OVERVIEW
The TRC report calls to action for post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree programs in Aboriginal languages. In reaction to this NVIT, as a member of the Indigenous Language Fluency Consortium, designed this curriculum to meet the community demands to retain language fluency in community members.
The Indigenous Language Fluency Degree framework is designed to meet Indigenous community language standards as well as academic standards to ensure that NVIT graduates are successful and effective fluent language speakers in their respective communities.
The program is unique in that it emphasizes the language fluency, knowledge and skills relevant to all the worldview of Indigenous communities. Developing Indigenous Language Fluency is at a critical stage with a high need for qualified fluent speakers particularly in the Indigenous communities across the country.
Bachelor of St’át’imc Language Fluency – UBC Okanagan
Language is deeply intertwined in our Indigenous communities’ culture. Interior Salish language bachelor degrees are an innovative collaboration between communities, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), En’owkin Centre and UBC Okanagan to sustain and revitalize language traditions, restore language competence and protect the knowledge of our communities.
Interior Salish language bachelor degrees begin with a summer transition course to ensure students’ successful introduction to UBC Okanagan and the university environment. During this course, students will connect with other Indigenous students, get familiar with the campus, engage with the Indigenous Programs and Services staff and services, and stay in on-campus residence.
To enter this degree, students must meet UBC’s requirements for transfer students’ admissions, with the exception of the English Language Admission Standard, which may be waived.
Additionally, students must have successfully completed the related two-year Language Fluency Diploma at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).
For more information, please contact Virginia Aspinall, Indigenous Languages Community Liaison and Instructional Coordinator at NVIT.
