Programs

Environmental Resources Technology

The Environmental Resources Technology Program (ENRT) is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of careers in the natural resource sector. This program offers hands-on learning experiences within the diverse ecosystems of the Nicola Valley, integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western science. Students will gain practical skills in data collection, field identification, resource measurement, and mapping. The Certificate level (Year 1) focuses on foundational field skills such as tree and plant identification, navigation, GIS mapping, soil identification, resource measurements, and fire ecology. It also includes courses on Ethnoscience and Indigenous case law to provide context for land use and Indigenous perspectives. Graduates at this level are qualified for field data collection roles. The Diploma level (Year 2) builds upon the certificate, applying first-year knowledge to solve environmental problems. Courses cover environmental disciplines like forest surveys, environmental assessment, wildlife, fisheries, grasslands, environmental planning, watershed hydrology, and silviculture. This level qualifies graduates for roles in forest surveys, environmental monitoring, environmental assessment data collection, and community environmental projects.

Health Care Assistant Certificate

The Health Care Assistant program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate frontline care. You will learn to support the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being of clients and their families under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The program includes theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experience, preparing you for diverse healthcare settings.

Indigenous Business Diploma

The Indigenous Business Diploma program is designed to equip students with essential business knowledge, practical skills, and cultural understanding to foster success in Indigenous-led businesses and organizations. This two-year diploma program integrates Traditional Indigenous Knowledge with contemporary business principles, focusing on land governance and sustainable economic practices. The curriculum emphasizes holistic growth, cultural vitality, and community-focused leadership, all guided by Indigenous Storywork and community-led knowledge systems.

Indigenous Early Childhood Education

The Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE) program at NVIT is designed to prepare students to provide high-quality care and education for young children. It emphasizes the integration of Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and community-based approaches within contemporary child development principles and provincial licensing standards. The program aims to foster culturally grounded and responsive early learning environments, supporting children's identity development through Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Students will explore the evolving roles of children, families, and educators within both Indigenous traditions and British Columbia’s licensed childcare framework.

Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions

This program is designed for individuals interested in a career focused on Indigenous Health, Wellness, and Addictions. Developed in partnership with the Hey Way-Noqu’ Healing Circle for Addictions Society (HHCAS), it provides essential skills for Indigenous Holistic Wellness and Addictions Counsellor certification, incorporating specific Indigenous content. The courses are transferable to related fields, making the program valuable for current or aspiring wellness workers, alcohol and drug counsellors, and addiction workers seeking to upgrade their qualifications for certification. It also offers continuing credit hours and professional development opportunities to meet job requirements and post-secondary credit needs. The program is delivered over one academic year at the Burnaby Campus and can also be offered in community settings. Each course involves at least 45 student/instructor contact hours, including assignments and exams. The Certificate requires 33 credits, the Diploma builds upon this with an additional 66 credits (totaling 99), and the Advanced Diploma requires a further 96 credits (totaling 129 over 3 years).

Indigenous Human Services

The Indigenous Human Services Certificate and Diploma programs at NVIT are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for rewarding careers in fields such as non-profit agencies, Indigenous communities, and government services. You will learn trauma-informed practices, human service theories, and decolonization-focused approaches to effectively support individuals and families facing various social challenges. The program emphasizes developing practical skills in trauma-informed practice, social policy from a decolonization perspective, and effective communication, blending academic learning with experiential opportunities. Upon completion of the Certificate, you will be prepared to assist agencies and communities with issues like economic disadvantage, mental health concerns, developmental challenges, gender and diversity issues, addictions, family changes, and interactions with the justice system. The Diploma program builds upon this foundation, enabling you to provide more in-depth supports and services to individuals and families. Graduates are well-prepared to make a significant positive impact on community well-being and can pursue further education in NVIT's Social Work Degree Program.

Nleʔkepmx Language Program

Nsyilxcen Language Fluency Certificate/Diploma

The Nsyilxcen Language Fluency Certificate and Diploma programs are designed to build strong communication skills while actively supporting the revitalization and preservation of the Nsyilxcen language and cultural identity. These foundational and innovative programs are open to all learners within Indigenous communities who wish to deepen their understanding and conversational ability in Indigenous languages. The curriculum aligns with community demands for retaining language fluency and meets Indigenous language standards as well as academic requirements. Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for post-secondary institutions to develop Aboriginal language programs, NVIT, as part of the Indigenous Language Fluency Consortium, offers this curriculum. The program emphasizes language fluency, knowledge, and skills relevant to the worldview of Indigenous communities, addressing the critical need for qualified fluent speakers across the country. Graduates of the Nsyilx̌cən Language Fluency program may have the opportunity to transfer into the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) through an established agreement. The program is delivered in community and can be pursued as a full-time or part-time study.

Office Administration Certificate

The Office Administration Certificate program is designed to equip students with essential administrative skills for entry-level roles in modern office environments. It's ideal for those looking to gain new skills for certification or enter the office workplace for the first time. The program focuses on building confidence and providing practical abilities needed to succeed. Through a supportive and flexible learning environment, you'll gain foundational knowledge in office procedures, computer applications, and effective workplace communication. Upon completion, you will possess strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You'll be proficient in administrative tasks, business writing, advanced word processing, and using office technology like spreadsheets and record management systems, enabling you to collaborate effectively in a professional setting.