Library Welcome to the Grace Mirehouse Memorial Library The Grace Mirehouse Memorial Library hosts a wealth of print and electronic materials, with a heavy focus on Indigenous content. These resources offer NEC students an abundance of publications, from Poetry to Graphic Novels, Children’s Books to Feature Films, Social Justice to Psychology. The Library is located at the top right of the central stairs in Room L201. Exploring Indigenous Languages: First Voices Learn Ojibwe – Sault College Indigenous Languages Language Documentation and Conservation Nunc ut quam Free Math Websites: School Yourself CK-12 Khan Academy PhET Interactive Simulations The Art of Problem Solving Cliff Notes The Importance of Math in Business Free Online Digital Books: Internet Archive – Books to borrow When you go to the website, you will need to sign up in order to borrow a digital book Online Catalogue Library – Introduction How to Search NEC Library Materials: How to Reserve NEC Library Material: How to Search for Free Indigenous Online Resources & Academic Journals: Free Online Digital Books: Note: When you go to the website, you will need to sign up in order to borrow a digital book (you only need your email address to register). You can borrow up to 10 books at a time for a total of 14 days. Here is a list of a few of the Indigenous authors available: Thomas King, Eden Robinson, Richard Wagamese, & Rupert Ross. Internet Archive – Books to borrow Free Indigenous Resources & Academic Journals: UBC, First Nations & Indigenous Studies: – Academic Journals UBC Library Indigenous Research Guides University of Saskatchewan, Indigenous Studies Portal Research Tool University of Saskatchewan, Indigenous Studies Portal Research Tool International Journal of Indigenous Health Journal of Indigenous Research International Indigenous Policy Journal The Canadian Journal of Native Studies Native Social Work Journal Indigenous Law Journal American Indian Law Review Decolonization – Indigeneity, Education, & Society The Canadian Journal of Native Studies First People’s Child & Family Review BC Historical Newspapers Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Residential Schools Resources – Aboriginal Healing Foundation Indigenous Land Maps International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies American American Indian and Alaska Native Health Vancouver Community College Library – Accessing Online Resources All NEC students are eligible to access VCC’s online academic resources and journals. To do this, NEC students need to go to VCC and head to the Registrar’s Office, where a VCC ID number and card will be issued. NEC students will need to bring their NEC student ID card to obtain the VCC ID card – which will allow NEC students to borrow all VCC Library materials.   To access VCC’s online academic resources and journals, students need to go to the VCC Library website library.vcc.ca. VCC’s online resources are restricted to VCC students and staff only. When accessing the online resources, NEC students will be asked to provide their VCC ID number and their password to read the articles or journals. A student’s ID number and password will be their date of birth: MMDDYY (example: January 18, 1975. Your password is 011875).  University of British Columbia UBC offers a free library card for any Aboriginal person living in Canada (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit). To receive a UBC library card, students can go to the circulation desks of Walter C. Koerner Library at UBC and present one piece of government-issued ID (eg. BC driver’s licence, provincial ID, or passport) and proof of permanent residence in Canada (eg. bank statement, utility bill, or automobile registration). The maximum number of items on loan at a time per student is 50.  For more information, visit the UBC library website site and click on Aboriginal Community. Emily Carr University Library The Emily Carr University offers free community borrower Library cards to Indigenous community members. To acquire a free community borrower Library card, visit The Emily Carr University at 520 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, and head to the Library services desk on the 2nd level. You will need to bring a piece of ID and provide your email address, phone number, and current address to set up an account. For more information on the collection, please visit https://guides.ecuad.ca/collections.   National Film Board – Free Access for Students at NEC All NEC students have on-campus access to watch all films from the National Film Board. To do this, students can go onto any NEC computer designated for student use, click on the following link: www.nfb.ca, and begin watching.  Newspaper Online Access If you are looking for past newspaper articles from such publications as The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, Vancouver Sun, or The Province, you can access these online through the Vancouver Public Library. All you need is a VPL Library card number, which is free. Once you have obtained your number, go to the VPL main webpage and click on “Digital Library” (at the top of the page). From there, click on “Digital Newspapers”, find the newspaper you desire, and click “access”. For more information, please contact: Boyd Reynolds, MALibrarian / Bookstore CoordinatorStudent Services(604) 873-3772 Ext. 310

