We take safety seriously.
Indigenous Owned Driving School
“Access to driving training and skill development will open up a wealth of employment and training opportunities for North Island Indigenous communities.”
- Jean La Rose, Board Chair, ‘Namgis Economic Development Corporation
Our Story
The North Island Driving School is both a business and community enterprise. It is not only about the business of teaching people to drive but also about the independence driving brings.
Access to a driver's license enhances the quality of life by opening doors to employment opportunities. It also increases health and well-being by allowing rural, remote community members the ability to connect with family, access health care and provides the freedom to explore their traditional territory on land.
Meet Your Instructor
In the Footsteps of
All Nations Driving Academy
In 2020 the 'Namgis Business Development Corp. began exploring the possibility of an Indigenous owned driving school located on the North Island.
The Regional District of Mount Waddington is a vast area with a population of approx. 11,000 people which includes four municipalities, four electoral areas and 12 First Nations.
A huge part of North Island Driving School's success has been our partnership with Lucy Sager, owner of All Nations Driving Academy. Lucy was instrumental in the formation of the Haisla and Burns Lake Driving Schools.
With the Support of...
PacifiCan
PacifiCan is the Government of Canada’s new economic development agency dedicated to British Columbia. PacifiCan promotes growth and diversification in B.C.’s economy by enhancing innovation, improving business competitiveness, and promoting inclusive growth. We thank them for their substantial contribution.
With funding from Island Coastal Economic Trust, the 'Namgis Business Development Corporation was able to establish an Indigenous, community-owned driving school that is available to all North Island residents.
Paper Excellence are proud partners with with the North Island Driving School. We are grateful for their financial contribution which helps enhance the well-being of the North Island communities.
Orca Sand and Gravel has been recognized for the progressive way the business was developed through positive, open and respectful communication with Indigenous populations. We are appreciative of their contribution to the North Island Driving School.
Mosaic is proud to support the communities, celebrating the opportunity to build connections and partnerships across BC’s Coast. We are thankful for the funding provided to the North Island Driving School.
"Currently the only ICBC-certified driving school located north of Campbell River ... and it's great to be able to have more capacity to support people who might not be able to get into Campbell River to have driving lessons," said Sager, owner of the All Nations Driving Academy.
Western strives to make a positive and lasting impact by strengthening the communities where we live and work. We are proud to partner with the North Island Driving School to help open doors to opportunities for community members in Vancouver Island North.
Press
New driving school aims to help improve job opportunities, boost safety in rural First Nations
Posted: Oct. 22, 2022
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Indigenous-owned driving school to strengthen economic opportunities on the North Island
Posted: Oct. 7, 2022
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Indigenous community-owned driving school opening on the North Island combats ‘crucial’ need
Posted: Oct. 4, 2022
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NEW INDIGENOUS-OWNED DRIVING SCHOOL TO HELP STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ON THE NORTH ISLAND
Posted: Oct. 4, 2022