Building Our Capacity

Ongoing

Tomorrow’s Leaders

Uu-a-thluk provides Nuu-chah-nulth post-secondary students with hands-on learning through summer internships lasting up to four months.

Tomorrow’s Leaders gives youth and others a chance to work and gain experience under the guidance of supportive role models. Since 2006, Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors have provided mentorship opportunities in aquatic biology, shellfish aquaculture, capacity development, communications, and conference planning.

Science Enrichment for Youth

Since 2006, Uu-a-thluk has sponsored science camps and clubs for elementary school students in remote Nuu-chah-nulth communities. Uu-a-thluk has also worked with Science Venture, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, the Raincoast Education Society, Vancouver Island University, North Island College, University of Victoria and the Nis’ma Society to deliver cultural and aquatic-based science programs to elementary, high school and post-secondary students.

Since 2019, Uu-a-thluk has collaborated with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Oceans Network Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and Council of the Haida Nation to deliver live ship-to-shore school and public outreach events with researchers participating in Pacific Seamount Expeditions.

Training Programs

Uu-a-thluk offers training programs to help workers living in isolated communities earn credit and gain skills in areas like marine emergency duties, fisheries observation, first aid, swift water rescue, and oil spill response.

Role Models In-the-Schools

Uu-a-thluk work with this program gave Nuu-chah-nulth youth the chance to meet and interact with Nuu-chah-nulth role models employed in resource management related jobs, thereby fostering a greater understanding of resource management career options. The project was a joint partnership between School District #70, #84, VAST (8th Avenue Learning Centre), NTC Education and Uu-a-thluk.

Presentations

Uu-a-thluk staff frequently give presentations in Nuu-chah-nulth Ha-ha-houlthee on topics related to:

• Fisheries management and principles
• Marine-based industries, careers, and opportunities
• ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ curriculum and engagement
• Nuu-chah-nulth fishing rights
• General presentations about Uu-a-thluk and NTC

Career Resources

The Uu-a-thluk Council of Ha’wiih asked Uu-a-thluk staff to connect youth and others with information about careers and training related to resource management and harvest. To date, Uu-a-thluk has developed career workshops and presentations, a Nuu-chah-nulth Career Guide, promotional videos, and role model posters to help link Nuu-chah-nulth people to aquatic resource jobs.

For more information on these and other capacity building programs, contact Alison Wale at alison.wale@nuuchahnulth.org or at 250-735-5684.