NWIC Science Building Open House on Wed., Sept. 15

Northwest Indian College was recently granted accreditation at the baccalaureate degree level, which includes the College's Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science degree. This field is critical to the social, cultural and economic well-being of our tribal nations and regional partners.  Our first class of four-year students enrolled in 2007. 

To support these students and others taking Native Environmental Science classes, a 4,200-square-foot Natural Resources Laboratory was constructed on our main campus at the Lummi Nation near Bellingham, Washington. To celebrate the completion of the science building, the College is hosting an open house and blessing ceremony concurrently with a celebration of NWIC's four-year accreditation at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The public is invited to join us for a ribbon cutting, speakers, refreshments and tour of our newest building.

Science Building Open House and Blessing invite

The Natural Resources Laboratory helps students and faculty integrate Native science’s values of connectedness and deep human development with Western science’s values of rigorous observation, formulation and testing. Through this culturally-based education, Northwest Indian College will become a leader in the growing national discussion about the interface and overlap between Native and Western science.

The total cost of the laboratory/classroom facility is approximately $2 million.

Our Students
Inclusion of a new Natural Resources Laboratory for Native Environmental Science improves the economic and social contributions of native people to the management and protection of natural resources. 

“Native people are among the best stewards of the land and natural resources
especially among the tribes in the Pacific Northwest," said NWIC President Cheryl Crazy Bull. "Through classroom and laboratory facilities, our students bring their traditional stewardship knowledge into contemporary settings, ensuring the protection of resources for all citizens.”

Through our Native Environmental Science degree offerings, we anticipate growing the BSNES four-year program to up to 20 graduates a year by 2012. Nearly all of these students will be employed in the Northwest or with their tribes throughout Indian Country.