Program Delivery Location Community Based Merritt Programs in this Department Indigenous Language Certificate Indigenous Language Diploma Advanced Diploma in Indigenous Language Teaching NVIT strongly believes in the importance of the retention and maintenance of Aboriginal languages. Indigenous languages will be delivered on-site and in the respective communities. NVIT offers a first year language certificate, a second year language diploma and a third year Advanced Diploma in Indigenous Language Teaching. These programs encourage learners to begin speaking, practicing and teaching their respective languages. NVIT is committed to assisting local Aboriginal communities in the retention of their languages. For more information, contact Mandy Jimmie at 250-378-3340 or mjimmie@nvit.bc.ca Career Opportunities The graduate of the Indigenous Language Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Indigenous Language Teaching will have many employment opportunities including: • Tribal and band administrations and organizations • other organizations who serve First Nations communities and members
The one year certificate program prepares students to provide knowledge and skills to assist individuals, families, and communities in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings. The certificate is awarded to recognize the successful completion of the equivalent of a one year, full-time or part-time study, with an option of continuing on to the second year diploma. The ILC requires 30 credits and an overall minimum GPA of 2.33. The Indigenous Language Certificate is awarded to recognize the successful completion of the equivalent of one year of full-time study with an option of continuing on to the second year diploma.
Admission Requirements All applicants to the Indigenous Language Certificate Program are required to meet the following admission and application requirements. Candidates are assessed on the following the factors: • Grade 12 Diploma or mature status (19 years of age) • C+ minimum grade in English 12/English 12 First Peoples or ENGL 060
Certificate Completion Plan Students must complete 9 credits as prescribed below plus 15 credits of a target language (INLG/INST/STLG/HALQ/NLEK/NSYL/SKWX) and 6 arts elective credits.
The two year diploma program prepares students to provide knowledge and skills to assist individuals, families, and communities in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings. The diploma is earned with the completion of all courses listed under the Indigenous Language Certificate Completion plan and the Indigenous Language Diploma Completion The ILD requires 60 credits with an overall minimum GPA of 2.33. Diploma Completion Plan Students must complete 24 credits of a target language (INLG/INST/STLG/HALQ/NLEK/NSYL/SKWX) plus 6 arts elective credits in Canadian Studies, Anthropology or English.
This one-year advanced (ADILT) diploma program is available to graduates of the Indigenous Language Diploma program and will prepare students to teach indigenous languages in any BC school setting. Graduates will be eligible to receive the Developmental Standard Term Certificate (DSTC) from the BC College of Teachers and may apply for transfer into the Bachelor of Education at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). This advanced diploma program combines theoretical and pedagogical study in the areas of language education with school practicum experiences. The program enables students to articulate personal and professional ethical conduct consistent with Aboriginal values and beliefs and consistent with professional and teacher codes of ethics. Students must complete all courses in the program with a minimum GPA of 2.33 in order to qualify for the advanced certificate and for the BC College of Teachers to issue the DSTC.
Admission Requirements • Successful completion of the Indigenous Language Certificate and Diploma program. • All applicants must attend an orientation interview with program personnel preceding the start of the program. Through the interview applicants must demonstrate their suitability for teaching, experience in language and culture service organizations, and their commitment to the retention and maintenance of an indigenous language. • Letter of reference from a community member who has knowledge of their language and commitment to the language teaching. • RCMP Criminal Record Check. Advanced Diploma Completion Plan Students must complete 24 credits as prescribed below plus 6 credits of a target language at the 300 level (INLG/INST/STLG/HALQ/NLEK/NSYL/SKWX) and two language teaching practicums.