(Please note: as of 2004/05, this program is not available)

First Nations face unique challenges in information management. Massive amounts of documentation related to governance issues, and aboriginal title and rights, must be properly collected, organized, and made accessible. Significant historical and cultural documents must also be stored safely.  

First Nations organizations from throughout B.C. (and other areas) require library and information technology specialists, ideally with specialized knowledge about First Nations issues and history.  

At the request of First Nations communities, the University College of the Fraser Valley is addressing this need by offering a customized, modular version of its Library and Information Technology diploma program, in an online/short course format.  

“We’ve met with a working group including representatives of First Nations organizations and they’re telling us that there’s a strong need for a program like this, but that it needs to be offered in such a way that people won’t need to be away from home for months at a time,” says Tim Atkinson, UCFV Library and Information Tech program head. “This program will appeal to people already working in research, information centres, resource centres, and libraries, or for people interested in working as a library technician who need training and credentials.”  

Students in the First Nations option of the Library and Info Tech program will travel to the Lower Mainland of B.C. for several two- or three-week short courses over the three-year program, and also take approximately 10 online courses via computer. They will also complete some elective courses at post-secondary institutions closer to their homes.  

The Library and Information Technology program curriculum is divided into specialized LibTech courses and academic courses. Students in this option will be able to focus on First Nations issues in some of their academic elective courses. The LibTech courses will also emphasize First Nations content through the selection of culturally relevant examples and case studies, and of assignments pertinent to First Nations issues.  

For instance, when learning about archival primary documents, students might work with taped oral histories, or original Indian Affairs documents.  

People working in information management in a First Nations context are welcoming the proposed program.  

“Over the last 25 years of working for First Nations it has constantly been brought to my attention that we need more First Nations people qualified to organize, maintain, and preserve our information,” says Gene Joseph, who is a member of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation and has a master’s degree in library studies.

“Now at last, we have a qualified institution willing to not only provide a formal two-year training program, but also to adapt the curriculum to meet the specific needs of First Nations. The online component of the program certainly improves the accessibility of this training for people located outside of the Lower Mainland.”  

Kim Lawson, a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation and librarian for the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Resource Centre agrees.  

“Much of the research and library work for First Nations organizations needs an awareness of aboriginal history and law. It helps to have a specialized background plus familiarity with issues, events and people involved. Because many First Nations students do not want to move to urban centres and/or have family members who depend on them, this program is designed so that students can complete several courses in their own communities.  

“Providing the opportunity for aboriginal people to train as library and information technicians will bring people into the field who already have an understanding of the needs and issues of their communities. It will show communities the value of this type of work for caring for their own documents and collections as well as for finding needed information from outside the community.”  

UCFV’s Library and Information Technology department developed this new option in cooperation with the UCFV Continuing Studies department. For more information contact Catherine McDonald at 604-864-4650,