Office of the Premier
Aboriginal students at Northern Lights College's Fort St. John and Dawson Creek campuses have access to more resources designed to support their success in post-secondary education, opening doors to greater opportunities for jobs to support their families.
The gathering spaces are among four created at Northern Lights College's campuses and were developed from more than $661,000 in funding provided by the Province. The first gathering space opened in 2009 at the Fort Nelson campus, followed recently by the Chetwynd campus.
The Fort St. John gathering space is located in an area that previously contained the Roy Cunningham Aboriginal Student Resource Centre. The newly renovated area includes an adjacent office for the Aboriginal co-ordinator, and a kitchen.
On Nov. 1, 2011, students at the Dawson Creek campus will celebrate the official opening of their own gathering space in the Campus Centre building. The dedicated space includes a fireplace and study carrels, as well as an office for the Aboriginal co-ordinator.
Northern Lights College's gathering spaces are part of a $13.6-million investment by the Province to create gathering spaces at public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.
Quick facts:
- Northern Lights College's gathering spaces feature cultural artifacts and artwork commissioned by local Aboriginal communities, as well as study spaces and lounge areas.
- Aboriginal gathering places are designed to create a more welcoming environment for Aboriginal students by building structures that reflect Aboriginal culture and history.
Learn more:
Media Contact:
Joanne Whittier
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400
