Dr. John Chenoweth Appointed as New President & CEO of Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

October 8, 2024 – NVIT is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John Chenoweth as its new President & CEO. Dr. Chenoweth, a member of the Upper Nicola Indian Band (Okanagan Nation) in the Nicola Valley of British Columbia, brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong dedication to serving Indigenous communities.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Chenoweth has worked to advance Indigenous education and has a deep commitment to supporting marginalized people within the educational system. His journey began with his graduation from the University of British Columbia’s Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP), followed by a teaching career that spanned from 1994 as a schoolteacher to leadership roles as a Principal and District Principal for First Nations Education.

In 2007, Dr. Chenoweth transitioned to post-secondary education, serving in various capacities at NVIT, including Dean of Community Education, Associate Vice-President, and Vice-President Academic. His extensive leadership experience and profound knowledge of NVIT’s mission uniquely position him to guide the institution into the future.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Chenoweth expressed his honour and enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I understand that the role of NVIT is to serve Indigenous communities, revitalize Indigenous languages, and create opportunities for Indigenous people to advance. I privilege traditional Indigenous story work as a model to address contemporary issues within education. I am truly honoured to serve as the President of NVIT. I look forward to continuing to work with all NVIT partners throughout the province and across the country.”

Adding to the celebration of Dr. Chenoweth’s appointment, Lennard Joe, NVIT’s Board Chair, offered a warm message of welcome, emphasizing the importance of leadership that fosters growth and respect:

“Dr. John Chenoweth, we welcome you to this role of leadership, we honour your journey and the strength of your roots to the valley that has led you to take on the position of President. As you take on this role, we ask only that your leadership inspire unity, growth, and a future grounded in respect for all.”

Leaders from the five founding bands of NVIT also shared their pride and support:

Chief Daniel Manuel of the Upper Nicola Indian Band remarked, “I am extremely proud of Dr. John Chenoweth’s hard work and accomplishments in the academic community. It’s truly a testament to the many great people from the Nicola Valley who worked so hard to make it possible for First Nations people from the five Nicola Valley communities to take up the decision-making spaces in all areas that impact and affect our daily lives. Most importantly, it is a testament to Dr. Chenoweth’s commitment to continual personal development and his belief in the value of our people! I wish to congratulate John on his appointment on behalf of his home community of Upper Nicola (one of the five founding communities of NVIT) and wish him well as he continues the work of empowering all First Nations people in their educational journey!”

Chief Lindsay Tighe of the Shackan Indian Band added, “It is a true honour to welcome Dr. John Chenoweth as the new President of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. I am proud to see one of our own grow into an exemplary human being who has committed his life to education for the growth and betterment of our present and future generations. We, the membership of Shackan, wish you well, Dr. Chenoweth, in your new role as you carry the memory and laws of our past into the present for the wellbeing of our future generations.”

Chief Lee Spahan of the Coldwater Indian Band shared, “As Chief of Coldwater Indian Band, I am very proud that the NVIT Board has appointed Dr. John Chenoweth as the new President of NVIT, and I look forward to working with him in the future. Congratulations, Dr. John Chenoweth.”

Chief Stuart Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band expressed his excitement, saying, “It is with great excitement to welcome our new President and CEO of NVIT, Dr. John Chenoweth! Dr. Chenoweth not only brings a wealth of academic knowledge to this very important position, but he also brings a sensitivity, an understanding, and strong commitment to our local languages and culture. Dr. John Chenoweth is a positive figure in the Nicola Valley that we can all be proud of. As kwuwkpi? of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, I look forward to working with our new President and CEO for years to come. Congratulations, Dr. John Chenoweth!”

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Chenoweth is a devoted family man. He has been married for 33 years and is the proud father of two sons. His personal and professional values align closely with NVIT’s mission to empower Indigenous learners and strengthen the cultural and educational fabric of Indigenous communities.

Dr. Chenoweth’s appointment marks a new chapter for NVIT as it continues to grow as a leading Indigenous post-secondary institution. His leadership is set to inspire a renewed focus on Indigenous knowledge, community partnerships, and educational excellence that break down barriers for Indigenous students across the province.

For inquiries, please email the communications team at communication@nvit.ca.

NT5