July 2024
DeDe DeRose, BEd’81, MEd’93, is Esketemc, a NITEP alum from the Williams Lake field centre, and Chancellor, Thompson Rivers University
What attracted you to NITEP?
I was attracted to the program because it was designed for Indigenous learners and offered the first two years in my home community.
How has NITEP impacted Indigenous communities in British Columbia?
NITEP has made a positive impact in communities where NITEP graduates were hired – Indigenous and non-Indigenous, rural and urban, north, south, east and west. The unique program was the first one where educators were prepared to teach the history, language and culture to Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. It was the beginning of the change to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous learners.
How has your involvement with the NITEP program influenced you, or what are you currently engaged in?
I was the 28th graduate from NITEP and have remained close friends with all of my cohorts – our relationship is like they are my siblings. The Program prepared me to face the many challenges I had in my career as a teacher, administrator, coordinator, director, superintendent and now Chancellor.
How do you envision the future of Indigenous education?
By using the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action as I guide and consulting Indigenous peoples, I believe the future of Indigenous education will continue to improve.
Please share a favourite memory from your time in the program.
My favourite memories of my time in NITEP as a student was the time we spent in the hut, laughing, sharing food and supporting each other through the challenges of the university life. My favourite memory of the program as an educator is when I MCed the 40th Anniversary Celebration and saw so many Indigenous NITEP grads return to celebrate. I also enjoyed touching base with NITEP grads when I travelled throughout British Columbia as the Superintendent of Aboriginal Achievement. It was heart warming to see, first hand, the outstanding contributions NITEP grads were making in education.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Visit the Celebrating 50 Years of NITEP page.
