It is based on community interest, need, and available funding.

CONTACT

For more information, or to discuss programs in your community, contact: Kelly Shopland Interim Director, Aboriginal Education kelly.shopland@nic.bc.ca T. 250-923-9749

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Supporting Students in Remote Communities NIC recently partnered with the Ahousaht Education Society to bring its Education Assistant program to eight students in Ahousaht, where nearly half the residents are under 19 years old. The results were nothing short of historic. It was the first time an entire class of students in Ahousaht completed a program in their community.

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Training Services NIC’s School of Continuing Education & Training works with Aboriginal communities and organizations to deliver cost-effective training that meets your economic needs and employment goals.

SKILLS TRAINING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

NIC delivers contract and customized training to dozens of Aboriginal communities and organizations, including the Ahousaht First Nation, Hesquiaht Headstart, Homalco First Nation, K’ómoks First Nation, Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, Namgis and Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development.

Courses included: •

Marine Training

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FoodSafe

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Kitchen Helper

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First Aid & CPR Training

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Safety Training

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Retail Training

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Computer Training

CONTACT

For more information or to discuss your customized training needs: Tracy Parker Manager, Continuing Education and Training tracy.parker@nic.bc.ca T. 250-923-9723

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Marine Emergency Duties Small Passenger Vessel Safety Bella Bella students learn marine fire and rescue techniques required to safely extinguish fires at sea. In January, 2015 NIC brought the month-long program to Bella Bella, allowing community members to meet Transport Canada’s federal licensing requirements without leaving their home communities.

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Contact Us: Our Advisors

Our Elders

SARAH GEORGE

FERNANDA PARE

Comox Valley Campus sarah.george@nic.bc.ca 250-334-5029

fernanda.pare@nic.bc.ca 250-334-5000 ext. 4020

AMANDA CHICKITE

evelyn.voyageur@nic.bc.ca 250-334-5000 ext. 4054

EVELYN VOYAGEUR

Campbell River Campus amanda.chickite@nic.bc.ca 250-923-9741

DARYLE MILLS

daryle.mills@nic.bc.ca 250-923-9700 ext. 7885

LUKE GEORGE

Port Alberni Campus luke.george@nic.bc.ca 250-724-8746

MAXINE MATILPI

maxine.matilpi@nic.bc.ca 250-923-9700 ext. 7887

DEBRA EDZERZA

Mt. Waddington Campus debra.edzerza@nic.bc.ca 250-949-7912 ext. 2860

@NIC_first

NorthIslandCollege

North.Island.College

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www.nic.bc.ca/services/Aboriginalservices