UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Nisga'a Institute and UNBC partner to help alleviate teacher shortage in the North

The Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute (WWNI) and the University of Northern British Columbia are partnering to deliver a one-time, community-based offering of UNBC's Bachelor of Education (BEd) Elementary Years program in Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., beginning later this year.

"This program is an important step that will promote new post-secondary education opportunities in northern communities," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. "This initiative will create lasting benefits for students, schools, and the community by helping future educators learn and grow where they live."  

Developed in collaboration with the Nisga'a School District 92 (SD92), the UNBC BEd - Nisga'a Cohort Program responds to ongoing teacher shortages in northern and rural communities, particularly the need for more Indigenous teachers.

"Communities in the North have been clear about the need for more local educators. This community-based offering of WWNI-UNBC's Bachelor of Education program in Gitwinksihlkw, reflects our government's commitment to expand opportunities across B.C. where people need them most," said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "This initiative provides northern B.C. students the opportunity to study and teach in their home communities."  

The program will support a cohort of 10 to 15 local teacher candidates to complete their degrees close to home and strengthen long-term capacity in regional schools.  

"WWNI is so excited to welcome students into our first WWNI-UNBC Bachelor of Education program this Fall", says Dr. Deanna Nyce, WWNI President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to their success, academic practice, and the amazing talent they will bring to their future students and the teaching profession! Thank you to all those who assisted us with the program coordination and support."  

The 20-month program will run from September 2026 to April 2028 and will be delivered primarily in person at the WWNI campus in Gitwinksihlkw, with some theory courses offered online. Practicum placements will occur within the Nass Valley and surrounding region, in partnership with SD92. Graduates will receive a UNBC Bachelor of Education degree and be recommended to the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch for certification.  

"Launching the Bachelor of Education, Nisga'a Cohort reflects UNBC's commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally relevant education in and for the North," says UNBC Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bill Owen. "By partnering with WWNI and offering this program in the Nass Valley, the program is supporting future teachers who understand the language, culture and lived realities of the communities where they will serve."  

In anticipation of the program launch, WWNI has been working with a group of prospective students who have been completing the academic prerequisites required for admission.   

"The Bachelor of Education program will provide the certification that complements my many years of experience in the education system and prepares me to teach within my Nation, strengthening cultural identity and supporting future leaders", says WWNI student Dionne Morven. "Teaching B.C. curriculum content while integrating Nisga'a language and culture involves aligning provincial learning standards with culturally grounded knowledge and practices to create meaningful, culturally relevant learning experiences."  

The program will provide additional qualified teachers to support learning at the four elementary schools in SD92 and at other schools in the region.  

"Nisga'a School District 92 celebrates this partnership as commitment to Nisga'a leaders' vision to educate our children in a way that strengthens Sayt K'ilim Goot (One Heart, One Path, One Nation)", says Mr. Robert Clifton, Nisga'a School District 92 CEO and Superintendent of Schools. "Supporting future Nisga'a educators to learn close to home helps our schools and learners grow in ways that honour Nisga'a language, culture and community."