NITEP is an Aboriginal Teacher Education Program that has been offered through UBC for over 35 years. NITEP was designed to build upon and strengthen cultural identity and honour diverse Aboriginal traditions and philosophies. The Bella Bella (Heiltsuk) site is one of five field centers located in BC.
The Bella Bella NITEP Centre is located in Bella Bella, which is part of the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk Nation.
The Bella Bella NITEP Centre opened in September, 2012. We presently have 8 Year 1 students who will complete the first 3 years of their Bachelor of Education program in Bella Bella, before moving to UBC-Vancouver to complete the 12 months of the program. The Bella Bella NITEP Centre is being run in partnership with Heiltsuk College.
Credit: NITEP UBC
NITEP is an Aboriginal Teacher Education Program that has been offered through UBC for over 35 years. NITEP was designed to build upon and strengthen cultural identity and honour diverse Aboriginal traditions and philosophies.
Students spend the first 2-3 years at a field centre and then transfer to UBC to complete their Bachelor of Education degree. Heiltsuk College also provides Adult Basic Education leading to the BC Adult Dogwood Diploma and post-secondary courses brokered through other post-secondary institutions.
NITEP requires 18 credits of courses that focus on Aboriginal education theory, content and pedagogy. NITEP requires additional educational seminars and field placements which give the students opportunity to observe and become involved in a variety of educational settings ranging from pre-school to adult education. These can take place in public as well as Aboriginal community settings.
The Bella Bella Field Centre also incorporates Indigenous culture and values into their programs through an elder-in-residence program, Indigenous course content, Heiltsuk language, and access to community cultural events.
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