Interpretation Skills Workshop (Part 1) - September 2023

This one-day workshop will introduce local youth (grades 9 -12) to the field of interpretation, which is all about sharing information in ways that inspire and connect people to the subject. Interpreters often connect visitors with natural, cultural, and historical information and places.

Led by experienced interpreters Carl Sieber and Silva Johannson, the day will include an introduction to interpretation principles, planning, and presentation techniques through a variety of fun activities.

**If you took this workshop in January 2023 and would like to explore interpretation skills more, sign up for the Part 2 workshop in October 2023!

Youth will have the opportunity to develop basic interpretation skills inspired by their own interests, passion, and skills, and also learn about interpretation career development and job opportunities.

This workshop will strengthen communications skills, which is a valuable skill to have in all walks of life! Employers are often seeking candidates with strong communications skills.

AGENDA: September 25, 2023 (SD70 Pro-D Day)

• 9:45 - 10 am Arrive and check-in
• 10 am - 12 pm Workshop Part 1: An introduction to Interpretation, explore how Interpretation is a mix of content, passion, and skills
• 12–1 pm Lunch (provided)
• 1–3 pm Workshop Part 2: Interpretation examples & activities, learn about what jobs use Interpretation skills

WORKSHOP LOCATION & MEALS & ATTIRE

The workshop will take place at načiqs/Monks Point Park (174 West St., Tofino).

Lunch will be provided. Please be sure to let us know your allergies and dietary restrictions when you register. There will be an outside activity so please dress for the weather (bring a hat and sunglasses if sunny, and a sweater, rain jacket, and boots if it’s cold & rainy!).

INSTRUCTOR BIOS

Carl Sieber gets paid to talk to people about nature. That’s not what was supposed to happen. When he was a teenager, he’d rather read a book than talk to people. He never imagined how many people he’d end up talking to every day for his job. He’s always loved nature, but it took growing up to realize sharing that excitement ends up being an awesome career.

In an aquarium, a rainforest, a theatre, or on the beach, if you're with him and you're not having fun, he's doing something wrong. He works as a Parks Canada interpreter. Ask him about using humour, emotion, story, and experience to provoke understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment.

Silva Johansson is a heritage interpreter and interpretive trainer. Her life-long love of the B.C. coast comes from growing up aboard the tall ship North Star of Herschel Island. She loves exploring the West Coast - the beings, the places, and the stories.

She works as an Outreach Education Officer with the Parks Canada Vancouver Outreach Team. She’s also an interpretive guide for the Wild Pacific Trail Society and Long Beach Nature Tours and is an occasional volunteer interpreter at the Ucluelet Aquarium. You might have heard her on the West Coast’s new Off the Edge radio service at 102.1 FM!

Ask her about what skills she finds surprisingly useful as an interpreter, and how to continue your learning journey if you’re interested in making interpretation a career.

LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERPRETATION

If you would like to learn more about interpretation and see if Interpretation is something you might be interested in, check out this survey: https://interpretationrecruitmenttoolkit.wordpress.com/additional-resources/

Questions? Please reach out to Nicole at nicole@westcoastnest.org or 250-726-6508 (text/call).