Before heading out to communities across Northern B.C., the 2026 Intern cohort gathered in Prince George for a three day orientation to prepare them for the year ahead.
The Internships program is Northern Development’s flagship capacity building initiative, providing recent graduates with paid, hands-on experience working in local and First Nation governments throughout the Trust’s service region. This year, 12 interns will spend the next 12 months working in communities across Northern B.C., building practical skills while supporting projects and initiatives in their host communities.
During the orientation, interns learned about Northern Development, local government operations and what to expect in their new roles. Staff from the Trust shared insights about their work, while former interns returned to offer advice and reflections from their own experiences through their current professional roles. In fact, nearly 70 per cent of this year’s presenters were internship alumni, demonstrating the strong network that has grown around the program over the years.
Since launching in 2009 with a trio of participants, the Internship program has grown significantly. The 2026 cohort brings the total number of placements to 161, with many former interns continuing their careers in all levels of Indigenous, local, provincial and federal government.
Administered in partnership with municipalities, regional districts and First Nations, the program helps communities build capacity while giving graduates the experience, mentorship and professional connections needed to launch their careers. As the newest cohort heads to their host communities, they join a growing network of alumni helping shape the future of Northern B.C. communities.
