NWP News

Recognizing Remarkable Community Contributors at the President's Ball

NWP Signs Indigenous Education Protocol

��Ƶ (NWP) proudly celebrated the signing of an Indigenous Education Protocol yesterday at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre.

This historic agreement, signed by representatives from both the institution and NWP's Circle of Indigenous Students (CIS), underscores the Polytechnic's on-going efforts to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing and relating, into the educational, organizational, cultural, and social structures of NWP. Initially signed in 2018, there are eight principles in the Protocol that will now guide a collective commitment to improving, and better serving Indigenous Education.

"The opportunity to update and formalize a renewed Indigenous Education Protocol for our institution is a great honour," shared Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP President and CEO. "Education is a powerful tool for reconciliation and this protocol reflects our commitment to embracing Indigenous knowledge, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Indigenous communities are not only integrated but celebrated."

The event itself showcased Indigenous culture and heritage with a powerful drumming session led by Aaron English. Two esteemed Elders, Theresa Gladue and Loretta Parenteau-English, who strengthen the very fabric of NWP through their sharing of invaluable knowledge, teachings, and support, were on hand to bless the gathering.

Two vital corporate partners were also acknowledged during the ceremony. Ovintiv, a perennial supporter of Indigenous services, shared in the excitement of the occasion. Arc Resources also generously donated a piece of artwork that adorned the stage, a gift that celebrates Indigenous creativity and heritage.

The Indigenous Education Protocol was signed by NWP and CIS leaders who pledged their commitment to learners and communities. First established in 1998, the CIS has provided support to Indigenous students on campus through cultural and social activities for more than two decades.

"This is a powerful step towards mutual understanding, and a future where every voice is truly valued," said Circle of Indigenous Students President, Chevayah Ropcean. "By committing to honour and understand Indigenous wisdom and cultural traditions, NWP is helping to strengthen and empower Indigenous students, today and in the future."

Indigenous Education Protocols in Canada emerged in response to the historical marginalization of Indigenous peoples within the education system. Rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, these protocols aim to integrate Indigenous knowledge, culture, and perspectives into educational institutions.

For more information about NWP's Indigenous Education Protocol, please visit NWP.me/IndigenousEducationProtocol.

Joining Forces for Community

The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) and ��Ƶ (NWP) have partnered to establish the new police service's recruitment and training centre at NWP's Grande Prairie campus.

People looking to learn more about a career with GPPS can make an appointment to speak to a recruitment specialist by emailing recruiting@gppolice.com. Officers can provide information on the requirements, application process, training, and career opportunities.

Classroom-based learning for GPPS recruits and experienced officers will also be conducted out of the NWP campus. These courses will be instructed by instructors from Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing program and local experts.

"The choice to partner with ��Ƶ was a natural one as we prioritize local training for our officers and establish a space where potential recruits can learn more about career opportunities one-on-one," says GPPS Chief of Police, Dwayne Lakusta. "This is just one of the many ways GPPS is building relationships and community partnerships that will lead to effective solutions."

As part of the partnership, NWP is also offering a section on localized Indigenous education and teachings to GPPS officers and staff, including a blanket exercise. This was first held for the inaugural Experienced Officer Program in May 2024.

"The municipal police service is an exciting development and NWP is happy to provide support where we are able," says NWP President and CEO, Dr. Vanessa Sheane. "We very much see our campus as a hub within the community. Having the Centre co-located and being able to accommodate onsite classroom and culturally relevant training is a great solution for everyone."

All of GPPS' officer training will be based out of the Peace Country, including locally run firearms ranges, race tracks, recreation centres, and other facilities. Officers will be particularly visible at places like NWP and the Eastlink Centre.

Mental Health Program Development Top of Mind for NWP

��Ƶ (NWP) is lengthening its list in-demand offerings after receiving a Mental Health Professions Enrollment Expansion grant from the Government of Alberta.

The Polytechnic is one of 12 post-secondary institutions who will benefit from new funding and an enhanced focus on mental health and wellbeing. ��Ƶ topped the list with 152 of the 761 new seats committed to various programs across the province.

"This is a timely announcement that will support the development of two new diplomas as well as two new degree programs that can be completed in their entirety, without leaving the region," says NWP Provost and Vice-President Academic, Dr. Terry Kowalchuk. "Our goal is to train and retain, recognizing that these professions are central to creating strong, productive, and resilient northern communities."

Over the next three years, ��Ƶ will receive nearly $1 million in grant funds to facilitate program development and implementation. The new programming and anticipated launch dates are as follows:

Psychiatric Nurse Diploma - 2025/26
Social Work Diploma - 2025/26
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - 2026/27
Bachelor of Social Work - 2026/27.

"This is an exciting announcement for our communities and individuals who are looking to obtain the necessary qualifications and preparation for a meaningful career serving our region," says School of Applied Science and Technology Dean, Dr. Julia Dutove. "We are very much looking forward to building local capacity with workforce-ready professionals who will be able to not only provide support, but also increase understanding around the complexities of mental health."

While the future programming will now officially enter the development phase, there are options for those who are eager to get started today. ��Ƶ's academic advisors can help prospective students explore a variety of complementary program pathways as well as the application process.

To learn more about the NWP's new program additions, visit NWP.me/MentalHealthExpansion.

AHT Program Celebrates 50 Years, Announces Name Change

��Ƶ is proud to celebrate 50 years of its Animal Health Technology (AHT) program and is looking forward to another successful half-century under a new name - Veterinary Technology (VT). This change was made to ensure alignment with similar animal health focused programs across Canada.

Initially launched in the fall of 1974 by what was then known as the Fairview School of Agriculture and Home Economics, NWP's in-demand program has trained more than 1000 highly sought-after veterinary technologists.

"The program is near and dear to so many of our staff, alumni and community members," says Kristy Honing, the current VT program chair. "There's definitely a sense of pride we feel in keeping this program relevant and responsive to our communities, 50 years after it started."

Kristy points to the hands-on learning students receive as the key to the program's success. The farm on ��Ƶ's Fairview campus provides students with immediate access to large and small animals.

"We're known, and our graduates are known, for having a lot of hands-on learning opportunities because of the on-site small animal labs," Honing says. "It's part of what makes us special."

In addition to providing a distinctive learning environment with more than 100 large and small animals, ��Ƶ has also secured options for graduates after completion of the two-year diploma.

The Polytechnic has formalized partnerships with the University of Lethbridge (UL) and more recently St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) to allow Veterinary Technology program graduates the option to ladder into a recognized degree program.

NWP Veterinary Technology graduates with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher can seamlessly transfer into a Post-Diploma Bachelor of Arts or Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Studies) at UL or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at SMUSVM in the Cayman Islands. Be it on Canadian soil or abroad, these collaborative agreements give learners the option to build on their studies and gain additional qualifications.

"NWP is committed to growing and evolving our programming in order to deliver timely results for our students and surrounding communities," adds Provost and Vice-President Academic, Dr. Terry Kowalchuk. "We are very excited to be celebrating this impressive milestone alongside all of our supporters."

Applications for NWP's 2025-26 programs open September 1, 2024. To learn more about the Veterinary Technology diploma visit NWP.me/AnimalSciences.