Institutional Outcomes
Northwest Indian College is committed to advancing the vision of our ancestors by providing a quality Indigenous education through which every student is able to strengthen their personal and Tribal identity. The institutional outcomes are foundational to a framework based on the pillars of Indigenousness and sovereignty which informs all aspects of the design, delivery, and assessment of the college’s programs and courses.
This framework ensures that, upon degree attainment, NWIC graduates will be able to view their world cognizant of Tribal values, informed by the knowledge of inherent and acquired rights, and prepared to be leaders in their own unique ways to serve their communities. As Tribal Nation builders, graduates will be prepared to promote the restoration of a culture of social and economic abundance.
NWIC has identified four organizing principles for student success which move our educational vision into fruition:
Native Leadership – To Acquire a Quality Education
Educated Native leaders are essential to the survival and advancement of Tribes. NWIC graduates are leaders in their own right and have the ability to communicate in diverse situations, listen deeply, think critically, and organize and articulate ideas. Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …
- effectively communicate in diverse situations, from receiving to expressing information, both verbally and non-verbally
- use analytical and critical thinking skills to draw and interpret conclusions from multiple perspectives including Indigenous theory and methods
Way of Life - To Give Back
Education is relevant when Indigenous ways of thinking, learning, and doing are infused into the educational framework. NWIC graduates possess the knowledge of how Tribal values are interpreted and practiced through healthy lifestyles, language, and decision-making. Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …
- demonstrate knowledge of what it means to be a people
- practice community building through service learning
Inherent Rights – To Apply Indigenous Knowledge
Knowledge of Tribal history, language and culture is integral to the advancement of sovereignty and self-determination. NWIC graduates actively engage in the decolonization process using an Indigenous perspective and are able to differentiate between inherent rights and acquired rights. Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …
- exhibit a sense of place
- recognize Tribal rights as they relate to human rights
Community Minded – To Utilize Education Through Work
Indigenous knowledge advances the capacity of Tribes. NWIC graduates acquire the skills to identify their role as a community member, including how they are integral to advancing the collective good of the community. Upon degree attainment, a successful student will be able to …
- meet the technological challenges of a modern world
- work cooperatively toward a common goal
NWIC acknowledges the Coast Salish language speakers for their contribution in developing the context of Indigenousness and sovereignty used in the new NWIC Institutional Outcomes: Tom Sampson, Tsartlip First Nations; Ivan Morris, Tsartlip First Nations; the late Earl Claxton, Tsawout First Nations; Ruby Peters, Cowichan Tribes; James and Lutie Hillaire, Lummi Nation; and William E. Jones Sr, Lummi Nation.