KAMLOOPS and MERRITT-The Bachelor of Social Work Program at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology has a new look and students, staff, faculty and administrators today celebrated the implementation of curriculum that favours Aboriginal culture and knowledge.
Under an agreement with Thompson Rivers University that was reaffirmed today in a signing ceremony, the Bachelor of Social Work degree has been offered at NVIT since 1998. The nationally-accredited four-year degree program graduates approximately 15 qualified social workers annually.
Revisions to the agreement between the two institutions in 2004 led to a series of curriculum and program changes that mean graduates will now be better prepared to work with Aboriginal communities to address their needs more fully.
NVIT President Casey Sheridan, who reaffirmed the Affiliation Agreement today with TRU President & Vice-Chancellor Roger Barnsley believes the new program is unique in Canada. “This very innovative program, developed by experienced faculty and guided by our Elders, will ensure that our graduates have the appropriate knowledge and skill to work to empower communities to succeed.”
President Barnsley noted that TRU is pleased to partner with institutions like NVIT. “TRU is proud of its association with NVIT and is pleased to support the development of the BSW degree as an Aboriginal culture-based program. Such initiatives fit with TRU’s mandate as a comprehensive post-secondary institution and its aim to provide relevant and accessible educational programming to the people of this province. NVIT has an important place in the community of BC post-secondary institutions and the BSW program is clear evidence of its capacity to deliver quality educational programs in this community,” he added.
Gordon Bruyere, Coordinator of the BSW Program at NVIT, is the driving force behind the development of the new program “This program provides our students with access to relevant knowledge and skills and ensures that our graduates will work in ways that honour our Aboriginal heritage.”
Changes to the curriculum include new courses on Aboriginal human life cycles, Aboriginal social policy, practice, and ethics. The program has attracted students from around BC and across Canada.
