FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS? February 14 NVIT Elders’ Goody Day in Merritt February 15 Last day to notify Registrar’s Office of conflicts in Final Exam Schedule
Celebrations, Workshops, and Chilly Adventures: A Recap of Holidays and January 2024
February 16 Posting of official Spring 2024 Final Exam Schedule February 19 Family Day - NVIT Closed February 20 - 23 Reading Break February 23 Drumming by the fireplace - Merritt Continuing Studies Course: Occupational First Aid Level 1 February 28 Pink Shirt Day February 26 - March 8 Experience NVIT 2024 Continuing Studies Course: Occupational First Aid Level 3 Course March 13 Continuing Studies Course: Occupational First Aid Level 1 March 15 Continuing Studies Course: Foodsafe Level 1 March 18 - 28 Continuing Studies Course: Emergency Medical Responder Bridge
(Photo grabbed from Naomi Narcisse on Facebook)
As the winter holidays unfolded, our Vancouver students experienced a festive season filled with joy and camaraderie, thanks to the efforts of the Student Society. The highlight of the Christmas season was the spectacular Christmas Party at the Vancouver Campus organized by the Student Society, providing our students with an unforgettable celebration. Merritt students, on the other hand, kicked off their holiday festivities with a bowling night in December and a warm Welcome Back lunch in January, fostering a sense of community and connection. One notable event that added a unique touch to the start of the new year was the celebration of National Ribbon Skirt Day on January 4th. The staff at various institutions, including Vancouver campuses, embraced the occasion by donning their own ribbon skirts. Social media platforms became a colourful tapestry as individuals shared images of their vibrant and meaningful skirts, contributing to the celebration of cultural diversity and expression. In an effort to further engage and educate students, Drum Workshops and Ribbon Skirt Workshops were hosted at the Vancouver campus. The workshops, generously funded by the Student Society, aimed to provide students with opportunities to explore and appreciate indigenous cultures. The decision to offer these workshops free of charge underscored the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, allowing students to participate without financial barriers. The success of these events has paved the way for more workshops scheduled for February, promising continued cultural enrichment and education for the student community. Continued on next page..
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS? CONT. Celebrations, Workshops, and Chilly Adventures: A Recap of Holidays and January 2024 While the festivities and cultural celebrations brightened the holiday season, January also brought challenges in the form of extreme temperatures across the nation. The intensity of the cold weather made it a month to remember, with communities braving the elements and coming together to support one another. As January bids farewell, the arrival of February brings hope and anticipation for a month filled with exciting activities. The momentum gained from the previous month's celebrations and workshops sets the stage for a vibrant and engaging February. With a diverse array of events on the horizon, students can look forward to more opportunities for learning, celebration, and connection. As the winter season continues, the community remains resilient, embracing the challenges of the cold while eagerly anticipating the warmth that comes from shared experiences and collective joy.
NEW MEMBER OF THE NVIT COMMUNITY Welcoming Carlo Zanuzzi: NVIT is thrilled to welcome Carlo Zanuzzi, MBA, CPA, CMA, as the newly appointed Finance Director. With a remarkable career NVIT's New Finance Director spanning over 22 years, Carlo brings a wealth of financial with a Wealth of Experience accounting expertise, having worked across diverse industries such as hi-tech, bio-med, and game entertainment.
Carlo's most recent role as the Executive Director, Finance & IT with the Kwantlen First Nation exemplifies his commitment to community and cultural understanding. Serving in this capacity for a solid eight years, Carlo has become deeply immersed in Indigenous culture. His dedication to fostering positive relationships and bridging gaps between financial management and cultural values has positioned him as a valuable asset for the Indigenous community. On February 1, 2024, Carlo Zanuzzi officially assumed the role of Finance Director at NVIT, bringing his extensive knowledge and experience to the institution. His leadership and strategic financial acumen are expected to contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of NVIT. As NVIT embarks on a new chapter under Carlo Zanuzzi's guidance, the community can look forward to innovative financial strategies and a collaborative approach that aligns with the institution's mission and goals. The NVIT family extends a warm welcome to Carlo Zanuzzi, expressing enthusiasm for the positive impact he is sure to make as the Finance Director.
