DATE ISSUED: June 17, 2021

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) has provided a combined $140,000 in funding to three post-secondary institutions to support Indigenous education initiatives and funds.

These grants are part of the Regulator’s continued support towards Indigenous communities and education through the Indigenous Education Program. The program is a partnership with several post-secondary institutions across British Columbia to provide scholarships and training programs for Indigenous peoples.

“The goal of the Indigenous Education Program is to support students interested in building the skills that not only benefit their future career choices but also their communities,” said Regulator CEO, Paul Jeakins. “Programs like the ones at these post-secondary schools promote Indigenous presence and participation throughout the entire oil and gas regulatory cycle.”

A grant of $70,000 was provided to Northern Lights College, which saw $60,000 go towards the creation of the BC Energy Regulator Indigenous Education Endowment Fund and $10,000 go towards the BC Oil and Gas Indigenous Education Project Fund. “We are so grateful for the continued support of the BCOGC to the Northern Lights College Foundation. Our donors are the reason we are able to support and help so many students on their educational journey,” said Lindsey Borek, Executive Director, Northern Lights College Foundation.

A grant of $35,000 was provided to Vancouver Island University to support the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement. These funds will support Indigenous program development, student supports, community engagement, cultural events, and other initiatives. “The VIU Foundation is very grateful for the BC Energy Regulator’s investment in Indigenous student supports, activities and opportunities at VIU,” said William Litchfield, Executive Director, VIU Foundation.

The final grant of $35,000 was provided to the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and will go towards the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. “The funding has come to us at a perfect time as it will help provide integral programs and events for students returning to campus in September. Students will see improved and extensive orientation events throughout the semester. The funds will help the First Nations Centre do many of the programs that help students facing challenging barriers, such as food security, educational supports, and cultural community connections. These are just some of the ideas to where the funding will go, and we are hopeful this funding will assist students in succeeding in post-secondary education. We are grateful for the funding,” said Beverly Best, Manager, Aboriginal Student Engagement, UNBC.

If you have any questions regarding this News Release, please contact:

Lannea Parfitt
Manager, Communications
BC Energy Regulator
Lannea.Parfitt@BCOGC.ca
250-980-6081