Monday 13 February 2012

Haida Gwaii Semester – A Unique University Experience!


              Photo Credit: Haida Heritage Centre

 

                        Photo Credit: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

On the remote islands of Haida Gwaii, a unique opportunity for a ground-breaking educational experience exists. While the landscape is breathtaking and dynamic, the islands occupy a position on the leading edge of environmental conflict and resolution, reconciling First Nations' rights and title, and maintenance of a sustainable natural resource economy.

Photo Credit: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

The Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society, a non-profit organization, was established in 2008 with the vision of providing world-class university-level educational opportunities inspired by the people, communities and environments of Haida Gwaii. It provides exposure to higher education locally and highlights the value of local knowledge, experience and tradition. It also creates a significant economic impact upon the local economy.


Photo Credit: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

In 2009, the society, in partnership with Simon Fraser University, developed a pilot project comprised of a 3-week graduate-level field course in ‘Resource and Environmental Management’.


Photo Credit: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

The project was a huge success and evolved into the ‘Haida Gwaii Semester’ which currently provides senior undergraduate courses in Natural Resource Management. The 2012 semester has representation from ten universities across Canada, two international students, and one local student. Since its inception, eight local students have completed the program.

Photo Credit: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

The Haida Gwaii semester experience (Jan-April) includes attending lectures at the world-class Haida Heritage Centre, touring forests and resource-based operations, spending time with local knowledge holders and local experts in natural resources in the resource-dependent communities.

Photo Credit: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

Students have expressed appreciation for the ability to experience, firsthand, the application of their university lecture material, and the value of traditional knowledge, as it is applied on Haida Gwaii. The program provides the opportunity for interaction with fallers, Haida carvers, forestry professionals, archeologists and the President of the Council of the Haida Nation, among many others.




Photo Credits: Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society

Consider this unique university experience!

For more information contact (250) 559-7885 (Ext 230) or http://www.haidagwaiisemester.com/haida-gwaii-semester/

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