MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
ReflectingonaMomentousJuneatNVIT
Honouring History, Pride, Achievement, and Leadership
At NVIT, June is not just the end of the academic year it’s a tim celebration, recognition, and deep cultural reflection. It marks Na Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, National Indigenous People and of course, Graduation Season. Together, these observances refle heart of our mission: empowering Indigenous learners through acces inclusive, and transformative education.
July1
CanadaDay-NVITCampusesClosed
CAMPUS EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
Please see page 5 to see upcoming events and workshop happening in both NVIT
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
Vancouver
Graduation
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Honouring Tradition in a New Space
On June 6th, NVIT held its Vancouver Campus Graduation at the Musqueam Cultural Centre a historic first. Choosing this venue was intentional and symbolic. We wanted to bring the graduation ceremony into the community, to honour the Musqueam Nation, whose territory is home to our Vancouver campus.
Surrounded by traditional artwork and architecture, and the warmth of Musqueam hospitality, graduates crossed the stage supported by family, friends, faculty, and Elders. The setting elevated the ceremony into something truly sacred, blending academic celebration with Indigenous cultural protocols.
MONTHLYNEWSLETTER
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
A key moment of the day was the introduction of Naomi Narcisse, an NVIT alumna now pursuing her PhD in Education at UBC. Naomi took on the special role of NVIT’s Inaugural Witness. This role draws on Indigenous traditions of witnessing, where one is called to observe, remember, and share key moments in community life. Naomi’s address challenged graduates to hold onto their teachings, give back to their communities, and continue walking with purpose. �� Relive the Vancouver Grad here: Watch on YouTube
Elder’s Goody Day: A Heartwarming End to the Semester
Friday the 13th turned out to be nothing but lucky for our graduates and their families. More than 600 guests gathered at the Merritt Campus to celebrate the Class of 2025. The gym was filled with song, drumming, laughter, and tearful hugs as graduates received the recognition they had worked so hard to earn.
The day was not only about students, but also about the community Conversations were shared over, cameras captured moments that will last a lifetime, and Elders sat proudly in the front row, offering their blessings and presence
MONTHLYNEWSLETTER
WHAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS?
National Indigenous Peoples Day –Quiet Celebrations with Deep Meaning
June 21st National Indigenous Peoples Day is always special at NVIT. Though many students were away for the summer, staff and faculty came together to mark the day in heartfelt ways.
At the Merritt Campus, a fire ceremony was held to honour ancestors and offer prayers for guidance. This was followed by a community potluck, with traditional foods and good conversation shared by those who gathered
In Vancouver, the day was marked by a staff and student potluck, including members of the Indigenous Health and Wellness Assistant (IHWA) program Though smaller in scale, the celebration was filled with laughter, storytelling, and meaningful connections a reminder that every act of gathering is an act of resistance, remembrance, and renewal.
Presidential Installation –A Celebration of Vision and Leadership
On June 23rd, NVIT formally celebrated the Installation of Dr. John Chenoweth as President and CEO. Although he began his presidency in October 2024, the formal event was intentionally timed after the academic year to ensure full community participation.
The ceremony welcomed NVIT Elders, Chiefs and former Chiefs from surrounding bands, Grand Chief Percy Joe, family members, and longtime NVIT supporters. Held at the Merritt Campus, it was a chance to celebrate not only Dr. Chenoweth’s leadership as we move forward but also his long-standing contributions to NVIT since its inception in 1983.
As an Indigenous scholar, educator, and former Vice President of Academic and Community Education, Dr Chenoweth brings both lived experience and visionary leadership to the role His installation marked a recommitment to NVIT’s mission: to be a place where Indigenous learners are celebrated, supported, and empowered.
STUDENT AMBASSADOR
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CONTINUINGSTUDIES
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8:30AM-4:30PM|MerrittCampus
Friday,July4th
nvit.ca/continuingstudies.htm
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9:00AM-5:00PM|MerrittCampus
Thursday,August26,2025
RegistrationDeadline: August19,2025
Get that Bachelor of Education Degree closer to home
Seeking future teachers committed to Indigenous Education!
The Bachelor of Education Degree program will be offered at NVIT in partnership with UBC this coming January 2026.
Prerequisite courses will be available at the Merritt Campus in Fall Term 2025.
Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years (60 credits) of post-secondary coursework, which must include:
6 credits in English Literature and Composition;
3 credits in Canadian Studies;
3 credits in a Laboratory Science;
3 credits in Mathematics (not statistics);
15 credits of upper-level coursework (300- or 400-level);
100 hours of practical experience working with age-appropriate students or youth
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!
Staying Safe on the Road During Wildfire Season Tips for travelling and working safely during smoky, high-risk conditions
As wildfires continue to affect communities across British Columbia, it's important to remember that the risks extend beyond flames Smoke, heat, and road debris can make driving more dangerous, especially in rural or remote areas Whether you’re heading to campus, travelling for work, or setting up at a roadside site, these tips can help you stay safe
Drive Calmly and Cautiously
Smoke can limit visibility and impair your ability to react to sudden changes on the road Reduce your speed, increase your following distance to 4–6 seconds, and keep your headlights and taillights on Always follow instructions from emergency personnel or traffic control staff, and avoid driving at night when visibility is already reduced.
Limit Smoke Exposure While Driving
Keep windows closed and switch your air system to “recirculate” to prevent smoky air from entering your vehicle. Turn off recirculation every hour for about 15 minutes to give your air filters a chance to refresh.
Be Prepared
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Essentials include bottled water, booster cables, a flashlight, a map (in case you lose cell service), a “Help/OK” sign, and a few masks in case you need to leave the vehicle in smoky conditions. Preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.
If You Work at a Roadside Site
Before leaving, take a few minutes to review your work plan. Check traffic, weather, and wildfire conditions. Pack your PPE, cones, signage, and ensure your vehicle is road-ready. Review your role, setup plan, and emergency escape route with your supervisor. Clear communication can help keep everyone safe.
A Few Extra Minutes Can Make All the Difference
Being prepared isn’t just a good habit it’s a vital step in protecting yourself and those around you. For more tips and resources, visit RoadSafetyAtWork.ca and check out their Safety at the Roadside: What Workers Need to Know guide.
RINGROADPROJECT
RING ROAD PROJECT
April 2025 - November 2025
Project Description
NVIT’s student housing project will include two six-unit townhouses for families, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom units to accommodate as many as 30 students and family members. This project also includes a 36-space childcare and health program expansion, and the addition of a mobile training trailer compound. Dedicated student family housing and Daycare at NVIT’s Merritt Campus, means students can commit to their studies without the worry of where to call home during the school year while also remaining close to their loved ones
Phase One
Phase Two
April 2025 – July/August 2025 September 2025 - November 2025
Connects the NVIT Ring Road to Bremner Avenue and completes the site development for our new 36 seat Daycare and classrooms and our 12-, two- and three-bedroom Family Housing units.
Completion of the trailer/fleet storage compound that stores NVIT’s 7 Mobile Training units and connection to Belshaw St.
Construction of the Housing and Daycare will start in August/September 2025, completing in March 2027
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
DEADLINE:JUNE30,2026Visitwww.nvit.ca/ieb.htmformoreinformation.
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!
