The BC Oil and Gas Commission is funding a pilot Indigenous Education Program in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Vancouver Island University (VIU), Northern Lights College, and Northwest Community College.
This pilot program will provide vocational training and scholarship opportunities for Indigenous students across the province and aims to help students access education that can benefit them and their communities.
The Commission and UNBC are partnering on a pilot training program to fund spaces for Indigenous students to take applied Natural Resources Management courses, including Environmental Monitoring Certificate programs via UNBC Continuing Studies. These courses are practical, hands-on, and provide students with industry-recognized qualifications upon completion.
Scholarships will also be available with Northern Lights College and Northwest Community College for Indigenous students that would like to study in the trades, vocational, arts/science or business degree programs. The scholarships will be open to Indigenous students who are in good academic standing, show dedication to their studies and demonstrate financial need.
A limited number of seats are available for the training programs at UNBC and VIU, and the Commission will work with Treaty 8 communities and several other First Nations to offer the pilot training opportunities. If the pilot is successful, the Commission will look to broaden its reach to other communities.
More information on the Indigenous Education Initiative, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found at bcogc.ca/first-nations/indigenous-education-program.
Northwest Community College: BC Oil and Gas Commission Indigenous Education Award
Three awards of $1,000 each will be awarded: one annual award for trades or vocational studies; one annual award in Arts or Science based academic studies; and one annual award for business studies.
This will be an annual award, handed out over the course of five years, with Northwest Community College matching Commission funds by 50 per cent.
More criteria and nomination information to come.