How are we working together?
Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Working closely with Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), and other partners through regular steering committee meetings, project board meetings and ad hoc meetings on key topics.
Native Education College (NEC): The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) is working closely with NEC to build its capacity. PSFS and NEC meet regularly to set direction and work collaboratively.
Are there challenges?
Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Project costs are exceeding established funding commitments. PSFS is identifying options for managing project budget and risks.
Native Education College: Challenges faced by NEC include building capacity without necessary and additional public funding. PSFS is committed to seeking opportunities for additional funding.
Highlights
In the 2024/25 academic year, Native Education College offered its first Associate of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies – a two-year program that provides students with an academic foundation in Indigenous cultures, history, and contemporary issues. The college continues to see an upward trend with student enrolments, with 34% growth this past winter.
Previous years’ progress
Highlights
The Native Education College (NEC) has received conditional approval to offer their first Associate Degree in Indigenous studies, which signifies their growing capacity. Engagement and discussion will continue in 2024/25.
How are we working together?
Work continues between the partners to advance these initiatives. For work related to the NEC, through the StrongerBC Future Ready Action Plan, ongoing operational funding has been secured.
Are there challenges?
- Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Project costs are exceeding established funding. PSFS is identifying options for managing project budget and risks.
- Native Education College: Challenges faced by Native Education College include building capacity without additional public funding. PSFS is committed to seeking opportunities for additional funding.