Indigenous culture

Committed to Indigenous cultures

We’re still learning how to honour the peoples that were here long before our arrival. NLC is committed to truth and reconciliation and strives to incorporate Indigenous cultures, history, and ways of knowing into all that we do.

Perspectives from Indigenous leaders

We’re thrilled to have many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit individuals as part of the leadership at NLC. This includes our student recruiter, student navigators, and elders-in-residence.

A home away from home

Every NLC campus houses an Indigenous gathering space. These safe and comfortable spaces honour the earth by using natural materials and connecting to nature as much as possible. They serve as welcoming places to meet friends for fun or study sessions as well as for drumming, womens/mens circles, and even a weekly soup and bannock lunch.

“When I was here 30 years ago, I was the only native in the school. I felt like I did not belong in school. That was the vibe I got… [But now] it has definitely improved. I felt welcomed here. Not just the curriculum has changed. It’s the attitude of the instructors and the fellow students.”

– Clayton Davis, Saulteau First Nation, Recent Graduate, Social Services Worker Diploma

Support from our Indigenous Navigators

Our Indigenous student navigators provide advocacy and advice throughout your time at NLC. From applying to program prep and completion, we’re here for you.

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Collaboration and innovation 

As part of NLC’s commitment to the principles of reconciliation, we are collaborating with local Indigenous communities to establish a Centre for Innovation in Indigenous Education (CIIE).

The goals of the CIIE are to:

  • Indigenize the NLC curriculum based on guidance from partner Indigenous communities.
  • Create a new Indigenous curriculum based on traditional knowledge.
Closeup of outfit at event celebrating Indigenous culture