SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
IMPORTANT DATES September 9 First Day of Classes September 16 Nominations open for Education Council & Board of Governors
Looking Ahead: A New Academic Year at NVIT As NVIT begins a new academic year, recent events have highlighted the strength of relationships that support learners, communities, and Indigenous education. Staff and faculty gathered at the annual Welcome Back event to reconnect, celebrate achievements, and learn about exciting initiatives shaping the future of the Institute. NVIT also strengthened its longstanding relationship with Thompson Rivers University through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding focused on collaboration and shared learning. Together, these milestones reflect a commitment to building meaningful partnerships and creating new opportunities for students and communities. As we look ahead, these connections continue to guide and strengthen NVIT's path forward.
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
September 24 Elections open for Education Council & Board of Governors September 30 Tuition & Fees Deadline National Day for Truth and Reconciliation NVIT Campuses Closed October 6 Posting of DRAFT Schedule for the Fall 2026 Final Exams October 7 Last day to drop a class and receive a partial tuition refund October 12 Thanksgiving Day - NVIT Campuses Closed October 19 Last day to notify the Registrar’s Office of conflicts in the Final Exam Schedule
Explore NVIT's Newest Programs On August 27, NVIT welcomed staff and faculty back to the Merritt Campus for its annual Welcome Back event ahead of the new academic year. The day was filled with opportunities to reconnect, share important updates, celebrate colleagues, and learn more about the work happening across NVIT. President and CEO John Chenoweth shared institutional updates and
September 22 Last day to add a class Last day to drop a class and receive a 100% tuition refund
insights, including an introduction to NVIT protocols developed by the Elders Council.
October 20 Posting of OFFICIAL Schedule for the Fall 2026 Final Exams
The NVIT community also recognized new employees and celebrated milestone anniversaries, honouring the people who continue to contribute to the Institute and its learners. Staff and faculty heard from Ivy and Chloe about the work behind Two Stories, One Path and
CAMPUS EVENTS & WORKSHOPS Check out the upcoming events and workshops happening at both NVIT’s Merritt and Vancouver campuses at nvit.ca/events
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS? and what it means for NVIT and its commitment to serving learners. Molly and Virginia also introduced traditional greetings and introductory phrases in local Indigenous languages, providing an opportunity for colleagues to connect with and learn from the languages of the territory. The day continued with a tour of NVIT's newest construction projects, led by Clint and Clif. Staff and faculty were given an inside look at the progress being made on both the new student housing development and the daycare facility. The spacious daycare showcased bright, welcoming areas designed to support children and families, while the student housing project highlighted the future living spaces that will provide students with a comfortable and supportive place to call home while pursuing their studies at NVIT. Following the tour, attendees gathered for a delicious lunch and continued conversations with colleagues from across the Institute. As a special treat, NVIT's Human Resources department brought in the Sweet Chaos ice cream truck, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary scoop of ice cream. The ice cream truck quickly became a popular gathering spot, providing a fun and refreshing way for staff and faculty to connect and celebrate the start of a new academic year. The afternoon also included opportunities for cultural connection and friendly competition, as some of the younger staff members joined Elders in a game of lahal, sharing laughter, stories, and teachings through the traditional game. The Welcome Back event was a meaningful way for the NVIT community to reconnect, learn, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to another year of supporting students, advancing Indigenous education, and strengthening relationships across the Institute.
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS? NVIT Solidifies Partnership with TRU for the Future of Indigenous Public Education. Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) have formalized their longstanding relationship with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement was signed by NVIT President and CEO Dr. John Chenoweth and TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Airini, establishing a framework for continued collaboration between the two institutions. The MOU sets out guiding principles for the partnership, including respect for each institution’s autonomy, culturally safe practices, open dialogue and respectful representation. It also supports excellence in education and curriculum development that responds to the needs of the communities each institution serves. Effective August 11, the MOU creates opportunities for NVIT and TRU to collaborate on initiatives including Indigenous language credentials and TRU credentials offered in partnership with NVIT leadership and faculty. These opportunities may be delivered on the NVIT campus, virtually or through other mutually agreed approaches. The institutions may also pursue additional programs and initiatives that align with their shared goals. “TRU and NVIT have a long-standing relationship built on a shared commitment to supporting learners and communities,” said NVIT President and CEO Dr. John Chenoweth. “This agreement opens the door to innovative approaches and new opportunities to extend education and services to Indigenous communities. “As BC’s only Indigenous public post-secondary institution, NVIT has a unique provincial mandate to provide Indigenousfocused education and training. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, culture and community, and guided by the wisdom of our Elders, we are proud to bring our leadership and experience in Indigenous education to this partnership and create pathways that support learners, strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples.” “At TRU, respectful relations define our behaviour, and we respect each other, the land, knowledge, the peoples of our region and beyond. These relationships are essential to how we learn and move forward together. We recognize NVIT’s
leadership in Indigenous education, empowerment and cultural preservation as BC’s Indigenous public postsecondary institution,” said TRU President and ViceChancellor Dr. Airini. “Working with NVIT brings together the strengths of two distinctive institutions and creates space for us to learn from one another as we advance truth, reconciliation and Indigenous rights through education.” During the signing ceremony, Dr. Airini spoke about the Māori concept of ako, which describes a reciprocal teaching and learning relationship in which the roles of teacher and learner can shift dynamically. As a symbol of the partnership and the shared understanding represented by the MOU, Dr. Airini presented Dr. John Chenoweth with a talisman and Dr. Aruna Gore with a parchment. TRU also presented NVIT with a glass plaque to formally commemorate the signing and the institutions’ continued commitment to working together. The partnership builds on the strengths of both institutions and creates opportunities to expand access to education, strengthen relationships and support Indigenous learners and communities across British Columbia.