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
MEET OUR STUDENT LEADERS
Kayla Pretti
My name is Kayla Pretti of Sapotawey Nations. I ak Cree am in the H ealth Care A program at N ssistant icola Valley In stitute of Tech in Merritt, BC. nology My long-term goal is to wor k in the hea field as a Reg lthcare istered Nurse with First N communities ations across Canada, as this is a hig field I want to h -need support. The main reas on I chose NV IT as the colle wanted to atte ge that I nd is because NVIT celebrat Nation culture es First . I had never go tten the oppo as a First N rtunity ation individu al to celebrat culture so open e my ly and proudl y until now.
Jonathon Nolie
a Bachelor of Social Work As an NVIT student pursuing ply intertwined with (BSW), my journey is dee heritage. My family's past, reconnecting to my Indigenous of my grandparents as marked by the experiences my mother as a 60s scoop residential school survivors and anding and inspired my survivor, has shaped my underst ply rooted in my culture path, despite not being raised dee ple from Ba'as (Blunden part of the Nakwaxda'xw peo cing the opportunity to Harbor). At NVIT, I am embra Indigenous background, a deepen my connection with my st. NVIT, renowned for its personal and educational que es, offers me a unique focus on Indigenous perspectiv grate my cultural identity environment to explore and inte suing a BSW at NVIT is a into my social work practice. Pur my professional skills and critical step towards advancing my Indigenous roots, rediscovering and reclaiming re meaningfully to my allowing me to contribute mo peoples. community and other Indigenous NVIT's future home in I grew up across the street from mercial. Native Housing at Pender and Com bingo every week with my I have a dog, Bailey and I go to mom.
Gila'kasla nino'gad, n ugwa'um called Jon Xusam'da athon No s, and I am lie; my F (Blunden a mily is fr Harbor); om Ba'as my Grand and Harry parents w James; my ere Mable mother is are 'Nakw Judy Dunc axda'xw p an, we eople. I li am the o ve I North ldest of 5 V a n and I si b lings. I w coming to as a chef NVIT. before
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
KNOW MORE ABOUT NVIT
EXPERIENCE NVIT 2024
FEB 26, MON
FEB 27, TUE
FEB 28, WED
Indigenous Human Services (IHMS) & Bachelor of Social Work
University Transfer (Associate of Arts) & College Readiness
Environmental Resources Technology (ENRT)
FEB 29, THU
MAR 1, FRI
Health Care Assistant & Access to Practical Nursing
Trades & Culinary Arts
MAR 4, MON
MAR 5, TUE
Indigenous Language Fluency
Community and Public Safety Professional & Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions (IHWA)
Mar 6, WED Office Administration, Executive Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, & Business Administration
MAR 7, THU
MAR 8, FRI
Indigenous Early Childhood Education & Community Education
Student Support Services, Immediate Entry Bursary, & CO-OP
All sessions start at 12:00 nn.
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
CONTINUING STUDIES
EXPERIENCE THE NVIT DIFFERENCE
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
LEADERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GRADUATION Application for graduation is open through NVIT Self-Service until March 31! VANCOUVER CEREMONY JUNE 7, FRIDAY
MERRITT CEREMONIES JUNE 13, THURSDAY JUNE 14, FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
SUCCESS CENTRE Welcome to NVIT! The Success Centre (SC) is a culturally appropriate learner-centered environment, here to help make NVIT an accessible and welcoming space for all students. We support learners at our Merritt and Burnaby campuses and our Indigenous communities across Canada. Through this shared responsibility between staff, faculty, Elders, and students, we recognize the challenges and responsibilities students may endure to continue their education. As an Indigenous Post-Secondary, we recognize the importance of inclusivity and having a sense of belonging where all students have equal rights and opportunities. This unique dedication allows students to embrace the uniqueness of their individual learning styles that come with an education journey.
