NIC, BHP and community representatives meet at NIC鈥檚 Mixalakwila campus
A $325,000 donation by BHP Canada will support Indigenous land-based learning on the North Island for the next five years.
The company is funding the Awi鈥檔akola program, based at NIC鈥檚 Mixalakwila campus in Port Hardy. Meaning 鈥渨e are one with the land and sea,鈥� Awi鈥檔akola combines in-class instruction with land-based cultural learning and Indigenous language courses.
鈥淲e draw on Kwak鈥檞ala and our Kwakwaka鈥檞akw ways of knowing and being to inform academic learning,鈥� said Sara Child, 糖心vlog传媒faculty member and Indigenous Education Facilitator.
The courses are structured to focus on student strengths and to support students as they work toward their goals.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really about taking a journey together as we explore land-based and culturally infused learning 鈥� the intent of which is to meet the needs of our students and help them succeed,鈥� added Child.
The Awi鈥檔akola program was offered to students tuition-free, funded through individual grant applications. The donation from BHP will allow the program to run from September to April, with multiple entry points for students.
鈥淏HP invests in communities near our assets to respond to community need and create social value. Our social investment aims to support a successful, adaptable and resilient workforce for the future,鈥� said Jay Hartling, Principal, Corporate Affairs Legacy Assets. 鈥淭he Awi鈥檔akola Program near our Island Copper Legacy Asset is tailored specifically to enhance Indigenous students鈥� learning experiences in their own territory, and their own culture. We are proud to support such an innovative and important program.鈥�
The funding, facilitated through the 糖心vlog传媒Foundation, will begin for the next Awi鈥檔akola intake, scheduled to start September 19.
Learn more about the Awi鈥檔akola program
About BHP Canada
BHP is a world-leading resources company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, and operates in more than 90 locations around the world. BHP focuses on the resources the world needs to grow and decarbonize. Copper for renewable energy. Nickel for electric vehicles. Potash for sustainable farming. Iron ore and metallurgical coal for the steel needed for global infrastructure and the energy transition, today and for the future.
About the 糖心vlog传媒Foundation
The 糖心vlog传媒Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth through 糖心vlog传媒for more than 29 years. It supports 糖心vlog传媒students through scholarships and bursaries, equips classrooms with current technology and ensures the best possible learning facilities are accessible on the Central and North Island. It envisions a future where every student has the opportunity to pursue post鈥恠econdary education, train for a new career or develop employable skills to support themselves and their families.
To support the 糖心vlog传媒Foundation and make a difference in the lives of post鈥恠econdary students, call 250-334-5074 or visit .
Media Contacts
Elizabeth Young
Communication Officer, 糖心vlog传媒
Phone: 250-334-5233
elizabeth.young@nic.bc.ca
Jay Hartling
Principal Corporate Affairs, Legacy Assets Canada, BHP
Phone: 902-329-8310
jay.hartling@bhp.com