Structure
Dechinta is an intensive learning experience. Each semester takes place over 12 weeks. Students will spend the first 5 weeks at home, reading and preparing assignments. Support will be available through online forums and conference calls. Students and faculty will then travel to the Dechinta site and spend 5 weeks engaging in lectures, workshops, daily experiences, fire sessions and out-trips. The majority of the on-site instruction takes place outdoors. Students will have 2 weeks at the end of the semester to complete their final assignments and reflections.
Entrance is based on interviews by the advisory circle; admission requirements are based on life-experience, willingness to learn and dedication.
Courses
Each Dechinta semester is different, depending on seasonally appropriate activities, the availability of experts and professors, and the needs articulated by students.
All students take the core Dechinta Community Governance course. Dechinta core is central to the Dechinta experience. Dechinta Core supports students to share and digest the overall experience of Dechinta through workshops in topics such as community governance, health and wellness, community research methodologies living in community, sustainable communities and governance. Dechinta core supports the healthy communication of the Dechinta community, including community contributions, and personal projects based on semester goals.
Students then choose up to four of the following University of Alberta degree credit courses (as of Spring 2011):
- Sustainable Communities / Climate Change
- Writing/Communications
- Community Health Promotion/Popular Education/Community-Based Research
- Dene Self-Determination: In Theory and In Practice
Fees
Full and Partial scholarships available. Dechinta will support as best we can so financial need does not stand in the way of you attending Dechinta.
For Northern Students (NWT)
- $120 University of Alberta Application Fee
- $5,000 Dechinta Program Fee (Scholarships Available to cover cost difference for Northern Students)
- + University of Alberta Tuition ($2,550 for 5 courses)
Payment Schedule (Northern Students)
- $1,000 deposit required at confirmation of entrance
- Balances due monthly
What’s included in the Dechinta Program Fee?
- 5 courses facilitated by Elders, leadings professors and northern experts
- Books and course packs
- Program mentor
- Guest speakers, expert visiting professors, mentors and researchers
- Accommodation in a shared log-cabin
- All meals and snacks, lov ingly prepared with northern flair
- Full access (seasonally) to all site amenities including: motorboats, canoes, kayaks, hot tub, sauna, laundry facilities, Olympic size ice rink, skates, cross-country skis and boots, snowshoes, skidoos, safety gear
- Camping and out-trip core gear
- Qualified medical staff
Does not include:
- Necessary personal gear for program
- Transportation to Yellowknife (This is available through SFA)
Visiting Students
- $120 University of Alberta Application Fee
- $13,000 Dechinta Program Fees
- + University of Alberta Tuition (see U of A tuition fees)
Payment Schedule (Visiting Students)
- $1,000 deposit required at confirmation of entrance
- Balance due February 1st, 2010
Refund policy: full refund up to one month prior to semester start date, minus $500 administration fee.
What’s included in the Dechinta Program Fee?
- Transportation from Yellowknife- Dechinta return
- Accommodation in a shared log-cabin
- All meals and snacks, lovingly prepared with northern flair incorporating students and elders harvests
- Full access to (seasonally) all site amenities including: motorboats, canoes, kayaks, hot tub, sauna, laundry facilities, Olympic size ice rink, skates, cross-country skis and boots, snowshoes, skidoos, safety gear
- Camping and out-trip core gear
- Access to qualified medical staff
- Guest speakers, expert visiting professors, mentors and researchers
Does not include:
- Necessary personal gear for program
- Transportation to Yellowknife (for out of Territory students)
