For immediate release
July 24, 2007
NEWS RELEASE
Vancouver – The Native Education College Board of Directors is pleased to announce that after reviewing the results of an independent review of its programs and services and discussions with the Ministry of Advanced Education, it has decided to remain open to serve the Aboriginal post-secondary learning community. Discussions between the NEC Board of Directors, the First Nations Leadership Council and the Ministry of Advanced Education have resulted in plans for the NEC to continue to function as a private Aboriginal education institution with existing government contributions to NEC to continue.
Collective bargaining for a first agreement between the NEC and the BCGEU, on behalf of NEC employees will continue during which the NEC will seek a timely settlement.
“The NEC Board would like to thank the First Nations Leadership Council, the United Native Nations, the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Ministry of Advanced Education for their commitment in making this possible,” said Chief David Walkem, NEC Board Chair. “Most importantly the NEC board would like to express its gratitude to the hundreds of past alumni and staff, current students and staff and numerous Aboriginal organizations for so eloquently expressing the importance of NEC to their lives and our community,” said Walkem.
Discussions began in response to NEC’s announcement in June 2007 that it was forced to close due to economic and social factors.
A financial review set to be completed by the end of July will further inform the ongoing funding and financial requirements of the institution. The report prepared by an independent review team will form the basis of enhancing NEC’s successful programs and planning for its future. A further report regarding Aboriginal education will be prepared in advance of a public forum on Aboriginal post-secondary education taking place in November 2007.
NEC is the largest private Aboriginal College in British Columbia and has been in operation for the past 40 years, successfully offering vocational and academic training to Aboriginal adult learners.
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Media Contact:
David Walkem, Board Chair 250 319 7884
Huia Martin, President 604 873 3772
Native Education College
285 East 5th Ave
Vancouver, BC
V5T 1H2
Phone: 604 873 3772
Fax: 604 873 9152
