About Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

Then:

Proud of our humble beginnings...
The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) is BC’s Aboriginal public post-secondary institute. NVIT  was formed as a private institute in 1983 by the founding bands of Coldwater, Nooaitch, Shackan, Upper Nicola and Lower Nicola Bands. Working from a basement in the downtown core of Merritt, three instructors taught thirteen students the basics of what is now our Natural Resource Technology program. The program was taught in an environment that promoted traditional ways and fostered student success, a vision that sticks with NVIT today. Gradually building its program offerings to address Aboriginal community needs such as socio-economic marginalization, environmental concerns and political issues with programs like Social Work, Natural Resource Technology and Aboriginal Community Economic Development, NVIT became and still remains a unique and important public post-secondary institute in Canada.

Today:

We have come a long way…

In 1995, NVIT was designated as a Provincial Institute under the British Columbia College and Institute Act making our programs and courses accredited within the province. After spending years in the downtown core of Merritt, the long awaited Eagles' Perch campus opened in 2002. Five years later, another campus was added in Vancouver along with the opening of much needed student housing in Merritt. Construction began in the fall of 2009 in Merritt on the Lecture Theatre / Daycare building which will open in the spring of 2010.

Growth has also come in our enrolment as communities outside of the Nicola Valley, like Bella Coola, Kingcome Inlet and Chase, took advantage of our renowned Community Education Department last year, taking programs important to the unique needs of their community and community members.

Education is now more accessible than ever here at NVIT where students can earn credits toward a university degree on campus in Merritt or Vancouver, online or in their own community.

Looking back, growth has come from all facets but the commitment and vision of NVIT and its supporting communities remains the same. Exploring knowledge from an Aboriginal perspective is giving our people the Education, Strength and Leadership we need to enhance our communities.