Shaping the Future by Sharing Haida Gwaii with the World

HGI provides transformative, place-based education inspired by Haida Gwaii. Through immersive, experiential learning in rural, resource-dependent communities, students engage directly with the unique joint management efforts of the Haida Nation and government towards reconciliation and sustainability.

Our programs include undergraduate semesters, professional development, research, and community events, using Haida Gwaii’s vibrant social and ecological systems as natural classrooms. By connecting academic knowledge with local expertise, we foster meaningful exchanges that broaden perspectives, preparing students to address complex global challenges as future leaders.

Community Economic Development & Diversification

HGI contributes to community economic development by creating opportunities for local businesses and organizations to benefit from our programs, particularly during the off-season when tourism is slower. Our presence also generates employment opportunities, providing a valuable boost to the local economy.

Students and faculty engage with the community through rentals, recreational activities, and shopping, and they often invite friends and family from around the world to experience Haida Gwaii. As we expand our programs to other island communities, we anticipate an even greater economic impact.

Charitable Status

Would you like to support cross-cultural, transformative place-based education? We invite you to consider making a donation! Please contact us for more information or learn more here.

Our Vision

Shaping the future by sharing Haida Gwaii with the world.

Our Mission

Transformative education inspired by Haida Gwaii.

Our Values

Respect

HGI and the programs we deliver are based on the principle of mutual respect, for each other and for the ecosystem of which we are part. HGI respects and learns from the leadership of the Haida Nation and all the people and communities on Haida Gwaii.

Contribution

By making higher education available in Haida Gwaii, HGI contributes to community diversification, vibrancy, and well-being. We contribute to the education of our community and enrich the lives of the people who come to Haida Gwaii, from across Canada and the world, to study and teach.

Collaboration

Our community and place-based approach to education provides individuals the opportunity to learn from local knowledge-holders in addition to their instructors. Bringing together diverse groups of people to work and learn together fosters new ideas and innovative solutions.

Excellence

HGI strives for excellence in all our programming and aims to distinguish our organization internationally for providing exceptional transformative educational experiences.

Integrity

HGI subscribes to rigorous ethical standards, delivers on our promises, and is transparent and accountable to our students, instructors, and the partners and supporters who make our work possible.

Our Story

In 2008, a local cross-cultural group in Haida Gwaii recognized the need for innovative approaches to natural resource management and sustainable economies, given shifting global perspectives. They saw Haida Gwaii as a microcosm for global issues and an ideal setting for immersive education. This led to the formation of the Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society (HGHES) and the first Natural Resource Studies semester in 2010, starting with nine students.

Since then, HGHES has expanded to host 19 semesters, educating over 350 students globally and involving over 150 local knowledge holders. With a strong partnership with the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry, HGHES formally established the Haida Gwaii Institute (HGI) in 2018. HGI now oversees all Haida Gwaii programs, including new summer sessions, and continues to seek partnerships with other post-secondary institutions.

“The Haida Gwaii [Institute] has created world-class programming and learning opportunities for university students, which has also diversified the local economy on Haida Gwaii and supported businesses.”
Evan Saugstad, Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“The existing Haida Gwaii [Institute] semesters program is a key economic driver for the Village of Queen Charlotte and Haida Gwaii.”
Carol Kulesha, Mayor of Queen Charlotte, 2013

Interested in transformative education and research?

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