This month’s newsletter embraces the spirit of spring renewal, highlighting how NVIT students and staff are growing, stepping into leadership, and exploring new opportunities. Like the season itself, these stories reflect fresh beginnings from career pathways opening at the Vancouver campus to students finding their voice in Indigenous social work. We celebrate Indigenous leadership blossoming on national stages and meaningful conversations that are shaping more inclusive futures. Student opportunities such as the STEPS Forward Program show how support and mentorship can help new possibilities take root. Together, these stories honour a season of growth, connection, and moving forward with purpose.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Career Fair Brings Opportunities to NVIT Vancouver Campus
On May 20, NVIT’s Vancouver campus hosted a successful Career Fair, welcoming 16 vendor organizations to connect with students and share career and employment opportunities The event saw strong participation, with many students attending from the Indigenous Human Wellness and Addictions (IHWA) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs.
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CAMPUS EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
Check out the upcoming events and workshops happening at both NVIT’s Merritt and Vancouver campuses at nvit.ca/events
Throughout the day, students engaged directly with employers, learningaboutcareerpathways,job requirements, and professional expectations within their fields. Vendors provided information on current and upcoming opportunities, workplace environments, and the skills and experiences they look for in future employees. The Career Fair also gavestudentsavaluablechanceto
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
practice networking, ask questions, and gain confidence in presenting themselves to potential employers.
The high level of interest from IHWA and BSW students highlighted the importance of creating spaces where students can connect classroom learning to real-world practice NVIT thanks all participating vendors, staff, and students who contributed to making the May 20 Career Fair a meaningful and informative experience
B.C. Social Work Week is held March 8 -14 , 2026, and it is a time to honour the work of social workers and the impact that they have on individuals, families, and communities. At NVIT, this week also invites us to recognize something deeper: Indigenous social work is not simply a profession. It is a movement. It is a resurgence. It is the change our communities have carried, protected, and passed forward through generations.
Indigenous social work begins with connection and relationships It is rooted in the understanding that healing is not an individual journey but a collective one Our work is grounded in land, story, kinship, and the teachings that remind us of who we are These foundations challenge the systems that have historically separated Indigenous people from culture, family and identity By centring Indigenous knowledge, social work becomes a force that actively reshapes how care, healing, and community support are understood.
It also begins with the relationship to the land, language, family, and community. These relationships form the foundations of Indigenous wellness and guide how support is offered. Indigenous social work recognizes that healing happens through belonging, identity, and collective responsibility. Indigenous social work restores balance and brings cultural grounding back into the heart of the practice. Long before social work existed as a formal field, Indigenous communities practiced forms of care that were relational, holistic, and rooted in shared responsibility. These practices emphasized listening, supporting, teaching, and ensuring that no one was left behind. Although colonial systems disrupted these approaches, they did not erase them Today, Indigenous social work continues this legacy by bringing cultural teachings, ceremony, and community-led solutions to modern-day practice
For NVIT students, being the change means carrying forward the teachings of their Nations while navigating the realities of colonial systems. It means learning how to work within these systems while also transforming them. As social workers, we need to show up in ways that uphold honour, culture, and community. It means showing up with compassion, humility, cultural grounding, and commitment to collective well-being. It means recognizing that every c onversation, every
relationship, and every act of care contributes to a larger movement of Indigenous resurgence.
We, the students in SOCW 452: Education for Social Change, have created a theme for this year’s social work week. The theme “Indigenous Social Work: Being the Change” celebrates the strength, leadership, and cultural knowledge that guide our students and communities. Through storytelling, video, and community voices, we highlight the ways Indigenous social work restores balance, strengthens relationships, and builds pathways for future generations
Indigenous social work is more than just a career; it is helping rebuild our Nations, reconnecting, remembering, and doing the ongoing work of healing our Nations from the inside out It’s a responsibility to community, a continuation of Indigenous knowledge, and a commitment to creating a future where Indigenous people thrive. NVIT is proud to honour the students, social workers, matriarchs, and community members who continue to be the change our ancestors envisioned and our future generations deserve.
“One small but meaningful way I connected to this year’s Social Work Week was by doing something small but meaningful at my practicum by baking scones for the clients at the homeless shelter In our Indigenous communities, care and support often happen through simple things like sharing food, spending time together, and showing kindness in everyday ways. Baking scones wasn’t just about the food, it was about creating a small moment of care, connection, and community. It reminded me that being the change doesn’t always have to be something big Sometimes it’s the small, thoughtful actions that help people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, and that’s a big part of what Indigenous social work is all about ”
Scone photo taken and blurb written by Taylor Duncan
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Dawn and Snow Represent NVIT at Teck’s HeForShe Roundtable During PDAC 2026
WrittenbyDawnHutchinson
Dawn Hutchinson and Snow Diablo contributed their early career perspectives at Teck’s HeForShe Roundtable during PDAC 2026, The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention, held in Toronto from March 1 to 4
Hosted by Teck President and CEO Jonathan Price and moderated by Chief Inclusion Officer Jackie Scales, the roundtable brought together students, early career professionals and industry leaders to discuss building a gender equal future in mining.
