Photo courtesy: Caden Fanshaw / CKPG News

By Caden Fanshaw

CNC

New Indigenous student housing building ‘Nahoonai-a’ opens at CNC

Sep 17, 2021 | 4:41 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A new 12-bed Indigenous student housing building called Nahoonai-a has officially opened at the College of New Caledonia.

Named by Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Elder Josie Paul, the 12-bed building is called Nahoonai-a, which means “to find” or “to rediscover.”

“We know that students from remote communities have unique challenges to adapting to post-secondary life, and this home will create a foundation for them to explore their learning on many levels,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “We are committed to increasing affordable student housing options through our 10-year housing plan, and this facility is a shining example of the kind of facilities we are proud to invest in on behalf of students in British Columbia.”

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The fully furnished building is built next to existing student housing on the Prince George campus.

In addition to the 12 rooms, two of which are accessible, there is a shared kitchen, living area, washrooms and laundry facilities.

CNC worked with the Lheidli T’enneh, and other Indigenous partners, to ensure the design of the housing created is a safe and welcoming space for students.

The building includes a designated cultural area incorporating natural light and wood elements for students to build community and gather. There is a two-bedroom suite for an Elder, who will be a student mentor and adviser.

Construction of the building was completed in October 2020. Due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, the first students moved in for the start of the September 2021 school year.

This is the first new student housing building to be constructed at CNC since 1993 when the original, and previous to the new Nahoonai-a, was the only student residence on campus.