Congratulations Councillor Tammy Harkey!

Today, Musqueam member and longstanding Councillor Tammy Harkey was officially announced as the next president of the Native Education College (NEC).

Musqueam congratulates Councillor Harkey on this tremendous achievement, and her continued dedication to providing supportive learning environments for Indigenous students.

Tammy is a proud alumnus of NEC, and went on to complete a degree in Montessori education (Vancouver Community College) and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction (Simon Fraser University). Prior to becoming president, she served as NEC’s Dean of Student Services and Vice President of Operations.

Much of Tammy’s career has focused on supporting Indigenous learners by developing culturally-relevant education programming with First Nations across Canada.

A skilled educator and education advocate, Tammy led the creation and launch of the Musqueam Learning Pods, which offers on-reserve classroom environments for students to learn during COVID-19. The pods were conceptualized and coordinated at the very beginning of September due to parent concerns about sending children to schools off reserve. Within three weeks, Tammy and Musqueam staff recruited Musqueam educators, created six COVID-safe classrooms and successfully launched this innovative learning environment that will change the ways we provide access to education for years to come.

“Councillor Harkey is an incredible leader, not only for Musqueam youth, but for all Indigenous students who attend NEC and beyond,” says Chief Wayne Sparrow. “Tammy’s passion for education has supported and inspired many Musqueam students, and no doubt contributes to the growing number of Musqueam graduates entering post-secondary every year.”

In addition to serving as Musqueam Councillor, Tammy volunteers on a number of Indigenous education-related boards, including Dogwood 25, the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, and SFU’s Aboriginal Steering Committee.

“As an educator that wants to see all Indigenous people achieve their potential, I am so overjoyed with the opportunity to lead the Native Education College, an institution that helped nurture my love of learning when I needed it most,” says Councillor Tammy Harkey. “I am proud to continue to work towards Musqueam’s goals of addressing our educational needs, and supporting our future leaders to become passionate about learning.”

About the Native Education College (NEC)

The NEC is a private post-secondary college located in Vancouver that provides upgrading, vocational and university transfer programs for Indigenous learners. The college is designated by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Private Training Institutions Branch, and is governed by nine elected board members. With a focus on culturally-relevant education, training and personal growth, Indigenous students travel from around the province to attend the NEC before transitioning to other post-secondary institutions.