Haida Gwaii Institute (HGI) operates within the traditional, ancestral, and ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. We collaborate with the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN), Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council, and the larger Haida community, in the development and delivery of HGI courses and programs.
The Haida Gwaii Institute operates within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Haida Nation. We work to collaborate with the Council of the Haida Nation, Skidegate Band Council, the Old Massett Village Council, and the wider Haida community in the development and delivery of our programs. We extend our deep gratitude for this support.
We value the participation of Indigenous students and acknowledge the important contribution they make to the collective learning experience. We strive for diversity and inclusion, and hope to engage more Indigenous students (as well as staff and faculty!) as our organization continues to grow.
Pathways to participation for Indigenous students:
Typically we invite students with at least two years of experience in a related post-secondary program to apply for a Haida Gwaii Semester or Summer Session. This may be someone currently enrolled in a program, someone that has already obtained a certificate/diploma/degree, or someone that has taken a break from school and is interested in returning.
We also recognize that learning can take place outside of university and in different kinds of educational settings. We will consider applicants that have not attended post-secondary but have other achievements including community leadership, work experience, self-knowledge, as well as other skills and competencies.
Potential sources of funding for Indigenous students:
HGI understands that for some students participation in the Haida Gwaii Semesters or Summer Sessions is not possible without financial assistance. In an effort to respond to this need, HGI has worked with external agencies to identify funding that HGI students are eligible to apply for when accepted into one of our programs. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
“Participating in the Haida Gwaii Semester as a local and Haida person enabled me to have a unique perspective on the subjects of reconciliation and First Nations governance that were touched on repeatedly throughout the courses. I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking for an alternative and meaningful way to learn outside of the classroom. I left the program with a new sense of understanding of my own people as well as many friendships that maintain today.”
“The Haida Gwaii Semester allowed me to push my post-secondary journey outside of the classroom to the forest, water, and to Indigenous knowledge keepers. I was able to look at Gwaii Haanas as a case study for how co-management with the Canadian government could work within my home territory. I built life long friendships and Nation to Nation relations. I discovered why the Haida are known to be such a prideful Nation by experiencing how they care for their land, waters, one another, and the guests within their home territories.I am forever grateful for this learning opportunity and would encourage more Indigenous students to partake in a this program that will feel like it was made for you.”
“The Haida Gwaii Semester provides an amazing opportunity to engage in challenging cross-cultural and inter-disciplinary dialogues. I was left with an in-depth understanding of Haida law, governance, history, and contemporary land management strategies. I continue to apply what I have learned at the Haida Gwaii Semester within the context of my community, the Saulteau First Nations in Treaty 8 territory. Most importantly the semester enabled me to build meaningful relationships with some of the most incredible and inspiring people I have ever met!”
“Haida people have had an intrinsic connection with this land for thousands of years. The work of our ancestors is present in the forest today and we continue our struggle to protect these sacred workplaces and the forests that contain them. The forests, lands and waters of Haida Gwaii have much to teach about a sustainable connection between human beings and the nature world. The Council of the Haida Nation supports […] educational programs that bring students from across Canada to experience the uniqueness of Haida Gwaii and Haida culture”
Looking for more information?
If you have any questions, please contact hg.institute@ubc.ca or (250) 559.7885 ext. 602
