September at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) is always a whirlwind, and this year was no exception! We kicked off the academic year by welcoming new learners from our Merritt and Vancouver campuses, alongside online and returning students, with a grand orientation on September 3rd. This year’s orientation was the largest yet, with over 100 students at our Merritt campus and more than 45 at our Vancouver campus. The day was filled with informative sessions and exciting activities aimed at equipping our learners for their journey at NVIT. To top it off, everyone went home with great swag and door prizes!
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
But the warm welcomes didn’t end there. On the following day, a casual lunch helped our new and returning students settle into campus life. As part of embracing Indigenous education, Elders and knowledge keepers facilitated special cultural
Please see page 5 to see upcoming events and workshop happening in both NVIT Merritt and Vancouver Campuses.
activities, including drumming, eading, drum making, and cedar bracelet crafting. These meaningful experiences marked the beginning of our learners’ connection to Indigenous traditions at NVIT
Cultural Workshop by NVIT Elders
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Honouring Truth and Reconciliation
September 27 marked a significant day as the NVIT Merritt campus community joined the Lower Nicola Indian Band for the Orange Shirt Day Walk to the Shulus Arbor. The day continued with a beading workshop where students, staff, and faculty created orange shirt pins, a gesture of solidarity and remembrance ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
In Vancouver, the NVIT community gathered at noon to observe a moment of silence, honouring the victims, survivors, and the communities affected by residential schools. A shared luncheon brought attendees together in reflection.
That evening, our recruitment team and student ambassadors represented NVIT at the BC Lions' Orange Shirt Day Game, furthering our commitment to truth and reconciliation NVIT strives to be a beacon of truth and a catalyst for positive change, working to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples through education
Exciting Sports Collaboration
In a spirit of camaraderie and sporting excellence, we also hosted an exciting basketball scrimmage on September 28 in the NVIT Gymnasium. The Okanagan College Coyotes and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) WolfPack joined our teams for a friendly but competitive game. It was a fantastic event that brought together students, staff, and the local community to support and celebrate athletic talent.
New Faces and Promotions
On a lighter note, we are excited to welcome Normita Nuval as our new Director of Finance. With her extensive experience in post-secondary finance and her CPA, CMA designation, we look forward to her contributions in advancing NVIT’s goal of Organizational Effectiveness
There were also some exciting movements within our academic and administrative teams Ivy McRae has been promoted from Associate Dean to Dean, while Chloe Price, former Administrative Studies Department Head, is stepping into the role of Associate Dean. Additionally, Clint Garcia has taken on the role of Director of Facilities, reflecting NVIT’s expanding capital projects, including renovations to the COES building, student housing updates, and the construction of the Vancouver Campus and new Merritt sweat lodge.
With such a dynamic start to the year, September has set the stage for another impactful year at NVIT. Here’s to the continued growth and success of our learners, faculty, and staff!
Normita Nuval Director of Finance Dean of Academics
Associate Dean of Academics Director of Facilities
Ivy McRae Chloe Price
Clint Garcia
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Welcoming Dr. John Chenoweth, Ph.D. as the new President & CEO of Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
NVIT is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr John Chenoweth as its new President & CEO A member of the Upper Nicola Indian Band (Okanagan Nation) in the Nicola Valley of British Columbia, Dr. Chenowethbringsextensiveexperienceandacommitmenttoserving Indigenouscommunities.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Chenoweth expressed his honour and enthusiasmfortherole,stating,“IunderstandthattheroleofNVITis to serve Indigenous communities, revitalize Indigenous languages, andcreateopportunitiesforIndigenouspeopletoadvance Iprivilege traditional Indigenous story-work as a model to address contemporary issues within education. I am truly honoured to serve asthePresidentofNVIT.Ilookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithall NVITpartnersthroughouttheprovinceandacrossthecountry”
Dr Chenoweth’sleadershipmarksanewchapterforNVIT,focusingon Indigenous knowledge, community partnerships, and educational excellencetoupliftIndigenousstudentsacrosstheprovince.
