WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) is pleased to announce the next phase of its partnership with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), with funding secured to offer Years 3 and 4 of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program in the Yukon.
Since September 2024, 20 students have participated in the Indigenous Human Services (IHS) Diploma program through the CYFN and NVIT partnership. The two-year diploma program was designed to strengthen Yukon First Nation capacity in human services by providing culturally grounded education while allowing students to continue working in their communities.
CYFN has secured funding to offer the next step in their educational journey. The Bachelor of Social Work program is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and continue through March 2029, creating a pathway for diploma graduates to continue their education together in the Yukon while preparing for careers supporting individuals, families and communities.
Current Indigenous Human Services Diploma students who successfully completed the diploma will be eligible to join the BSW cohort if they choose. Individuals who have completed other post-secondary education may also be eligible and are encouraged to contact NVIT as soon as possible to complete academic advising and determine whether they meet the admission requirements.
Quotes:
Providing opportunities for Yukon First Nations to continue their education closer to home strengthens our communities capacity and helps build a workforce rooted in culture, knowledge and values.
– CYFN Grand Chief Math’ieya Alatini
Quick Facts:
- CYFN has secured funding to offer Years 3 and 4 of the Bachelor of Social Work program through NVIT.
- The Yukon cohort is scheduled to run from January 2027 through March 2029.
- The program provides a direct educational pathway for graduates of the Indigenous Human Services Diploma program. Students with previous post-secondary education may also be eligible, subject to academic advising and transcript review by NVIT.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact NVIT as soon as possible to determine their eligibility. Individuals who do not yet meet all admission requirements may have opportunities to complete prerequisite coursework before joining a future cohort.
- NVIT also offers a hybrid Bachelor of Social Work program for students wishing to pursue the degree outside of the CYFN cohort.
For further information contact:
Stephanie Joe
Communications Advisor
Council of Yukon First Nations
T: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net