Longhouse Rentals The NEC longhouse can be rented for your next community event or workshop. You are more than welcome to rent and be a host at our longhouse. Complete this inquiry form with information about your event and NEC will follow up with you to provide a quote for event. Inquiry form Welcome! The NEC’s longhouse was built in 1985 with the design concept based on West Coast philosophy that encompasses traditional values. The totem pole was carved by the well-known Northwest Coast Carver, Norman Tait. Community member gathered at the pole raising ceremony, which signifies the house of learning for Indigenous learners. Fireplace Fireside Lounge and Level 1 Classrooms are available for rentals. Schedule Rentals can occur between the hours of 8am –10pm, 7 days per week. Rental requests between 8 am – 4 pm on weekdays are at NEC discretion to approve, based on business operational continuity. Food catered only There are no kitchen facilities available. Please note: alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the property. Rental rates Rate ½ day (3 hours) Rent 1 day (7hours) Subsequent hours Classroom capacity max 25 $600  $1200 $150 Fireside lounge $800  $1600 $200 Admin fee (cleaning, security) $125  $175 $26   Community partnerships- Every second Thursday of the month 4 pm- 7 pm Rentals – FREEAdmin fee (cleaning and security) $25/hourApplications will be considered on a case-by-case bases, the approval will be at the discretion of NECThe use of space for approved community partnership events is subject to the rules stated in the Rental Agreement   Equipment rental rates/event (regardless of the # hours) Projector and Screen $ 100WIFI $ 75Speakers $ 50Lectern $ 50Microphone $ 50Land acknowledgement and welcome to Territory ceremony $ 250 Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions If you still have doubts about enrolling in Native Education College, we invite you to speak with a  Student & Financial Aid Advisor to eliminate uncertainties How do I apply? Apply in-person – Our admissions office is at 235 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver BC. We are located off Main Street. Apply online – Complete and submit your online application  Do I need grade 12 to attend NEC? We do accept applicants who are mature students without a grade 12 diploma. Applicants can complete an English and Math assessment test to see what grade level you are at. Once completed, you can enrol into the Indigenous Adult Basic Education program to upgrade your English and Math skills. How do I get my transcripts from high schools? You can request your high school transcript from the Ministry of Education for a British Columbia graduation program if you were a student who: Graduated after 1985 British Columbia or Yukon Territory Completed a Grade 12 course after 1985 Attended Grade 12 prior to 1974 in the University Entrance or Academic-Technical Program My band won’t fund me, can I still attend NEC? Yes! If you are a band member and have a letter stating that funding is unavailable, there are many provincial and federal agencies that assist students who have been denied band funding. Make sure you apply early as agency deadlines close typically during the spring. Do you provide childcare? At this time, we do not provide childcare services, however, there are other community agency that can help. Check out the Aboriginal Mother Centre in Vancouver, BC or call (604) 558-2627. Can I attend part-time classes? The Indigenous Adult Basic Education program is the only program you can attend part-time. All of our other programs are full-time. For more information, visit our programs page for class schedules. Do you offer online courses? Indigenous Land Stewardships Certificate & Information Technology Support Technician Certificate are the only programs you can attend Online. All of our other programs are in person. For more information, visit our programs page for class schedules. Can I start my program anytime? Most of our programs start in the Fall Term (September) and end in July of the following year. A few of our programs do start in the Winter Term (January). Visit the programs page to find out which programs we are accepting applications. What is the required content for a reference letter? Reference letters are specified as either personal or professional depending on the program you apply for. Professional reference letters can be completed by someone you have worked or volunteered for and must come either directly from the contact person’s organizational email or signed and printed on the letterhead of the organization. They must outline the contributions you have given to the company/agency and highlight your suitability for the program. Personal or character reference letters can come from teachers, community members, etc. These letters outline your suitability for the program and can include details such as community involvement, dedication to studies, etc. Reference letters can be faxed, emailed, or handed in-person to Admissions. Please confirm the letter has been received by the Admissions department after you send it. Is NEC recognized by Canada Student Loans and Student Aid BC? Yes! Students can apply for loans on campus with the financial aid advisor or from their home computer. Grants are available through student loans so a portion of the total loan won’t need to be paid back. Explore our Longhouse and campus! We invite you to plan a tour or register for our upcoming Open House event; NEC is known for the sense of community that can be felt around the fireplace. Plan your visit

What are the transcripts? A transcript is an official record of all courses you have taken with credits and grades documented. Current and former BC secondary school students will need to provide their Personal Education Number (PEN) when applying to a post-secondary institution (PSI) Transcripts are maintained by the NEC  Registrar’s Office.  Transcripts can be ordered online and sent directly to the post-secondary institution to which you are applying.  Students will not be notified when the transcripts have been mailed by NEC. Please note that official transcripts will not be issued if a student has any remaining financial or other obligations to the College. Online Transcripts Request Fill out my online form.

Be part of NEC’s mission Volunteering at NEC offers an enriching and rewarding experience. You will join the mission of propagating Education in indigenous people, from a holistic supportive learning environment.  Our volunteers are as diverse as our patients. We have volunteer positions that will work for everyone. Whether you’re helping out in the office, teaching,  doing activities, or attending one of our events, you’re bound to find an opportunity you’ll love.

