Educational Programming at PSMI

The following information outlines the key areas being developed for the successful implementation of educational programming related to the Pacific Spirit Marine Institute.

Educational Partners

• The British Columbia First Nations Social Planning Council would be one of the places that can offer answers to the geographical and political representation that would work for PSMI. Specifically there is also the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Council of Canada (AHRDCC) that might also help to link the project Nationally if that is a desire. The Province of British Columbia is the next critical partner and potentially an initial funder. Indian and Northern Affairs, (INAC) both provincially and federally. PSMI.
• Aboriginal Tourism BC
• The appropriate geographical BC School Division (K to 12)
• BCIT
• Non-profit Partners
• Marine Heritage Centre - in Campbell River is an educational institution and they already to aquatic research
• Malispina and U Vic also do marine programs and could be key partners
• Province of BC (DFO)
• First Nations
• Corporate
• Key spokesperson - preferably First Nation - construction and labour force development experience and popular with First Nations people across Canada

Facilities

• Green Space
• Marine Environmental Centre
• 130' MV TYEE Floating School (Spelled out on website)
• Research Labs - floating
• Data Centres - Habitat restoration lab, smart classrooms, public access, fish hatchery
• Cultural centers that will allow Nations to teach lost skills. designed the facilities with much inclusion of First Nation input.

Faculty

Expert (SME) as the person who has knowledge to pass on to others. To ensure quality education, SME's will be mentored, tutored, supported and paired with Certified British Columbia Teachers.

• Experiences and qualified SME's (i.e. Elders)
• Preference to First Nation
• Buddy system with a Certified Teacher
• Professional development programming available for faculty growth

Programs

To reach all audiences the PSMI will offer learning opportunities in four key areas, Cultural programs to include First Nations and special development programs. Research programs relate to Degree studies and Applied programs that relate to practical training and College level Certification. Some examples of programs might include the following.

The consequences of ecosystem degradation have long been felt in ocean ecosystems, locally and worldwide. We believe now is the time for change. Climate change, overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution are well known problems. People want solutions. They want a way to contribute to an inspiring, sustainable future. Together, we can provide this.

• Cultural Programs - the idea of cultural knowledge exchange, controlled by First Nations people.
  • FN Culture
  • Youth
  • Community
• Applied Technology Diploma Programs
  • Multimedia, film & marketing
  • Fish Hatchery
  • Certificate in Environmental Practice
  • Vocational and employment related programs
  • Adult Ed for upgrading and grade 12
  • Collaborative employer programs - i.e. co-op
• Degree Programs
  • Bsc Environmental Management/Science
• Research
  • Preservation
  • Eco-tourism
  • Over-fishing
  • Pollution
  • Habitat loss
  • Restoration
• Marine Eco-system
  • Freshwater Spawning Habitat
  • Climate Change

Focus on Learners

The wholistic and humanistic side of the PSMI can be spelled out in the importance of the learner and what they represent.

• Preference for FN - sliding scale
• PLAR applied to all programs - i.e. related assessment and referral
• Whole person intake
• Seeking environmental knowledge exchange

Policies

• Programs
• Research
• Ethics
• Funding
• Student Services
• Accountability

Taken together, PSMI through its affilliate partnerships
aims to train sustainable positions
for a new force of concerned specialists and educators
in the emerging environmental fields.

Our hands-on field research development programs are being designed to blend cultural wisdom with contemporaty solutions.