Placed-Based Learning | First Nations and Indigenous Studies

Dechinta

Dechinta: Bush University Centre for Research and Learning is a northern-led initiative delivering land-based, university credited educational experiences led by northern leaders, experts, elders and professors to engage northern and southern youth in a transformative curricula based on the cutting-edge needs of Canada’s North.

Click here to learn more about Dechinta.

Guidelines for Current UBC Students Going to Dechinta

We recognize that each student has different circumstances. All applicants will be considered by UBC and Dechinta. Students are encouraged to discuss with their academic advisor at UBC and connect with Dechinta to discuss their application.

- - Students must have permission from their home faculty
  - Students typically have at least a 70% average in your most recent academic term calculated over 9 credits of completed coursework
  - Student should be in good academic standing (good academic standing is defined as not having a failed year, or being on academic probation

Process for Current UBC Students Going to Dechinta

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Discuss how your Dechinta courses will fit into your degree program with your faculty advisor. If you or your advisor have questions, reach out to cis.advising@ubc.ca.

Step 2: Application Process

Apply to the Dechinta Program directly: https://www.dechinta.ca/apply2025.
Note that applications to Dechinta from current UBC students will be reviewed by Dechinta and UBC.
Dechinta will be in touch with you regarding the outcome of your application.

Step 3: Concurrent Registration

If you are accepted into the Dechinta program and if your Dechinta courses will require you to miss scheduled course time at UBC:

Seek approval from all your course instructors by completing the Course Conflict Registration Form (https://lfs-ps.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2020/07/course_conflict_registration_form_UBC.pdf) .
One form will need to be completed for each course.
Please send your completed Course Conflict Registration forms to Arts Indigenous Student Advising: arts.indigenous@ubc.ca.

Step 4: Registration

Once approval is granted, CIS will add your Dechinta courses to your course schedule. CIS will let you know when the courses have been added.

Step 5: Stay in Touch

If you have any questions reach out to CIS (cis.advising@ubc.ca) or your faculty advisor.

Haida Gwaii Semesters

A field semester program for undergraduate students interested in natural resources and the environment.

The Haida Gwaii Semester provides students an immersion opportunity in a unique resource-dependent community in which the social, cultural, ecological, political and economic issues facing natural resource managers around the globe come together at a local scale.

Students live in the Village of Queen Charlotte, attend lectures at the world-class Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay (“Sea Lion Town”) in Skidegate, tour the forests and landscapes of the islands, meet with local experts and knowledge-holders, and become part of the Haida Gwaii Community.

Sarah Robinson, FNIS alumna, spent a semester in Haida Gwaii. On the experience she remarked: “It gave me a glimpse that people with different agendas can come together and make it work.” She also said “The community is super welcoming… you have the opportunity to learn so much.” The courses are taught in an intensive manner, which allows students to focus on the material currently being taught. Sarah felt that this process encouraged her to be immersed in her studies in a way that a typical term at UBC cannot duplicate.

All courses taken through the Haida Gwaii Institute contribute towards the FNEL and FNIS degree.

Click here to learn more about the Haida Gwaii semester.