Northwest Indian College hosts and and students participate in a number events annually.
Northwest Indian College Pow Wow
Grass Dancers at the 2010 Northwest Indian College Stommish Pow Wow:
American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Conference
Each year NWIC students from NWIC sites and Lummi Campus travel to participate in the annual AIHEC Student Conference. The conference provides Tribal College and University (TCU) students the opportunity to promote professional growth through networking with peers, and intellectual development and leadership skills in scholastic competitions. Cultural opportunities also play a central role in this educational event that attracts nearly one thousand participants every year.
The conference features inspiring speakers as well as hands-on opportunities for students to participate. Teams of students compete in Knowledge Bowl, Science Bowl, and Business Bowl. Individuals make Critical Inquiry presentation and give speeches on topics that are important to Native American communities. Others recite poetry, compete in stick games, and test their knowledge of traditional plants. Student Athletes compete in basketball, archery and volleyball. Students share their talents with and perform for each other. Student leaders compete for the titles of Mr. and Ms. AIHEC. Previous NWIC Student Executive Board President, Valerie Phair, won the honor of Ms. AIHEC at the 2010 Conference in Arizona.
Vine Deloria Conference
The Vine Deloria Conference is held annually at Northwest Indian College. Vine Deloria, Jr., Standing Rock Sioux, was an influential Native American scholar and author; his books include: Custer Died for Your Sins and God Is Red. The purpose of the symposium is to bring together Native and non-native scholars and tribal elders who are interested in honoring the life and work of our friend, mentor, and colleague, Vine Deloria, Jr.
Billy Frank Jr., Nisqually Indian Tribe, Chairman Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, political activist, Keynote Speaker
Each summer this event brings together leading traditional and non-traditional scholars from throughout the United States and Canada for the purpose of continuing ideas and expanding knowledge in several key areas to which Professor Deloria devoted his life.
NWIC Career Fair and Training Symposium
Northwest Indian College hosts an annual career fair and training symposium, an exciting opportunity for students, alumni and interested individuals to explore career fields and gain job search skills. Students at the Career Fair are able to take advantage of not only networking with employers, but also engaging in skill building sessions and attending keynote and featured speaker presentations. Presentations are broadcast to sites via ITV and students who travel to Lummi Campus may be eligible for reimbursement and accommodations. Please contact your Site Manager or Advisor for more information.
Commander John Bennett Herrington, Chickasaw Nation, Former NASA Astronaut and first Native American to travel to space Keynote Speaker at 2010 NWIC Career Fair
Student Conference
Students at the 2nd Annual Student Conference: A Lifetime of Learning
An annual student conference is held each year to promote student learning. Students have the opportunity to meet students from various sites, network with community members, and learn valuable information to use throughout college during the two-day conference. Topics vary each year and can include financial literacy, career planning, goal setting, improv comedy, and peer pressure. Please contact your Site Manager or Advisor for more information.