More housing for Indigenous students is now available at the College of New Caledonia, as the school’s first Indigenous student housing facility was formally opened today (Friday).
CNC President Dennis Johnson was joined by BC’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang, Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, and Lheidli T’enneh Elder, Darlene McIntosh to announce the opening.
The building was named “Nahooni-a” which means “to find” or “to rediscover”, and was given the title by Lheidli T’enneh Elder Josie Paul.
“The state-of-the-art building was built with social connection in mind. Being away from home for the very first time can be daunting for anyone, and so building a place for students to come together and have their own space was important,” Kang said.
Nahooni-a is a fully furnished building with a shared kitchen, living area, washrooms, and laundry facilities, there are twelve rooms available, two of which are accessible.
It includes a designated cultural area for students, and there is also a two-bedroom suite for an Elder to live in, who will serve as a student mentor and adviser.
“We’re privileged that nearly a quarter of our students at CNC self identify as Indigenous, many have chosen to Prince George from smaller communities. We were told students would be more successful if the stress and challenges of moving could be eased. Thanks to provincial funding as well as guidance and support from First Nations Nahooni-a is now a reality,” said Johnson.
Construction of the building was completed in October 2020, but to delays from the pandemic, the first students just moved in for the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.
“I am confident Nahoonai-a will provide a welcoming and supportive home for students as they achieve their goals,” added Johnson.