Level 1 consists of 6 three-credit courses over approximately a year that introduce students to the basics of land management with a strong focus on Indigenous and cross-cultural context. Hands-on activities, land-based learning, and knowledge-keeper presentations are key parts of the curriculum. For the 2026/27 cohort, the first course will be held in-person May 4-8, 2026 and the second course May 12-15, 2026 (in-person), then the third course will run Aug 24-28, 2026 (hybrid format), followed by the fourth (asynchronously online) in the fall and the fifth (asynchronously online) in the winter term (2027). To complete Level 1, there will be one final course in the spring of 2027.
Zhii Taadaa (“Let’s Get Ready”) was developed in partnership with the Anishinaabe Initiatives Division (AID). Joe Tom Sayers, a former Director of AID, communicated with Albert Owl Jr. who gifted the name of the program. Zhii Taadaa is available for students wishing to have a more in-depth orientation to the course material in advance of the beginning of the first and second Level 1 courses. This year, Zhii Taadaa will be held on May 1, 2026. Students will be supported by an Anishinaabe Academic Success Advisor throughout their studies.
Once students complete their Level 1, they can continue on to Level 2 which is offered by NALMA and if successful receive their Professional Lands Management Certification from NALMA. Students who do end up completing Level 2, can use their Level 1 and 2 courses towards the completion of a degree program at Algoma University (36 credits can be applied towards a degree).
We also offer the Aki and Environmental Stewardship Certificate (30 credits) which comprises the 18 credits from Level 1, plus the addition of 4 other courses (GEOG coded or other approved courses) (12 credits). If students complete the Aki and Environmental Stewardship Certificate and Level 2, they can apply 48 credits towards a degree program of their choice at Algoma University.
“Since I had not been back to school for many years, I was getting very nervous and stressed as the first day of school was approaching... I strongly suggest to anyone going back to school to take the Pre course Readiness Session... [Zhii Taadaa]. I guarantee you your transition will be so much smoother.”
Cathy Yandeau
Student
Schedule for Level 1 – 2026/2027
2025/2026 Cohort
Course 6: Climate Change & Communities (GEOG 3596) – (1 Week Condensed, Synchronous Online) – June 1-5, 2026.
2026/2027 Cohort
Course 1: Introduction to Land Stewardship in First Nation Contexts (GEOG 2196) – (Condensed, In-person) – May 4-8, 2026.
Course 2: Introduction to GIS Course (GEOG 2017) – (Condensed, In-person) – May 12-15, 2026.
Course 3: Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Stewardship (GEOG 3307) – (Condensed, Hybrid) – August 24-28, 2026.
Course 4: Environmental Stewardship: Policy & Practice (GEOG 4407) – (Asynchronous Online) – Fall Term 2026 (September – December, 2026).
Course 5: Impact Assessment & Environmental Management (GEOG 4296) – (Asynchronous Online) – Winter Term 2027 (January – April, 2027).
Course 6: Course To Be Announced – 1 Week Condensed, Spring 2027.
Pre-Course University Readiness Session
Zhii Taadaa (“Let’s Get Ready”)
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Online or Hybrid depending on participants (there will be an online option).
To sign-up for the pre-course orientation session, please email [email protected] by Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Scholarships
Description: The Land Stewardship Fund will be used to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in Level 1 of the Professional Lands Management Certification Program offered at Algoma University or the Aki & Environmental Stewardship Certificate. Financial assistance in the amount of $250 will be provided from the fund to four students with a demonstrated financial need in one of the following areas: assistance with transportation costs, assistance with accommodations or assistance with tuition fees. Preference will be given to First Nations, Métis or Inuit students.
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in the May 4-8, 2026 GEOG 2196 course entitled “Introduction to Land Stewardship in First Nation Contexts” for credit.
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026
Note: Completed applications along with all supporting documents are to be submitted via email to [email protected]. Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the deadline date will not be considered. If you have any questions regarding this application form, or require information on scholarships and bursaries, please contact [email protected].
The application form will be available in early 2026.
FAQ
View our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
For first-time Algoma University students, you can apply at any time.