Through small group discussions, participants shared perspectives on mentorship, access to career opportunities after education, and the importance of meaningful allyship, particularly the role of male allies in fostering inclusive workplace culture and supporting women’s leadership in the mining industry.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
STEPS Forward Program: Opportunity for an NVIT Student
NVIT’s STEPS Forward Program is an inclusive education program designed to support students who benefit from individualized learning, skill development, and additional guidance as they work toward greater independence, education, employment, and community involvement
The program offers a supportive and welcoming environment where students can build academic, personal, and life skills at their own pace. Through individualized planning, hands-on learning opportunities, and one-on-one support, STEPS Forward helps students identify their strengths, explore interests, and develop the confidence needed to reach their goals. Learning experiences may include academic skill-building, workplace readiness, communication skills, and community-based activities, depending on each student’s needs and aspirations.
The STEPS Forward Program emphasizes inclusion, respect, and meaningful participation, ensuring students feel valued and supported throughout their learning journey. The program works closely with students to create personalized pathways that reflect their abilities, interests, and future goals
Lynn, from the STEPS Forward Program, is pleased to share that there is currently space available to support one additional student This is a great opportunity for a student who may benefit from inclusive education supports and a flexible, student-centred learning environment
Students, families, and support networks who are interested in learning more are encouraged to explore this opportunity and connect with the STEPS Forward team. More information about the program and NVIT’s inclusive education supports can be found on the NVIT website.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STEPS FORWARD PROGRAM
Interested NVIT students can learn more about the STEPS Forward Program and inclusive education supports by visiting: www.nvit.ca/apply/know-moreabout-nvit/inclusive-education
CONTINUINGSTUDIES
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COMMUNITYEDUCATION
BRINGING EDUCATION TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Sault St. Marie, ON Keremeos
Kamloops
Lil’wat
Hazelton
Vernon
Williams Lake Lillooet
Vancouver
Bella Coola
Lax Kw’alaams
Prince Rupert
Current Community Deliveries
Smithers
Prince George
Sheshatshiu, NL
Iskut
Whitehorse, YT
Penticton
Sapotowayak (Swan River, Manitoba)
Chase Calgary
Stein Valley Bonaparte First Nation
Dease Lake Tla’zt’ten
Lake Babine
Community Education is an alternative education method for students who wish to continue residing and learning within their own community.
NVIT delivers programming to First Nations communities throughout British Columbia and across Canada.
NVIT’s Community Education model supports and provides students with an opportunity to learn in their own community so that they do not have to relocate in order to further their education NVIT’s Community Education Programming options range from Adult Basic Education to Trades Programs and even the completion of two-year diplomas. For more information visit our Community Education Center today! Or contact coyotetravels@nvit.ca
Some of the programs offered through Community Education
Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE)
IECE Micro-Credential
Indigenous Human Service Certificate/Diploma
Indigenous Language Certificate/Diploma
Applied Practical Nursing (APN)
Health Care Assistant (HTCA)
Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions (IHWA)
Certificate/Diploma
Bridging to Trades Program
Construction Trades Sampler
Culinary Arts
College Readiness
Environmental Natural Resource Technology (ENRT)
Medical Office Assistant
Office Administration Certificate (OFAD)
University Transfer
General Arts And MORE!
STUDENT AMBASSADOR
Unlock your leadership potential as an NVIT Student Ambassador!
Develop your interpersonal, creative, and professional skills while making a significant contribution to the NVIT community.
School District #58 (Merritt Secondary, Princeton Secondary, SCIDES);
School District #74 (Desert Sands Community School, Kumsheen Shch-Ema-meet, Lillooet -Secondary, David Stoddart Secondary);
School District #78 Fraser-Cascade (Hope Secondary, Agassiz Elementary-Secondary & Boston Bar Elementary-Secondary); Logan Lake Secondary; Similkameen Elementary Secondary; A BC First Nations School registered with the BC First Nations Schools Association; or Any secondary school in British Columbia, if the applicant self-identifies as Indigenous
NVIT hosts a variety of internal awards open only to NVIT students. Some awards require you to demonstrate financial need, while others recognize academic achievement, community involvement, or other accomplishments.
Students interested in viewing our list of bursaries and scholarships in more detail, can make an appointment with an Academic and Financial Planner. Application forms for all awards can be downloaded by clicking on their respective links in yellow below.