Workshops MERRITT
BY SUCCESS CENTRE
VANCOUVER
February 8
Essay Building - Introductions/Conclusions
February 8
Essay Building - Introductions/Conclusions
February 15
Essay Building - Paragraph & Sentence Structure
February 15
Essay Building - Paragraph & Sentence Structure
February 29
APA Workshop
February 29
APA Workshop
March 7
PowerPoint & Presentations
March 7
PowerPoint & Presentations
March 14
Night Against Procrastination
March 14
Night Against Procrastination
March 21
Resume Building
March 21
Resume Building
March 28
Interview Skills
March 28
Interview Skills
All workshops are scheduled at 12:00 - 12:45 pm. Please note that dates are subject to change. Subscribe to the Success Centre Teams Channel. To join, follow the steps on the next page.
The Success Centre strives to create informed and respectful working relationships with all students using services and support that are unique to each individual’s experience. This holistic approach includes wellness internal and external support and referrals, academic skill development through one of our many workshops, resume and interview skill building, accommodation and accessibility supports and individual or group tutoring, in-person or online.
If we can provide any assistance or answer any questions, please feel free to utilize our online booking platform at https://bit.ly/NVIT-SSC to schedule an appointment or connect with any of the Success Centre staff.
We look forward to meeting you in person and hearing more about your education goals and career aspirations. We wish you the very best in your quest to become a future leader.
Emily Sall Success Centre Planner for Vancouver esall@nvit.ca or 604-602-3437
Lisa DeWinter Success Centre Manager ldewinter@nvit.ca or 250-378-3312 Deserae Gogel Success Centre Planner for Merritt dgogel@nvit.ca or 250-378-3324
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
HOW TO JOIN THE WORKSHOPS The workshops are also accessible via MS Teams. Use your NVIT account to be part of the WORKSHOPS BY SUCCESS CENTRE team. Follow these instructions to join!
1
Log into your MS Teams account using your NVIT email. On the Left Side, click on Teams
2
On the upper righthand, click “Join or create team”. Under “Join a team with a code”, Enter code: rmomkl5
3
When you have joined the team, go to the “Workshop Dates” channel and click on the 3 dots beside it.
4
To get notified on upcoming workshops, hover your mouse to “Channel Notifications” and select “All activity”
5
Stay tuned on the Success Centre’s announcements and make the most out of your NVIT Experience!
Workshops BY SUCCESS CENTRE
FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE
ANNOUNCEMENTS NVIT IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE
IMMEDIATE ENTRY BURSARY FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025
Covers up to $2,896 in tuition for the first year of full-time studies! Students must be in Grade 12, graduating in 2024 from: School District #58; School District #74, specifically from Desert Sands Community School, Kumsheen Shch-Ema-meet, Lillooet Secondary, David Stoddart Secondary; Similkameen Elementary Secondary, Hope Secondary, or Logan Lake Secondary; A BC First Nations School that is registered with the BC First Nations Schools Association; or Graduate from across BC who self-identifies as Indigenous.
APPLY TODAY!
Visit www.nvit.ca/ieb.htm for more information.
In response to BC’s Bill 41 – 2019: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the educationfocused Direct Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and Direct Articles of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), NVIT invites School District 58 and eligible BC Indigenous Grade 12 graduates to join us on either the Merritt or Burnaby campuses for an educational experience immersed in Indigenous ways of knowing and supported by a bursary equivalent to tuition for 30 credits of full-time studies.
Connect to an Academic & Financial Planner now! bit.ly/NVIT-AFP
INTERESTED IN EVENTS AT NVIT? WE NOW HAVE AN ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR! Located on our website under the Connect Tab. The calendar can be found at:
www.nvit.ca/events.htm
STAY CONNECTED #myNVIT #nvit83
Stay connected with NVIT by following us on social media! Is there information you want added to the newsletter? Send it to:
COMMUNICATION@NVIT.CA