INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
AND RECLAMATION

The Indigenous Environmental Stewardship and Reclamation (IESR) program prepares students for the demanding and evolving field of environmental safeguarding, reclamation, and restoration. Drawing on the knowledge of academics, Elders, industry professionals, and community experts, students learn how environmental science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) work together to balance traditional values with the needs of industry and communities in the ongoing development of resources. This program is accredited through the National Indigenous Accreditation Board (NIAB).

The IESR program provides students with a strong foundation in both theory and practice, including laboratory work and hands-on field experiences. Through instruction from academic, Elder, industry, and community experts, students gain an understanding of the vital role environmental science and TEK play in responsible resource development.

Graduates of the program will possess the skills needed to meet the growing demand for environmental practitioners in areas such as resource development and management, environmental protection, environmental assessment, water and waste management, environmental research, and environmental education. As Alberta’s resource-based economy continues to change, the need for environmental stewards will continue to grow, particularly within First Nations communities.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

All students who have successfully completed the three-year Indigenous Environmental Stewardship programwill have the following broad skills:

Research:

• Use scientific and Indigenous methods of inquiry and research.

• Develop and test scientific hypotheses for experimental design, data analysis and report data with accuracy
  and precision. Use Indigenous methodologies to inform and test hypotheses and report results in an effective
  manner to Indigenous groups.

• Use sampling methods, both scientific and Indigenous, to explore the environmental processes.

• Be able to recognize the limitations of methods used in environmental science and help develop methods to overcome these limitations.

• Be able to choose appropriate method of data analysis, from mathematics and statistics to Indigenous methodologies.

Communication:

• Communicate and report effectively, with regards to Indigenous knowledge and knowledge of environmental science, its methodologies, key concepts, and issues to reporting agencies, Industry partners and Indigenous communities.

• Fluency in computer applications.

• Understand and effectively communicate policies, regulations and legislation to diverse groups.

• Build communication bridges between First Nations, industry and government.

Critical analysis:

• Know and understand Laws of Nature, including scientific principles that govern natural processes.

• Describe the impact of human influence over natural processes on the Earth.

• Understand the relationship that Indigenous peoples have with the environment and the Earth as a whole.

• Integrate information, theories and methodologies from natural sciences, Indigenous epistemologies, and social theories in the context of complex environmental problems.

• Identify environmental issues, which include assessing key drivers, evaluation problem-solving approaches, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the communities.

• Use industry-recognized tools and techniques for exploring environmental issues and management.

• Recognize and respect culture and differences regarding natural resource use and management.

• Employ ethics as an environmental specialist in the workplace, as a life-longer learner and as a community member.

Advocacy:

• Work with Industry and Governments to reflect the needs of First Nations groups and the larger community.

• Strategize, plan, implement and/or support programs that are of true benefit to First Nations, communities, Aboriginal/Indigenous groups and Society as a whole.

• Understand and effectively communicate policies, regulations and legislation to diverse groups.

Learning Methodologies

In addition to the traditional academic classroom lecture and lab based learning methods found at all post-secondary institutions in Canada, the IESR program will also incorporate the following learning methods:

• Traditional land-based learning for practicum and fieldwork components and instruction

• First Nations mathematical and statistical models for ecological data sampling and analysis

• Dual credit initiatives for assessment across YTC programs, especially for Business Management and University Studies

• Engagement of Indigenous Scholars, mentors, Elders and Industry through a YTC designed model of mentorship

• Differential methods of evaluation including: challenge exams, portfolio, case studies and project-based assessments

Program Delivery

The IESR Technologist Certificate/Diploma/Advance Diploma is delivered over three, six or nine academic semesters in one/two/three years, between September and June. The science based curriculum including labs, practicums and land-based field work is make up of 14/36/48 courses. The first year includes, First Nations languages, and several introductory science courses, English and communications, statistics site management courses.

The second year of the IESR Technologist Diploma continues with more advanced science management based courses. There are two advanced practicums in the second year. The program will only begin upon sufficient enrollment in the Fall Semester of any academic year. The third year will increase scientific understanding with third year undergraduate-level courses along with training in GIS/GPS, and courses based in law and policy.