About

The Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute is a community driven, student focused aboriginal post-secondary institute located in the picturesque Nass Valley of Northern BC. It is the university-college in the Nass Valley. The WWNI incorporated in 1993 in an initiative from the Nisga’a Tribal Council (now referred to as Nisga’a Lisims Government) to provide quality post-secondary education and training to people within the Nisga’a community, and to ensure the survival of Nisga’a language and culture.

The WWNI is a non-profit organization incorporated under the Society Act of British Columbia. The WWNI Board of Directors is made up of one representative from each of the four villages in the Nass Valley and a Chair elected at large to represent the Nisga’a Lisims Government. The WWNI is affiliated with the University of Northern British Columbia, Northwest Community College, and Royal Roads University for the delivery and accreditation of its courses and programs.

The WWNI is a four pronged institution offering academic, vocational, technical, and continuing education for adults. For example, a student can complete a full Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies-Nisga’a or complete upgrading or grade 12 in the University-College Entrance Preparation program. WWNI is the only place where students can earn a certificate in Nisga’a Studies.

The WWNI is located in the Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw on the northwest coast of British Columbia, 1.5 hours northwest of Terrace, BC. The WWNI is a dynamic educational institution that changes and grows as it responds to the needs and wishes of the communities it serves. The WWNI serves the post-secondary needs of Nisga’a and non-Nisga’a people resident in New Aiyansh, Gitwinksihlkw, Laxgalts’ap, and Gingolx, in Nisga’a Urban Locals located in Terrace, Prince Rupert/Port Edward, and Vancouver, and attracts students from all regions of the province as well as from across Canada and internationally.