October was a month filled with energy, intention, and connection at NVIT. From celebrating student achievements to creating spaces for cultural learning and welcoming future learners, the campus community came together in meaningful ways. These moments reflect NVIT’s ongoing commitment to supporting learners and fostering relationships rooted in Indigenous values. As we step into November, we look forward to the opportunities, gatherings, and growth the new month will bring.
On October 1st, NVIT proudly hosted a combined Entrance Awards Ceremony for both the Burnaby and Merritt campuses, honouring the achievements of incoming students and celebrating the beginning of their academic journey.
The event was thoughtfully organized by our Academic Planners, who not only coordinated
the logistics but also extended invitations to the sponsors of each award presented Their presence added a meaningful layer of connection and recognition, allowing students to personally thank those who support their educational goals.
Dr. John Chenoweth, President presented awards to the
Check out the upcoming events and workshops happening at both NVIT’s Merritt and Vancouver campuses in the Events & Workshops section
MONTHLYNEWSLETTER
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Merritt campus recipients, while James Beck, Dean, honoured the Burnaby campus awardees Both speakers shared inspiring words, emphasizing NVIT’s commitment to student success and the importance of community support in education.
We are proud to have such bright, dedicated students at NVIT. Their achievements reflect the strength of our learning community and the promise of a bright future. The ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of achievement, gratitude, and the strong relationships that make NVIT a unique and supportive learning environment.
Congratulations to all our award recipients! We look forward to witnessing your continued growth and success.
NVIT Learners Gather for “Back to the Fire” Film Showcase with Elder Chief Gibby Jacobs (Kákeltn Siyám)
NVIT was honoured to welcome Elder Chief Gibby Jacobs, whose traditional Squamish name is Kákeltn Siyám, for a special screening of his documentary series, Back to the Fire. As an NVIT Elder, Chief Jacobs brought not only his film but also his wisdom and presence to the event, creating a powerful learning experience for all in attendance.
The event brought together 27 learners, who had the opportunity to engage with the film and learn directly from Chief Jacobs’ experiences and teachings
Back to the Fire is a six-part documentary series that features prominent Indigenous leaders from across Canada Created and executive produced by Chief Jacobs, the series explores traditional teachings, cultural values, and personal stories of resilience, aiming to reconnect Indigenous youth with ancestral knowledge disrupted by colonialism. Each episode is filmed on sacred lands and offers viewers a rich tapestry of wisdom, leadership, and healing.
During the event, Chief Jacobs shared the inspiration behind the series and emphasized the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge for future generations. Learners were deeply engaged, reflecting on themes of identity, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization.
NVIT is proud to host events that foster learning beyond the classroom and connect students with Indigenous voices and lived experiences. We thank Kákeltn Siyám (Chief Gibby Jacobs) for sharing his work and wisdom, and we commend our learners for showing up with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to understanding
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Historic Partnership Strengthens Indigenous-Led Business Education
A new Indigenous-led partnership is set to transform entrepreneurship and business education across Canada. On Sunday evening, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), and Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) officially marked the beginning of this collaboration with a signing ceremony and gift exchange.
This landmark initiative CICan’s first Indigenous-led program was co-created with the three Indigenous Institutes to strengthen culturally relevant Entrepreneurship, Business, and Accounting (EBA) education grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. With a generous commitment of US $12 million (approximately CA $16 million) from the BHP Foundation, the five-year program will expand training opportunities, mentorship, and applied research to empower Indigenous learners and entrepreneurs
The opening ceremony began with a Grand Entry featuring drummers from Red Crow Community College, followed by the signing of the agreement, gift exchanges, and a traditional pipe ceremony symbolic of the deep cultural grounding that defines this initiative.
NVIT President and CEO, Dr. John Chenoweth, shared: “I am deeply honoured for NVIT to be part of this historic partnership with CICan, SIIT, and Six Nations Polytechnic as our nkseytkn nəqsílł our family and community. Together, with the generous support of the BHP Foundation, we will strengthen Indigenous-led education and entrepreneurship grounded in our cultures, values, and worldviews. NVIT recognizes and commends BHP’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This collaboration supports NVIT’s purpose of improving the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by creating meaningful pathways for learners and communities to lead, innovate, and shape their own economic futures.”
This partnership represents a significant step toward economic reconciliation and self-determination. By placing Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and values at the heart of entrepreneurship education, it ensures that future business programs are designed by and for Indigenous communities As highlighted in a recent Calgary Herald article, this collaboration will “bolster Indigenous entrepreneurship and business education across Canada,” creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
MONTHLYNEWSLETTER
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Exploring Possibilities: NVIT Vancouver Campus Open House a Resounding Success
NVIT’s Open House at the Vancouver Campus was a vibrant and intentional event that welcomed prospective learners, families, and community members into our educational space. The atmosphere was warm and engaging, with a clear focus on helping attendees explore their future at NVIT.
The success of the event was rooted in its purposeful design. Rather than program-specific booths, the Open House featured dedicated stations for Recruitment & Admissions and Financial & Academic Planning. These booths provided personalized guidance, allowing guests to ask questions, understand application processes, and explore funding options and academic pathways.
With a noticeable increase in prospective students attending, the event highlighted a growing interest in Indigenouscentred education and the unique opportunities NVIT offers Many visitors left feeling inspired and informed, equipped with the knowledge to take the next step in their educational journey
As we celebrate the success of the Vancouver Campus Open House, we now look forward to welcoming even more future learners at our Merritt Campus Open House, happening on November 13. This upcoming event promises to continue the momentum, offering another opportunity for community connection, exploration, and inspiration.
We’re proud to host events that foster learning, build relationships, and support learners in discovering their path at NVIT.
www.nvit.ca/apply/know-more-about-nvit/open-house
CONTINUING STUDIES COURSES
August - December 2025
BasicFirstAid
8:30AM-4:30PM|MerrittCampus
Friday,November14,2025
Friday,December12,2025
GIVE. FLY. INSPIRE.
Winbig, supportbigger
Get a chance to win our amazing prizes! rafflebox ca/raffle/nvit
This raffle is lovingly organized by NVIT’s Elders, whose deep commitment to student success continues to shape our campus community. All proceeds will go directly toward enhancing student support, cultural activities, and meaningful initiatives that foster connection, wellness, and belonging. By participating, you're not just entering to win, you’re helping buildastronger,morevibrantNVITforeveryone.
To purchase tickets and read the full raffle mechanics, please visit
rafflebox.ca/raffle/nvit
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 admissions@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.
