Making Geoscience Relevant to First Nations' Students from the North Coast of British Columbia

Abstract

Innovative science education is necessary for First Nations' peoples who are under-represented in scientific professions yet moving swiftly to increase their role in natural-resource management within their traditional territories. Geoscience was chosen as an appropriate topic for a unique educational initiative involving First Nations' adult students studying in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, because the North Coast is technically active and a site of <250 year old lava flows. Legends of the volcanic eruptions figure prominently in local aboriginal oral traditions.Two visiting geoscientists presented classroom materials on volcanoes and plate tectonics and discussed post-secondary geoscience education and career possibilities. A field trip to Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, an area which holds local historical significance to First Nations' peoples, served to focus this educational experience.Aboriginal adult students benefited from this study by interacting with and learning from practicing geoscientists. In a spin-off benefit, the adults passed on their newfound geoscience knowledge by presenting interactive demonstrations to school children in nearby aboriginal communities, thereby arousing interest in geoscience in young First Nations' learners from throughout the North Coast.