(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – September 13, 2018): Officials from Algoma University were in Whitehorse, YK this week to sign a partnership agreement with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA).  

As part of the agreement, Algoma will now be the Eastern Canada site for delivery of the NALMA Professional Lands Management Certification Program Level 1.

“We are honoured to have been selected to deliver this programming and we are looking forward to welcoming students from across Canada to our campus,” said Dr. Nairne Cameron, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Geology.

NALMA programming will begin at the University in May of 2019.

“Algoma University is honoured to be partnering with NALMA in their efforts to ensure students across Canada have access to this important programming. As we consider some of the geographical issues the world is facing, including climate change, water protection, land-use planning, waste management, and other environmental challenges, it is crucial we are preparing graduating students with the necessary skills and understanding to lead this work in their communities, in government, or with industry,” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Asima Vezina.  

The Akii (Land) & Environmental Stewardship Certificate is designed to support land managers and professionals in the development of land stewardship skills, particularly as it pertains to working in and/or with First Nations communities. The certificate program can be completed in one year and has been designed to allow for a seamless transition into a full-time degree program. The certificate was developed by the Department of Geography and Geology in partnership with NALMA and a community advisory circle.  

The certificate consists of 18 credits in land stewardship and 12 credits in geography. Courses will follow a geographical perspective and weave together western science and traditional knowledge, while facilitating cross-cultural understanding.

“NALMA is thrilled to formalize our partnership with Algoma University, an institution that has shown their commitment to excellence in Indigenous programming,” says Amanda Simon, Chair of the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association. “We are confident that our students will find a warm welcome at Algoma and that the exciting courses we are developing in collaboration with Algoma will fill an important gap in education and training needs for Indigenous communities in Ontario and beyond.”

Admission to the Akii & Environmental Stewardship Certificate is now open.

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