Partners and Collaborators The involvement of our valued partners and collaborators, without whom their expertise would not be possible, makes the work of NEC &  Outreach possible. Are you interested in talking with us about potential partnerships? Are you interested in encouraging your organization to support and contribute to Indigenous education? get INVOLVED You & Us Working Together for The Same Cause NEC is focused on building resources and programs to provide a holistic education. We are encouraged by the upward trend in donations and increased awareness of the challenges faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis students in seeking their educational dreams. NEC is proud to create partnerships with organizations who share the same mission. Current Partners & collaborators Your contributions can help in these areas: Scholarships and bursaries which recognize academic achievement  Assist students in overcoming financial hardship while pursuing higher education. Advancement of our technological resources and making our facilities more sustainable, which creates an inspiring learning environment. Nighthawks Athletics Program provides travel support for students wanting to participate in competitions  Help NEC expand its curriculum by offering associate degree programs Thank you to all of our partners and collaborators who share NEC’s mission. Have fun with whatever collaboration you choose, no matter how big or small! Each action is reflected in the education of Indigenous Learners. Passion, positive energy, and people who want to make a difference are the three components to successful collaborations. Join us! get involved

This is a place of respect and unity for all Nations The Longhouse Philosophy The philosophy of Native Education College Society is founded on the principles upheld by the Elders of our respective nations. The values of our people are contained in the teachings of our Elders – to protect our spirituality, our culture and our land. We will uphold these ideals and live them to the best of our abilities. Longhouse Protocol The protocol of the Longhouse is clear: be respectful of all, be willing to work out differences in a good way, behave in a way that promotes a safe and nurturing space that supports learning and growth for everyone. NEC policies promote the respectful and fair treatment of staff, students and guests and the values of honesty, integrity, understanding, compassion, and kindness.   Longhouse values Diversity We recognize that as Aboriginals, we are many people. We celebrate the diversity of our ways as a source of strength within our nations. Thus in diversity we find unity. Gratitude From our unity arises our responsibility to our present generation and generations yet unborn and our gratitude to the generations that have come before us Understanding We will rely on example and persuasion rather than authority and force when change is considered. We are determined to explore the limits of our understanding. Respect We recognize that nothing is barred from consideration as long as it does not intrude into the lives of others. From our unity arises our respect for Mother Earth, upon which we all depend, our respect for the ways and opinion of others, even if we do not share those ways or opinions. In respecting others, we respect ourselves; our capacity to appreciate each other as we are, and our resolve not to see our ways compromised. Accountability We all have a role to perform that is an extension of a grand design. As adults, we share freedom of choice and freedom of action, and thus, we also have the responsibility to accept the results of our choices and actions. NEC Student Policy. Read more

student Activities Get involved in Health & Wellness activities Being a student also means working on your well-being and modifying parts of your life that will help you become more focused on your goals and lead to healthier physical, emotional and spiritual outcomes. Developing and practicing these changes looks and feels different to everyone. Finding wellness is about figuring out what’s best for you. We invite you to be part of the NEC community and self-care practices to support your well-being. NEC is recognized as a strong community that has welcomed all Nations for over 55 years. Community care gives us opportunities to create connections and we can learn from each other. Physical At NEC our Wellness Warriors program is focused in creating and maintaining an inclusive and healthy environment that encourages you to be physically active, make positive life choices, and develop your leadership skills. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to physical activity, we invite you to come out and take part in our free, accessible activities. A coach will help you by making recommendations and referring you to additional resources and programs. The coach instructs classes, provides fitness and nutrition advice, leads workshops, and activities. Get active Spiritual Our spiritual space will encourage and assist you in finding solutions to problems before they become crises; Mediation allows you to meet face to face in a safe and neutral setting. The spiritual room at NEC was created for meditation, connection, smudging, drumming, and counselling apprentices. Talk to us Emotional NEC provides a variety of workshops and spiritual activities developed by counsellors and Elders for all students to feel mentally, emotionally, and spiritually supportive.Our safe and supportive space ensures that you are non-judgmental in coming together and exploring your identities and what that means to you. Get involved Wellness Warrior Teamwork, competitiveness, and support are what our players can expect when joining the Wellness Warriors – NEC’s sports programs and activities.  The Wellness Warriors Nighthawks community athletics program was started in early 2012 by a group of committed volunteer Native Education College staff and students who saw a great demand for more opportunities for both structured and informal sport, physical activity and wellness programming Indigenous People.  Nighthawks Athletics Teamwork, competitiveness, and support are what our players can expect when joining the Wellness Warriors – NEC’s sports programs and activities. Our students participate in a number of events throughout the year. Indigenous Culture At NEC, our strength is having a welcoming environment where our students feel comfortable and can connect or reconnect with their roots, culture, and traditions. We have a number of cultural activities for students to participate in throughout the year. Follow Us On Instagram @NEC_Vancouver