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.”

Fraser Earl

Admissions & Online Learning Coordinator

As Admissions and Online Learning Coordinator, Fraser’s role is to support students in strengthening online learning, helping guide course delivery, or simply being able to provide clarity, connection, or collaboration.

Fraser was born in Nunavut and spent his early years living in northern communities across Turtle Island before eventually arriving in BC. For the last 28 years, he has made his home on Haida Gwaii working in roles tied to community, learning, and supporting the growth of local capacity. A core part of who he is comes from home: he is honoured to be a father to two daughters, who make him a better man each day, and their presence continues to shape how he walks, works, and learns in community.

Fraser’s work centres on Indigenous and Western value systems; they guide entrepreneurship, teaching, learning, and community-led development. He believes strongly that education and economic development should be rooted in community priorities, Indigenous knowledges systems, and the strengths already present within our Nations.

Fraser also teaches HGSE 383: Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and over the years has designed and taught many post-secondary and community-based courses grounded in experiential, cultural, and land-based approaches to learning. He also works in Ghana, West Africa, where the relationships and teachings he encounters continues to expand his understanding of cross-cultural learning, community leadership, and the many ways Indigenous and local knowledge systems speak to one another across the world. He is grateful to work with a number of post-secondary institutions and Indigenous organizations, including Indigenous programming with UVic Gustavson School of Business, the UNBC School of Education, and organizations such as TRICORP, BCAAF, and NACCA.

Fraser looks forward to learning with students, supporting their journeys, and doing this work together in a good way.

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 ways that nature and culture intersect, and also, her love for Haida Gwaii.

As Program and 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 wild 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.