More options coming for Merritt school district First Nations students
The First Nations Schools of Choice Policy will allow Indigenous communities to decide if the current school catchment is the one they wish to continue with.
Category: Indigenous
Homeless population up 55 per cent in Merritt since 2020 count
All 20 communities studied saw an increase in its homeless population.
Province offers Disaster Financial Assistance to wildfire-affected communities
Local governments and First Nations that have been affected by wildfires this season are eligible to request Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).
Merritt Legion seeks community participation in upcoming ‘Family Fun Day’
Looking to unite the residents of the Nicola Valley and encourage some old fashioned community connections, Merrit’s Legion Branch 96 is hosting its second annual Family Fun Day at Rotary Park next month.
Local Indigenous author’s memoir subject of library talk
The Merritt Library and Friends of the Library teamed up to organize the event, which will combine...
Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly acquires historic City of Merritt courthouse
Looking to connect the community and provide a culturally safe environment, the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) has acquired the historic City of Merritt courthouse and will renovate it to house some of their programming.
B.C. government adds more funding to aid communities’ emergency plans
First Nations’ communities and local governments are receiving additional funding from the B.C....
Soundtrack of a small town, Bobby Garcia entertains the community
Born and raised in Merritt, Bobby Garcia has been belting his voice out around the Nicola Valley since he was a kid.
Provincial writing award presented by former Lieutenant Governor and Nicola Valley resident
The 40th annual award was presented by former Lieutenant Governor and long time Nicola Valley resident, Judith Guichon, at the BCHF’s conference in Princeton, B.C.
Calgary beats out Tk?emlúps te Secwépemc to host 2027 North American Indigenous Games
Beating out a bid by the Tk?emlúps te Secwépemc/Kamloops, Calgary was awarded the title of host city for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) during an announcement at the site of the 2023 Games on Saturday (July 22).
B.C. announces Indigenous climate-resilience pilot program
On July 20, the government of British Columbia announced the creation of an Indigenous climate-resilience and capacity-building pilot program across the province.
New forestry management engagement practices in play, local workers seeking timeline on permits
The provincial government announced in a recent press release that immediate steps are being taken to help protect rare forest habitats, as well as expand forest management and planning through public engagement. The changes come after extensive consultation with First Nations, professional associations, and other stakeholders.
Council waives fingerprint fee for Indigenous name reclamation
Merritt City Council passed an amendment to the Fees and Charges Bylaw 2355 during their regular June 13 meeting, waiving the fingerprinting fee for Indigenous persons in the Merritt area reclaiming their ancestral name.
Merritt Secondary grad weekend a success
Over 100 students graduated from the school this year, ending a thirteen year educational journey, with the real journey just beginning.
Local bands receive provincial climate adaptation funding
The provincial government has announced that it will provide funding for nine community risk-reduction and climate-adaptation projects throughout B.C., including a six figure project in the Nicola Valley.
Council approves new transit agreement with Cook’s Ferry Band
Merritt’s city council has unanimously passed an agreement that will bring on-request transit service to the Cook’s Ferry Antko 21 reserve near Fox Farm and Coldwater roads.
Indigenous History Month an opportunity for learning and reflection
It takes more than one month to familiarize oneself with a nation’s culture and history, but National Indigenous History Month is a good start for those who want to learn about how Canada’s Indigenous population persevered through centuries of colonialism.
Nlaka’pamux artist takes on a variety of mediums
Nlaka’pamux artist Leonard George has lived on the Coldwater Reserve outside of Merritt for most of his life, but some of the influence for his contemporary art comes from well beyond the borders of the Nicola Valley.
NVIT awards more than $30,000 in awards between two campuses
During two recent award ceremonies at its Merritt and Burnaby campuses, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology divvied up more than $30,000 in scholarships and bursaries between 40 of its students.
Local Indigenous veteran lives a life of service
Despite retiring several years ago, Grand Chief Percy Joe is not slowing down, and continues to advocate for First Nations veterans across Canada.
