"Only by learning to share did the Nisga'a people flourish in our rugged and isolated corner of British Columbia. Today, we are forging full partnerships with other educational institutions in order to provide top quality, culturally appropriate post secondary education to everyone who lives here in the Nass River Valley. Increasingly, we welcome students from other parts of the world as well."
Jacob McKay
The educational needs of people in the Nass Valley are diverse. The range of courses and programs that the WWNI delivers (academic, vocational-technical, and continuing education) meet the short and long term individual needs of the Nisga'a people and other students through its strategic partnerships with other post-secondary institutions. Currently, the WWNI has agreements with UNBC, NWCC, and Royal Roads University. Of these, the agreements with UNBC and NWCC are the longest standing and have been extremely effective in helping WWNI meet the educational needs in the Nass Valley, and for the delivery of courses to Nisga'a people outside of the Nass Valley, particularly Nisga'a language and culture courses.
Students are able to complete the Bachelor of Arts: First Nations Studies – Nisga'a degree in the Nass Valley through a federated agreement with the University of Northern British Columbia (1993). WWNI's signature courses in the program are Nisga'a Language and Culture. WWNI is proud to be able to offer Nisga'a Language and Culture in its own setting, in the valley of the Nisga'a. All courses offered in this program are fully accredited with UNBC. While working toward their degree, WWNI students can attain academic certificates in a number of areas: Nisga'a Studies, General First Nations Studies, First Nations Language, and First Nations Public Administration.
Seating is limited in WWNI courses. Register now to reserve your seat. For further information, or to register, contact Lori Nyce, Student Support & Registration Administrator.
These are college level programs that include course work in resource management, home support, business administration, and office procedures, etc. Most of the courses offered are accredited through a partnership with the Northwest Community College (1975). Course credit earned can be applied toward a certificate and/or diploma.
Recent program offerings: Entry Level Carpentry, Basic Mining, Essential Skills for Work, Home Support Resident Care (HSRC), Entry Level Electric, and Entry Level Plumbing.
2008/2009 program offerings: License to Practical Nursing, Home Support Resident Care and Aboriginal Leadership.
Prospective Programs: Early Childhood Education
Nisga’a Access to Practical Nursing (PN)
Nisga’a Access to Practical Nursing Program is designed for potential students who have a Home Support Resident Care Attendant certificate and are seeking to upgrade their qualifications to meet the pre-requisite requirements for entry to the Practical Nursing Program. Potential student must have completed 600 hours of facility experience as confirmed by an employer’s letter.
Start Date: (TBA) To Be Announced
First Nations Home Support / Resident Care Certificate (FN HSRCA)
This eight-month full-time dual certificate program combines class lectures with
hands-on work experience practicum sessions allowing students to begin
learning and practicing personal care skills. What is taught and practiced in
class mirrors what will be done on the job. This ensures students can transfer
skills they have learned directly into the work setting.The FN HSRCA program includes all courses from the regular HSRCA program
with the addition of Advanced English (Health Access) as well as a course on First
Nations Health Studies. This increases the regular program from a six-month
offering to an eight month course.
Aboriginal Leadership Certificate Program
The Justice Institute of British Columbia is thrilled to announce the community partnership with Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute (WWNI), to offer the Aboriginal Leadership Certificate Program in New Aiyansh.
This program supports the existing leadership capacity and potential within rural and urban Aboriginal communities.
This program emphasizes the integration of traditional Aboriginal worldviews and contemporary perspectives with the skills required for exemplary leadership. The program supports Aboriginal communities in meeting the challenges of self-governance, treaty negotiation, and the transfer of governmental programs and services.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Existing Village Government Leaders and Managers
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals who aspire to be:
- Executive Directors
- Chief Executive Officers
- Administrators, Justice and Education Managers
- Police, Correctional and Probation Officers,
- Justice, Fisheries and
Environmental Officers,- Firefighters,
- Health,
- Social Services Administrators
- and Children and Family Services
The WWNI has delivered a wide array of courses in continuing education over the years including moose tanning, creative writing with Thomas King, and photography with Greg Staats. Most of the courses delivered are non-accredited, e.g. First Aid Level 1, Transport Endorsement, Food Safe, WHMIS, etc. However, industrial certification courses such as Flagging and First Aid Level 3 are provincially recognized.
Contact Ted Gosnell, Vocational Technical Coordinator, if interested in any vocational/technical and continuing education courses.
The CCP program is vital to preparing students for further post-secondary education. The program provides high school level courses for adult students in an adult environment. Through this program, students can complete entry level requirements for university, career, technical, trades, business and many other post-secondary programs. Students can also complete their grade 12 high school graduation requirements in the program, or prepare for their GED (Grade 12 equivalency) exam. Courses help students meet their educational goals by improving skills in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Computer Technology. The WWNI offers this program tuition free to students.
To register for CCP, contact Deirdre Albright, UCEP Instructor, at (250) 633-2292.
