Education Department
The Lheidli T’enneh Education Department provides financial assistance, advisory services, and moral support for its band members who wish to pursue educational goals. Knowing full well that education can improve one’s quality of life as well as contribute to the development of community, Lheidli T’enneh is proud to support their band members in achieving these educational goals.
Applying for government funding can be challenging, especially for adults who may also be working or caring for family members. For that reason, the Education Department understand that supporting a student may also mean supporting their health and wellbeing as they transition from a secondary student into a post-secondary one.
Education Department staff also work closely with the Lheidli Employment & Training Services Department. If a band member’s goals are more general and don’t fit the scope of formal education, they can develop life skills or trades, and access other programs to help them secure future employment.
Indigenous Education Leadership Table (IELT)
The Indigenous Education Leadership Table (IELT) consists of dedicated Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) and McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) Elected Council members; and their respective Education Department Staff members. The two nations have partnered together to address systemic racism and other concerns within School District No. 57 (SD57).
A Governance-to-Governance agreement has formed between the IELT and SD57, both working cooperatively towards better the experiences and successful outcomes for all Indigenous learners within the public education system.
In this work the IELT will oversee the control and direction of SD57, where Indigenous learners are concerned. Including, but not limited to:
- Policymaking and ensure process of implementation of policies
- Placement of Indigenous Representation at the Sr Level and all levels in the school district
- Consultation and Decision-making
- Define how decisions are to be made, and help establish and maintain the strategic direction
- Oversee the delivery of services, plans, programs, projects and supports
- Ensure SD57 reports on its performance in achieving intended results and use performance information to drive ongoing improvements and corrective actions.
IELT Members:
- Mel Aksidan IELT Manager (LTFN Education Assistant Manager)
- Joshua Seymour LTFN Councillor
- Jayde Chingee MLIB Deputy Chief Councillor
- Crystal Gibbs LTFN Councillor
- Vincent Joseph LTFN Education Manager
- Jodie Ware MLIB Education Director
Education Funding
There are two different sources of funding for Lheidli Education Programs – one through the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC); the other is through the LTN Contracting Ltd. Education Fund.
Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) Funding
Each year, Lheidli T’enneh makes an annual application to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP). Although funding may be limited, Lheidli T’enneh strives to work with this funding agency every year, making post-secondary education a priority by supplementing other funding opportunities.
LTN Contracting Ltd. Education Funding
LTN is a limited company owned by Lheidli T’enneh and Roga Contracting Ltd. Throughout their operations, $0.25 a tonne/logging revenue goes into an educational fund. This funding is available to aid in sponsoring non-status Lheidli T’enneh members.
Student support funding is most often put towards tuition and compulsory student fees, it may also be available for:
- Books and supplies
- Travel and living allowance
- Tutorial, guidance, and counselling services
Be sure to contact the Education Coordinator to confirm funding availability.
Applying for Funding
It is imperative to remember that when applying for educational funding (i.e. sponsorship) that you include all supporting information and documentation. This not only shows you are serious about your education, it helps makes the decision process easier and quicker.
Things to remember when applying:
- You must be a full time student. This means enrolment in at least 4 courses.
- Provide your transcripts/grades. This will assist in determining sponsorship.
- Pay attention to application deadlines. We only accept students for one year sponsorships at a time. If you are looking at attending in September, your application should be in to the Education Coordinator by May of that same year. Ex. September 2020, you need to apply by the deadline of May 15, 2020.
- We will not sponsor failed and/or repeated courses.
- If there are problems with attendance, and/or submitting school grades (which includes all quizzes, tests, assignments, mid-terms, finals, etc.) you will be put on probation for 30 days. After 30 days, if there is no change or improvement, you will no longer be funded.
- Lheidli T'enneh will not sponsor people who are not serious about their future. Funding by Indian and Northern Affairs is limited. Please consider everything prior to enrolling in school and be sure you are seriously committed to completing your studies.
- Please remember the deadline dates and be sure to include all supporting documents. This will eliminate delays in the decision-making process.
- If you are interested in a program or training but are not sure whether it’s applicable for funding, reach out to the educational department. They can review it to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria with funding agencies.
- Unfortunately, Lheidli T’enneh cannot fund every person. Sponsorship is contingent on what funding is available. For that reason, ensure your application is complete before submitting it. The Education Department will determine sponsorship via a process that involves screening all applications and interviewing each potential applicant if necessary.
- Remember, if you have any questions about your application or funding requirements, please call the Education Coordinator at the Lheidli T'enneh Band Office. They are a valuable resource and are here to help.
Forms
These guidelines explain the program objectives and administrative role of the Education Department. It is a helpful resource for staff and applicants in better understanding how to secure funding. It also goes into specific detail for what funding can be used for, limits of assistance, and the responsibilities of students who are sponsored.
This application form needs to be filled out in order to apply for educational funding. It contains a checklist of required documents and explains how to obtain them or write them (e.g. a cover letter, resume and references, transcripts/grades, etc.)
This website provides resources for Aboriginal students wishing to pursue or continue college or university (post-secondary) studies in British Columbia. It includes information on the programs available to support learning such as financial support, housing, transportation, career planning or employment services and childcare.
This website provides resources for Aboriginal students wishing to pursue or continue college or university (post-secondary) studies in British Columbia. It includes information on the programs available to support learning such as financial support, housing, transportation, career planning or employment services and childcare.
Learn about the BC Transfer System, how to successfully transfer, the different types of transfer credit, and understand how to move from another university or province.
This federal government website provides a wide range of resources for helping you plan for an education, save, budget and explore student aid and career options.
Approximately 34% of CNC students self-identify as Aboriginal, and at some CNC campuses Aboriginal learners make up the majority of the student population. Aboriginal culture, history, and knowledge enhance the experience for all students and staff and help to create a diverse and welcoming campus culture.
This provincial government website helps eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. There is also information on programs that can help with loan repayment.
PGNAETA serves the First Nations and Urban Aboriginal community in the north central interior of British Columbia. This organization works collaboratively to aid the Aboriginal workforce to participate in the shifting labor market in today’s economy.
Consisting of over 32 Elementary schools, 8 secondary schools, and 1 Centre for Learning Alternatives (which includes: Continuing Education, Distance Education, and Community Alternate Programs), SD57 serves a diverse range of nations and nationalities and strives to honor the strength that comes with the diversity in our population.
The Prince George campus is located on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh. With over 3500 students enrolled in academic programs, UNBC offers courses to help you achieve your educational goals.
Contact
Lheidli T’enneh Education Department
-
1041 Whenun Road
Prince George BC V2K 5X8 - Tel: 250-963-8451
- Fax: 250.963-6954
- vjoseph@lheidli.ca
