The NEC Native Education College is a private post-secondary college and designated by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Private Training Institutions Branch. The College operates in accordance to the Private Training Act, and is governed by nine elected members of the Board of Directors. These members are also part of the NEC Society.
The Board of Directors brings a variety of skills, perspectives and expertise to the table. We use this to support the best interests of all Nations in BC.
To reach any of NEC members of the management team, Please contact reception at PH: 604.873.3772 or Email: info@necvancouver.org
The Native Education College (NEC) was established in 1967 and founded by Ray Collins who worked at the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. The College, then called the Native Education Centre, began as a project to meet the educational needs of Indigenous people who relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia from their rural First Nation communities. The overall objective was to provide Indigenous adult learners with the academic and life skills to secure employment and improve their quality of life. By 1979, NEC became a private college, operated and controlled by BC First Nations.
Today the College provides a supportive learning environment, including cultural activities, which creates a connection to the Indigenous community of Metro Vancouver. We strive to meet workforce demands by delivering a variety of academic programs that are pathways to careers. Indigenous learners can start their learning journey by choosing one of the 10 transferrable certificate or diploma programs.
