Indigenous Ecotourism Training Program - January to August 2021

The seven-month Indigenous Ecotourism Training Program is designed to give you certified skills for employment within British Columbia's rapidly growing Indigenous Tourism sector, while benefitting from an applied learning experience that provides you a Certificate in Adventure Tourism and Recreation to those who successfully complete all the courses. Courses will be delivered in a hybrid model (online and face-2-face). Participants are brought together each month for 6-10 days to complete course work. 

• Develop certifications and field skills in sea kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, interpretation, leadership, risk management, wilderness first aid, and more. 
• Learn about the tourism sector, including the design and delivery of experiences that are sensitive to environment and cultural considerations. 
• Experience coastal British Columbia through place-based approach to training by travelling to and learning in communities involved in Indigenous Ecotourism. 
• Qualify for a Certificate in Adventure Tourism and Recreation from Vancouver Island University, and credits towards North Island College's Adventure Guiding certificate and Tourism Management Diploma, all of which can lead to further degree-level studies.
• Tuition fees, learning resources, travel and accommodations during course delivery are covered and additional travel may be supported. 

To hear previous students experiences, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYz9yLUsE10

Program Outline 

There is funding for one cohort delivery: Start January 2021 and complete August 2021 (dates subject to change with COVID-19). 

Outline of Courses 

• Guiding Skills 1 and 2 
• Field Specialty: Paddling Skills 1 and 2 
• Introduction to Tourism 
• Heritage Interpretation in Tourism 
• First Host 
• Wilderness First Aid 
• VHF Restricted Operator Certification 
• Internship and Preparation 
• Sustainability in Tourism 
• Planning for Tourism and Indigenous Community Economic Development 
• Tourism Marketing 

For more information about each course, please view Course Brochure. 

Each course is applied learning in a hybrid format; online and face-2-face. Place-based learning will include trips to the following locations (dates and locations subject to change)

1. Tofino/Ucluelet Region: January 17-26, 2021 
2. Comox Valley Region: February 21-March 1, 2021 
3. Nanaimo Region: March 5 - 13, 2021
4. Sunshine Coast Region: April 11 - 20, 2021 
5. Port Alberni Region/Bamfield: May 2 - 11, 2021 
6. Victoria Region: May 14 - 22, 2021 
7. Internship for 8 weeks/June - August 2021 

Students will be on their Internship from June to August. Each course is applied learning in a place-based format and delivered in a compressed model. Students that are under 35 will qualify for a scholarship that will provide a living allowance. 

Applicants are eligible from the following Nations:

Heiltsuk First Nation, Ahousaht First Nation, Kwikasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation, Namgis First Nation, Homalco First Nation, Dzawada'enuxw First Nation. 

Course Brochure 

Application Form