For the full story, visit https://www nvit ca/newpresident ceoofnvit htm
A Change of Seasons: Honouring Connection and Healing
On September 18th, the NVIT family gathered to celebrate the Change of Seasons ceremony, a meaningful Indigenous practice that highlights our connection to each other and the land This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the cycles of life and the importance of honouring our ancestors and loved ones.
As we formed a circle, we sent our prayers to those dear to us, trusting that our wishes would be heard. Guided by the soothing coyote song and the warmth of the spirit of fire, we created a sacred space for reflection and healing.
In this moment, we prayed not only for ourselves but also for one another and the lands that nurture us. We acknowledged the strength of our community and our profound relationship with the Earth, committing to its stewardship.
This ceremony was a celebration of unity and a heartfelt plea for the well-being of our community and the natural world we cherish. As we enter this new season, may our prayers resonate, guiding us toward healing and harmony, and reminding us of the importance of our Indigenous practices
MONTHLYNEWSLETTER
COMMUNITY STORIES
NVIT Library Spotlight
Welcome back everyone! All of us in the library – Rita, David, and our newest team member, Emily – are super-excited for the new semester. Seeing all of you – faculty, staff, new and returning students – using our space and taking advantage of all the things we have to offer!
The month of October brings the continuation of our Lunch & Learn presentations here at the library! Hosted by Library Coordinators David and Emily, join us for food and conversation as we go over important academic topics in a friendly, casual setting. Please join us on Wednesday, October 16th for our third Lunch & Learn of the semester. We hope to see you there! (For any dietary restrictions, please contact David or Emily)
Rita: Motorcycles & Sweetgrass by Drew Hayden Taylor (2010)
A story of magic, family, a mysterious stranger . . . and a band of marauding raccoons The characteristic flair of Drew Hayden Taylor makes this story not only poignant, but a playful read as well Worth a read for anybody who enjoys a deep but enjoyable story from an indigenous perspective
David: The Second World War by Antony Beevor (2023)
Probably the best overview of the Second World War available today Beevor explores the world’s most destructive conflict in detail, including the overwhelmingly brutal war between Japan and China that western textbooks often skim over. Not for the faint of heart, but a definite must-read for anyone who considers themselves a student of history.
Content Warning: Death & Destruction, Genocide, Political Extremism, Sexual Violence
The stunning conclusion to Métis (Michif) author Katherena Vermette’s award-winning trilogy (although can easily be read as a standalone novel) of urban Indigeneity, lateral violence, growing up within the Child Welfare system, and of both intergenerational trauma and intergenerational resilience. Told through various perspectives of a range of characters, this hauntingly beautiful story will stick with you long after reading
Content Warning: Active Addiction, Sexual Assault
Emily: The Circle by Katherena Vermette (2023)
FRIENDS & FAMILY NIGHT (VANCOUVER)
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | VANCOUVER CAMPUS
4355 Mathissi Place, Burnaby, BG V5G 4S8
What makes NVIT the post-secondary institute for you?
Know more about NVIT with our campus tours and info sessions. Join us for an evening of exploration and connection - we can't wait to welcome you! For inquiries, please send an email to events@nvit ca
Merritt will have a Friends & Family Night on November 21, 2024. Save the date!
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 our Director Chelsea Vaughan at 250-378-3378 or cvaughan@nvit ca
Some of the programs offered though Community Education
Indigenous Early Childhood Education & 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 (ENTR)
Medical Office Assistant
Office Administration Certificate (OFAD)
University Transfer
General Arts And MORE!
NovaScotia Quebec,QC
Sheshatshiu,NL
MonctonNB
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!
Other opportunities:
STUDENT LIBRARY ASSISTANT
The Library Team is looking for Student Library Assistants to work for our Vancouver Campus Library.
Email your resume to Rita C. or Emily T. or drop it off at the Library.
*Compensation provided
MAZEPUZZLE
Puzzle # 1
Puzzle # 2
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
