Fifteen First Nations Bands of the Cariboo Chilcotin are spread out over an area of 27,000 square miles ( roughly the size of the province of New Brunswick). There are seven thousand two hundred and seventy two members of these Bands. Fifty percent are under the age of twenty five. They are part of the three great Nations: the Chilcotin, the Carrier and the Shuswap.

At this time in history, these Bands are assuming responsibility for programs previously administered by the federal government. Adults, presently employed by and vital to their Bands, grapple with the dilemma of how to upgrade their professional skills and remain in their present, essential employment. Bookkeepers need to become accountants, teacher-aides - teachers, office workers - managers and administrators, health care workers - nurses and doctors. The need for education and capacity building is a great one.

In 1997, at the request of the Chiefs of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Councill, Thomspson Rivers University and the University of Northern British Columbia developed, in partnership, an access program to bring university degree opportunities to the working members of the fifteen First Nations Bands in the Williams Lake area. They offer courses in First Nations Public Administration or First Nations Studies (30 credits). From there students may earn an associate degree from UCC (60 credits), and finally a Baccaleureate degree in First Nations Studies with minors in Business, Political Science, Psychology.

More than two hundred adults have successfully completed courses offered regularly at Williams Lake in classrooms supplied by the Thompson Rivers University. Fall, winter and spring sessions are held at the Williams Lake Campus, and summer sessions are held alternately at the two main university campuses. The structure of the courses is a laddered one. Students may begin by completing a certificate program, then proceed to an associate degree, then achieve a baccalaureate degree.

Education is a priority for the Chilcotin, Carrier and Shuswap Nations. Potential students wait for funding opportunities. The universities have demonstrated their commitment. They can deliver the courses requested by the First Nations' people. We believe that by providing access to these accredited post-secondary programs in the Cariboo Chilcotin area, students can create changes in the personal and social fabric of their lives as well as in the growth and economy of this region.