HGI and the education we deliver are based on the principle of mutual respect, for each other and the human and ecological communities we inhabit.
K’iinuwaas Carrie Anne Vanderhoop
Director
Carrie Anne is the daughter of Evelyn Vanderhoop and granddaughter of Delores Churchill of the Gawa Git’ans Massett Inlet Eagle Clan of Old Massett. Carrie Anne’s father is David Vanderhoop, Aquinnah Wampanoag from the island of Neope, commonly known as Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Carrie Anne holds an Ed.M. from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Comparative Literature and Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Carrie Anne comes from a long line of Haida weavers and carries on the tradition as a weaver of the prestigious Raven’s Tail and Naaxiin (commonly referred to as Chilkat) textile garments.
“Connecting with our lands and waters is crucial, instilling values of respect for our environment and fostering relationships with the natural world around us, trees, forests, ocean, shores, is important to me as a parent and an educator.”
Farah Nosh
Admissions & Online Learning Coordinator
Farah Nosh studied Human Geography at UBC and then pursued journalism studies and a long eventful career in photojournalism. Farah spent years teaching at Emily Carr and UBC’s Graduate School of Journalism before returning to reside with her two sons by her favourite spot on the planet, the Tllaal river.
As admissions and online learning coordinator, Farah is likely your first point of contact when pursuing studies with the Haida Gwaii Institute. She is also seen alongside instructors and students throughout the online learning programs.
Emily Sky Collins
Program & Operations Manager
Emily Sky studied cultural anthropology at the University of Northern British Columbia and was a student of the very first Haida Gwaii Semester in 2010. These experiences helped to further her curiosity in the many ways that nature and culture intersect.
As Program & Operations Manager her role involves collaborating with students, community, instructors, and staff to develop and deliver transformative education inspired by Haida Gwaii. While much of her work is behind the scenes, she is focused on supporting best practice place-based education, ensuring that all HGI operations are running smoothly, and helping students to have the fullest experience possible.
When she is not at work, you can find her at the beach, chasing around her little kids.
Debbie Pearson
Finance and Administration Manager
Debbie arrived on Haida Gwaii as a young adult and to this day remains enthralled with the people, lifestyle, culture and environmental richness provided by the islands. She is passionate about initiatives focused on sustainable community development that serve to protect both the people and environment.
As Finance and Administration Manager, Debbie works behind the scenes to balance budgets and report operations to the various levels of government. She has 30 years of management experience working for a wide variety of community-based and not-for-profit organizations. Her past work has included planning and implementation of public works infrastructure projects, numerous social programs, community events and festivals. Currently, she is also employed by the Hecate Strait Streamkeepers and manages projects focused on salmonid education and stewardship, assessment and habitat restoration.
In her spare time, Debbie volunteers spends time assisting at the Daajing Giids Community Salmon Hatchery.
Debbie recently completed her Master of Arts in Environment and Management, Royal Roads University.
When not working or volunteering she can be found playing in the dirt of her organic garden. She has raised two children on Haida Gwaii, both of whom she is profoundly proud of.
