BCIT is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for Indigenous learners. Through Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships, we offer programs, services, and community connections to support your learning journey.
Learn about Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships >
Indigenous to Canada
BCIT recognizes that language and identity are deeply personal and may not reflect how all individuals or communities choose to identify. BCIT honours the diverse ways Indigenous peoples define and experience their identities, cultures, and connections to community.
In alignment with Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the term Indigenous to Canada refers inclusively to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, including status and non-status, treaty and non-treaty, and Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands are wholly or partly within what is now known as Canada, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
How your information is used
Choosing to self-identify is voluntary and is collected to support your experience at BCIT. If you choose to self-identify, you may:
- Receive information about Indigenous student supports, services, community, and cultural programming available through Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
- Be considered for Indigenous-specific opportunities, including admissions prioritization, scholarships, bursaries, awards, and fee exemptions.
- Contribute to BCIT’s understanding of Indigenous student experiences through aggregated and anonymized information, helping inform institutional planning and advance reconciliation and the Indigenous Vision.
BCIT collects, uses, and discloses personal information under the authority of the College and Institute Act, RSBC 1996, c.52 and Section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1996, c.165. Information is used only for purposes related to the administration and operation of BCIT programs and services, unless otherwise consented by you, or as required or authorized by law.
Learn more about how BCIT protects your information in Policy 3502: Information Security and Policy 6700: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy.
How to self-identify
- On your application via EducationPlannerBC (EPBC)
- After you apply via myBCIT
Go to myBCIT -> Personal Information -> Indigenous Status to add, update, or remove your information.
Indigenous Student Intake
We invite you to complete the Indigenous Student Intake Form [PDF] and/or schedule a meeting with an Indigenous Staff member. This helps the Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships team understand how best to support your learning journey and connection to community.
Upload with your EPBC application or submit directly to Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
Completing the Indigenous Student Intake Form is optional. If you are accessing an Indigenous-specific opportunity that considers identity as part of an assessment, selection, or eligibility process, you will be asked to complete the Indigenous Student Intake Form. Where applicable, Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships may request additional information or documentation to confirm your eligibility.
Information and documentation shared through the Indigenous Student Intake process is treated as confidential and is maintained by Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships. Information is used to support your connection to Indigenous services and, where applicable, to confirm eligibility for Indigenous-specific opportunities. Personal information is shared only where necessary to administer these opportunities and is collected, used, disclosed, and protected in accordance with BCIT’s privacy policies and applicable legislation.