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
CONTINUING STUDIES
CONTINUING STUDIES COURSES August - December 2026
Building Confidence to Provide Mental Health Support Tuition for CMHA courses is fully covered through the generous support of the Canadian Red Cross.
Mental Health First Aid Essentials 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Practical Facilitation for Learner Engagement 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Thursday, September 17, 2026
Basic First Aid 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday, September 18, 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Wednesday, October 21. 2026 Friday. November 20, 2026 Wednesday. December 9, 2026
Verbal Intervention® Third Edition 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday, September 25, 2026
Advanced First Aid 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, 2 weeks
Trauma Informed Care 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Monday-Friday, October 26 – November 6, 2026 Registration Deadline: October 13, 2026
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, 2-day course
Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, 2-day course
TThursday-Friday, October 1-2, 2026
Registration Deadline: August 14, 2026
Wednesday-Thursday, August 26-27, 2026
Registration Deadline: September 23, 2026
Living Life to the Full 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | 8 weeks (Thursdays) Thursdays, September 10 - October 29, 2026
FOODSAFE Level 1 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday, September 1, 2026
ALL COURSES WILL BE DELIVERED IN-PERSON AT THE NVIT MERRITT CAMPUS. For more information and deadlines, visit nvit.ca/continuingstudies
Website: nvit.ca Email: info@nvit.ca Toll free: 1.877.682.3300
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SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
COMMUNITY SURVEY
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF UNIVERSITY TRANSFER AT NVIT We Want to Hear From You!
NVIT is reviewing our University Transfer (UT) programming, and we want to hear from you! Whether you are a student, alumni, community member, or partner, your feedback will help shape future learning pathways and opportunities at NVIT. We invite you to complete our short survey and share your thoughts on programs, experiences, and future directions for UT education. Your input will help ensure our offerings continue to meet the needs of learners and communities. Complete the survey for a chance to win an NVIT hoodie! Thank you for helping us build the future of learning at NVIT.
Learn More about NVIT’s University Transfer
Browse our University Transfer Programs
www.nvit.ca/programs/study-at-nvit/university-transfer
www.nvit.ca/program-overview
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
STEPS FORWARD - INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Discover What You Can Achieve STEPS Forward Applications are now open! Experience a supported pathway to college, confidence, and future opportunities.
What You Can Expect
Who Are We? STEPS Forward is a family-driven organization founded to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are included as students in the academic and social life of colleges and universities of British Columbia.
Choose an NVIT program based on your interests and goals Take audit courses and earn a Certificate of Completion Access college even if your learning journey has been different Receive personalized support from a STEPS Forward facilitator Build skills, confidence, and independence Complete coursework adapted to your learning style Learn in an inclusive environment with other NVIT students Connect with peers, instructors, and Elders
Who Should Apply? STEPS Forward is for individuals who:
Register today! Reach out to Lynne McCormack to inquire about eligibility or to schedule an appointment. Lynne@steps-forward.org 250 899 6444
Want to continue learning after high school Are interested in a college experience Benefit from individualized support Have goals for personal growth, education, or employment There are no minimum academic requirements. What matters most is your interest in learning and participating in college life.
Our Partners
Learn more www.nvit.ca/apply/know-moreabout-nvit/inclusive-education
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
EVENTS
EXPLORE NVIT’S NEW EVENTS PAGE
nvit.ca/events Your one-stop hub for everything happening at NVIT. Check out upcoming events, plan ahead, and add them to your calendar so you never miss out!
Add events to your calendar now!
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
COMMUNITY EDUCATION BRINGING EDUCATION TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Current Community Deliveries Sault St. Marie, ON Keremeos Kamloops Lil’wat Hazelton Vernon
Williams Lake Lillooet Vancouver Bella Coola Lax Kw’alaams Prince Rupert
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
Some of the programs offered through Community Education
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
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!
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
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.
APPLY NOW! *Compensation provided
GET INVOLVED: STUDENT VOICES NEEDED Are you a student interested in shaping academic policy at NVIT? The Policy Committee is seeking student participation to help ensure policies reflect the lived experiences, perspectives, and priorities of NVIT learners. Serving on the Policy Committee is an opportunity to: Contribute to discussions on academic policies that impact students Share your perspective in institutional decision-making Gain experience in governance and policy development
SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APPLY TODAY!
IMMEDIATE ENTRY BURSARY FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2027-2028
Covers up to $3,074 in tuition for the first year of full-time studies! Students must be in Grade 12, graduating in 2027 from: School District #58 Nicola-Similkameen (Merritt Secondary, Princeton Secondary, SCIDES); School District #74 Gold Trail (David Stoddart Secondary, Desert Sands Community School, Kumsheen Shch-Ema-meet, Lillooet Secondary); School District #78 Fraser-Cascade (Agassiz Elementary-Secondary, Boston Bar Elementary-Secondary, Hope 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
APPLY TODAY!
DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2027 Visit www.nvit.ca/ieb. for more information.
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.
Connect to an Academic & Financial Planner now!
Do you want your stories to get featured? Email us at communication@nvit.ca
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