Engaging Aboriginal Communities through Community Service Learning and Community Based Research to Promote Experiential Learning: a UBC Field Course in Heiltsuk First Nation Territory

TitleEngaging Aboriginal Communities through Community Service Learning and Community Based Research to Promote Experiential Learning: a UBC Field Course in Heiltsuk First Nation Territory
Faculty/College/UnitLand & Food Systems
StatusCompleted
Duration1 Year
Initiation04/01/2011
Completion09/30/2012
Project Summary

Community-university engagement is arguably the strongest theme across all university campuses recently. The proposed field course will enhance teaching and learning at UBC and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for students and Aboriginal communities. The course provides training in interdisiplinary and interprofessional CSL and CBR to UBC students interested in working with Aboriginal people. Through this new initiative the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS) will partner with BC Aboriginal communities and contribute to achieving the goals of the UBC strategic plans while promoting community development, education, and research. In a learner-centred environment inclusive of Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives, we will use CSL and CBR methods to develop and demonstrate culturally appropriate models of engagement with Aboriginal communities. The course offers students and staff sustainable benefits including interprofessional competency, critical and reflective thinking, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity. We will partner with Heiltsuk First Nation in year ones.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2011/2012
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorEduardo Jovel
Year 1: Funded Amount54,709
Year 1: Team Members

Eduardo Jovel, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Art Bomke, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Pam Brown, Museum of Anthropology / Heiltsuk
Ross Wilson, Heiltsuk
Patrick Lewis, Botanical Garden
Susan Grossman, Community Learning Initiaive
Mark Bomford, UBC Farm
Lee Brown, UBC Institute for Aboriginal Health
Richard Vedan, Kloshe Tillicum