Haida Gwaii Institute F.A.Q.
The Haida Gwaii Institute (HGI) is a community-based education and research post-secondary institution that develops and delivers transformative education inspired by Haida Gwaii. We offer students immersive, experiential learning opportunities in rural, resource-dependent communities in transition. We embrace a place-based approach; we see the social and ecological systems of Haida Gwaii as vibrant natural classrooms for our students to engage with, grounding high level course content in living, local case studies.
The Haida Gwaii Insitute is governed jointly by the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Foresty and the Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society. As HGI is located organizationally in UBC Forestry, all HGI undergraduate programming is accredited through UBC.
No, this is not a Haida led organization, this is a community-based and inter-cultural organization. Our staff and board are made up of both Haida and non-Haida people. We work together, have shared core values and visions, and attempt to integrate different knowledge systems into our programs.
When our organization took form a decade ago, we visited the Elders at HlG̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil Naay Skidegate Haida Immersion Program to find a term in the Haida language that was fitting for the work that we set out to do in education. Their response was Sḵ’aadG̱a Gud ad is which translates to learning together.
Sḵ’aadG̱a Gud ad is embodies our vision for a cross-cultural and community-based approach to higher education. We aim to provide both western and Indigenous lenses – and the diversity of persepctives that exist within those lenses – on issues explored in class, and to learn from leading academics as well as people with direct, lived experience who are experts in their own right. Facilitating this rich collaboration supports a meaningful learning exchange and the opportunity for students to develop a deep and broad perspective.
We have many Haida curriculum developers and reviewers, instructors, and guest speakers that help ensure that Haida values and perspectives are represented and respected in our courses, which has a very a direct impact on what students will learn. We also include readings, media, and other resources that have been authored or developed by Haida and other Indigenous people in all of our courses.
We seek wise council and direction from Haida leadership including friends, colleagues and members of our HGI Advisory Council, but also more formalized entities like the Hereditary Chiefs Council, Skidegate Band Council and Old Massett Village Council Band. We have a signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Council of the Haida Nation to help clarify and work toward our shared goals for capacity building and education on Haida Gwaii. We also have an Indigenous and Community Initiatives Manager on our small team, to help plan our programming and development in ways that make sense for our communities.
No, definitely not, but over the whole program you will spend ample time outside. Some courses are more field based (HGSE 356, HGSE 353, HGSE 320C) while others have more indoor, classroom time. This depends on the nature of the course itself and also the time of year.
The program fee (which is separate from tuition) helps to cover some of the costs associated with the uniqueness of our program including stipends for the many guest speakers; field trips; PPE, safety equipment and field gear; transportation to and from class each day; access to required reading materials and other resources; and more. As much as possible this money is spent locally on Haida Gwaii and plays an important role in our small and transitioning economy, particularly in the fall and winter months when tourism is low. This fee enables us to provide a unique and diverse learning experience for students, distinct from traditional, on-campus programs.
Class is typically held from 9am until 3:30pm, with an hour break for lunch. Some days may run longer or shorter, depending on the flow of the week and whether there is a field trip that may require some commuting. These programs are intensive and they are a different pace than your average university term. Time management is key to your success. With the exception of our summer sessions, we schedule every Friday afternoon off for independent study, so that students can use the time to catch up on work or take some time for self-care.
All students, even those considered ‘visiting’ at UBC, have the opportunity to disclose to UBC’s Centre for Accessibility so that we might assist you with appropriate support and services. Disclosure does not impact your admission. If your home university is aware of your learning difference and/or other academic concessions, UBC will not automatically be informed. In order to receive support, you will need to contact the Centre for Accessibility.
Yes, while we are off-campus we still belong to the UBC community and we lean on many of the established policies, especially in regards to student conduct and safety. We also develop policy, procedures, and practices specific to HGI.
Most housing options are furnished with the essentials, include internet, and are within walking distance to the town centre of whichever community your program is situated in. We advise that tenants and landlords review and sign a working rental agreement to help clarify expectations. Our staff will help you find a comfortable scenario that meets your needs.
Sometimes academic advisors have questions about our courses as they work on your letter of permission, please feel free to connect them to our office and we can help provide more information, including syllabi.
As part of our admissions process we have students sign a participation agreement that outlines some very clear conduct expectations and should a student breach this agreement during the program, they may be asked to leave.
We asked alumni of our programs what they would relay to incoming students, and this is what they shared with us!
“I wish I had spent more time talking face to face with people on-island about different projects. There are so many talented people on Haida Gwaii and there is potential for people to collaborate and create opportunities for themselves. I also wish I had known I did not need to bring a suitcase full of piano books. It definitely is not necessary to pack a lot of things, just essential things like gumboots.” Kim, Alumni 2013
“You really need to be dedicated and willing to 100% commit yourself to this experience. You have to be willing to change the way you think about things, take a seat in the listening chair, and learn to truly value others’ stories and ideas. Top quality for a potential student is respect, patience, creativity, and thoughtfulness. Also a sense of humour.” Rhiannon Moore, Alumni 2012
“It’s important to trust in the experience and know that all things come in good time.” Emily Collins, Alumni 2010
“The remoteness of Haida Gwaii was still surprising to me even though I knew where I was going. My biggest regret from my semester is not coming out of my shell sooner. Haida Gwaii is a small community but one thriving with activity. It is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and to mingle with locals. That is how you find out about all the amazing stuff going on in the community. Engaging with everyone within and outside the program is the best way to maximize this incredible experience.” Emily Salt, Alumni 2014


Have a question?
We are happy to answer any questions. Please contact us at hg.institute@ubc.ca or call (250) 559.7885 ext. 602