Photo courtesy of Gabriel Dumont Institute
A post-secondary program dealing with resource management will be offered for the first time in a northern community.
The Integrated Resource Management program, which is offered through the Gabriel Dumont Institute, had been run through the Prince Albert campus until this year. GDI is now accepting applications for the fall semester in Buffalo Narrows.
Daniel Downs is with GDI, he says the course, which offers students schooling in forestry, ecology and environmental law, was only offered in Prince Albert until now. He says GDI saw a need for students to remain as close to home as possible when taking post-secondary classes.
“It’s a big step, going from the north to place like Prince Albert and having to arrange housing, and to get used to a whole new city,” he said.
Downs says Gabriel Dumont Institute was able to partner with GDI Training and Employment and northwest communities to offer the course in the northwest. He says they were also able to work with Northlands College in Buffalo Narrows for student residences.
Downs says there will be some trips for computer classes in Prince Albert over the semester, which will help the first-year students transition into their second year of classes in Prince Albert.
He says the course is available to people who have a love for the outdoors, whether they want to become a conservation officer, park warden or have a love for the land.
“Students are taught regarding ecology and the outdoors, that the outdoors is there for enjoyment and it’s out there for sustainability, and that it’s just as important to protect it, as well as enjoy it,” he added.
Downs says that interest in the course has continue to grow over the last number of years, which is another reason it is being offered in Buffalo Narrows and Prince Albert.