Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute, located in the Nisg̱a’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw in British Columbia, is a shining example of Indigenous-led post-secondary education grounded in community, culture, and self-determination. As a proud member of UArctic, Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute contributes to a growing network of Northern institutions committed to transforming education through Indigenous knowledge systems and land-based learning.
The Institute was initially created in 1992 by the Nisg̱a’a Tribal Council. When the Nisg̱a’a Treaty came into effect, the Tribal Council closed its doors and governance of the Nation, including oversight of Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute, transitioned to the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government.
Founded in 1993 through the vision of the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government and local Elders, Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute, translated as “The House of Wisdom of the Nisg̱a’a,” offers academic programming that reflects the values, histories, and languages of the Nisg̱a’a people. In partnership with institutions like the University of Northern British Columbia, Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute delivers accredited university and college programs that blend academic excellence with cultural integrity. Notably, all degree programs are University of Northern British Columbia degrees that are designed and delivered independently by Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute itself. The Institute hires all its instructors, the majority of whom are Nisg̱a’a, ensuring that programs are deeply rooted in community knowledge and perspectives.
From Indigenous language instruction to social work, Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute's programs are designed to meet the needs of the community while contributing to the broader movement of Indigenous resurgence. Among its innovative offerings is the Sii Aks Volcano Course—a groundbreaking blend of Indigenous and Western science that has been described by volcanologists as the only course of its kind in the world. Additional courses currently under development include Nisg̱a’a Aquatic Science and Nisg̱a’a Treaty, both of which will be university-accredited.
What makes Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute's work so important, especially for Indigenous and Northern communities, is its commitment to building capacity from within. The Institute supports learners to study close to home, learn from Elders, and build careers that strengthen their communities. At the heart of Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute's approach is the understanding that education is not separate from identity, governance, or healing. Through language revitalization, historical research, and culturally grounded student support, Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute plays a vital role in reconnecting youth to their culture and empowering the next generation of Nisg̱a’a leaders.
Dr. Deanna Nyce, founding President and CEO of the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute proudly says, “It is with great gratitude that the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute is implementing Nisga’a leaders’ vision of the late 1800’s reflected in the Nisga’a 1913 Petition to the Privy Council. It is gratifying to witness immense student success as they graduate, to assume leadership positions in the homelands and beyond.”
The impacts of Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute are felt across the region. The Institute has been instrumental in documenting and protecting the Nisg̱a’a language and teachings. It has supported hundreds of students to complete degrees and certificates in health, education, and community service—all while remaining rooted in their Nation. Graduates of Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute enjoy extraordinarily high success rates and go on to work in a variety of roles across government, education, and health sectors. Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute also contributes to research initiatives that foreground Indigenous methodologies and offer models of collaboration that are respectful, reciprocal, and place-based
As a UArctic member, Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute brings invaluable perspectives to conversations on education, climate change, and sustainable Northern futures. Its work reminds us that when Indigenous communities lead, education becomes not just a tool for knowledge—but for sovereignty, cultural survival, and collective well-being.
To learn more about Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute, visit:
🌐 https://www.wwni.bc.ca