Creating global learning opportunities for indigenous students
New partnership between Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and Canada’s George Brown College provides immersive international exchange
(NELSON) June 17, 2024 – A new partnership between Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and Toronto’s George Brown College (GBC) is creating inclusive pathways for global learning and cultural exchange.
This June, five indigenous students from GBC will travel to Nelson to connect with Māori learners at NMIT. They will participate in activities such as pōwhiri, marae-based wānanga and visits to sites of significance in the region, to deepen their understanding of Māori tikanga, language and history.
The Toronto-based tertiary institute will host a reciprocal visit in September for NMIT learners and staff to engage with their counterparts at GBC.
Olivia Hall, Executive Director at NMIT, says the partnership offers a chance to share and discuss the different indigenous worldviews within Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada.
“Our NMIT learners and staff are excited to share their knowledge, language and cultural practices with the GBC students, and to learn about indigenous culture in Canada. It will be enlightening to gain insight into the similarities and differences between the cultures and we look forward to seeing how the partnership with GBC can continue to grow in the future,” said Olivia.
The course is the first of its kind for both NMIT and GBC and offers exciting opportunities for future collaboration.
Dr. Gervan Fearon, president, GBC, said the partnership is an opportunity for students and staff to share local and global experiences and consider this knowledge within the context of their own studies, careers, and communities.
“We are proud to partner with NMIT to provide this immersive world views exchange for indigenous learners,” he said.
GBC and NMIT share a focus on creating greater equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students. Upon completing both parts of the course (in New Zealand and Toronto), they earn academic credit.
Recognising financial barriers to participation, some funding was received to support this through a donorship from Canadians Doug Steiner, a technology innovator and entrepreneur, and Jasmine Herlt, a human rights lawyer, who also helped facilitate the partnership between the two institutions.
The world views exchange opportunity is the first phase of a broader collaborative partnership agreement between NMIT and GBC. Indigenous learning is the foundational step with a planned expansion to other areas of mutual interest and benefit.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says this new partnership between NMIT and GBC is exciting for Nelson.
“These exchanges help connect our isolated city to the world and give our students a global perspective. My hope for this partnership with George Brown College is that it will help us rebuild Nelson as a centre for international students to study here.”
For more information, please contact:
Contact at NMIT
Jody Bennett
Senior Communications Advisor
Jody.bennett@nmit.ac.nz
Contact at George Brown College
Saron Fanel
External Communications Specialist
saron.fanel@georgebrown.ca
About Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is the largest education and training provider in Te Tauihu o te Waka ā Maui, Top of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 1905, NMIT has supported the development of the region through high-quality applied vocational education and training.
Across four campuses in Richmond, Nelson, Blenheim and Woodbourne, NMIT offers over 100 qualifications from certificate through to masters. With smaller class sizes, students benefit from personalised attention, hands-on learning, and strong industry connections. NMIT’s diverse and inclusive environment and internationally recognised qualifications prepare students to graduate work-ready and sought after by employers locally, nationally, and globally.
As well as strong international collaboration, NMIT has developed excellent relationships and partnerships with local iwi, industry and the not-for-profit sector.
www.nmit.ac.nz
About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples.
George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 28,500 full-time students and receives more than 53,600 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
This Post Has 0 Comments