Education

Education Assistance

We help with school start up supplies to K-12 students living on Nooaitch Indian Band land, and books, tuition, living allowance to post-secondary students.

• School District 58 Nicola-Similkameen
• School Start Up 
• Post Secondary Application 
• Permission Form 
• Documents Required 

Local Education Agreement 

Nooaitch Indian Band signed a Local Education Agreement (LEA) with School District #58, for NIB students attending the public school system in Merritt. The LEA provides a significant opportunity to come together to focus on ways to improve educational outcomes for NIB students. We are currently in a joint Five-Year Agreement with SD 58 and the five bands of the Nicola Valley. Coldwater, Lower Nicola, Nooaitch, Shackan and Upper Nicola Bands. If you would like a copy of the Local Education Agreement, copies are available at the Education Office or you can download it here .

Bursaries and Scholarships

• New Relationship Trust Scholarships and Bursaries provide awards for BC First Nations Students from the diploma to the doctoral level of studies.
• BC Scholarship Society’s Indigenous Awards are open to all Indigenous students. Award amounts range from $1000 to $5000.
• The First Citizens Fund provides financial assistance to Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Students may qualify for one of the two funding streams: $2,000 (based on financial need) or $700 (if receiving a living allowance from your Nation).
• Indspire Bursaries and Scholarships are available for Indigenous students across Canada. There are awards for all areas of study, from trades to health careers.
• Indigenous Services Canada has as Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool. You can search for bursaries by keyword, location, program of study, or Indigenous group.
• Indigenous students with disabilities can also locate supports and awards through the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society.
• Students studying in the United States can access Pell Grants and the Canada-US Fullbright Program.
• The Health Sciences Association (HSA) provides two $1500 bursaries to Indigenous students from BC who are continuing or proceeding in any HSA-related field.
• The Urban Spirit Foundation provides secondary and post-secondary scholarships based on need and ability, to persons of Aboriginal descent who are pursuing post-secondary studies in fields that will help meet the specific needs of First Nations, Inuit, or Métis peoples and communities.

Aboriginal Head Start 

The Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia (AHSABC) is a leader in Aboriginal Early Childhood Education. They provide support to Nooaitch Indian Band and other First Nations throughout the province to promote excellence in programming. 

• Additional resources at the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society.