07/30/2026
As a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band and a student in NVIT's Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work programs, Melissa Moses is driven by a passion for creating meaningful change for Indigenous people and communities. Inspired by Indigenous lawyer and advocate Sharon McIvor, Melissa chose NVIT for its commitment to Indigenous ways of knowing, community connection, and holistic learning.
As a First Nations woman, Melissa has witnessed the impacts of intergenerational trauma, colonial systems, and barriers faced by many Indigenous families. Through her studies, she has gained the knowledge and skills to support healing, advocacy, and empowerment in culturally grounded ways, while feeling supported by a community of Indigenous students, instructors, and perspectives.
One of Melissa's proudest achievements was helping organize the Community Connections event through her practicum placement with the Nicola Valley Advocacy Centre and creating the Law and Social Justice Club at NVIT. These experiences allowed her to bring people together, foster meaningful conversations, and raise awareness about advocacy, justice, and community support.
A particularly impactful milestone came when Sharon McIvor invited Melissa to shadow her at the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva, Switzerland. The experience reinforced the importance of Indigenous voices in international spaces and strengthened Melissa's confidence as a leader and advocate.
Looking ahead, Melissa hopes to continue supporting Indigenous wellness, women's empowerment, and community development through culturally grounded programs focused on healing and safety. She also plans to attend law school, where she can further advocate for Indigenous Peoples, Title and Rights, and social justice. By combining social work, advocacy, self-defence education, and law, Melissa aims to help create stronger, healthier communities for future generations.
Melissa's leadership, dedication, and commitment to community are helping create positive change both locally and beyond.
To learn more about what our Associate of Arts Degree program has to offer, visit www.nvit.ca