On November 29th the seven-week Environmental Technician Certificate program concluded. The program was being offered in partnership with Vancouver Island University (VIU). This was the third program Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) and VIU have partnered in bringing to the community. Introduction to Forestry and Environmental Stewardship programs were offered last year. Both programs offered University Credit courses which are transferrable to other post-secondary colleges/universities. For many students, this was their first taste of university level courses.
The Environmental Technician Certificate program ran from October 7th to November 29th at the Hazel Branch in Old Hazelton. The seven-week program involved 6 courses.
The students could be seen doing their field work in and around Old Hazelton, Gitanmaax, Ksan, New Hazelton, Two Mile, Ross Lake and on Gutgwinuxs territory. VIU and GDC followed proper protocol and received permission to each area and respectfully left the areas as they were found.
VIU and GDC presented all of the students with a graduation gift. Four of the students were recognized with an additional gift for having 100% attendance. GDC and GTS staff joined in to celebrate the students success with a turkey lunch.
