Apply to a Summer 2025 Course!

Apply now for Dechinta’s next accredited courses! This summer we will be offering four courses, some in partnership with other First Nations and organizations, and some as part of a broader certificate program. Scroll down to learn more! 

Deadline to apply is February 21st, 2025.

If you have any questions about applying for a semester at Dechinta, please email: studentsupport@dechinta.ca

Summer 2025 Course Info

Kaska Dena Land Stewardship Certificate Program

Course One and Two: May 21st - June 1st, (Tuchō, Yukon)

Dechinta is excited to be piloting a five course certificate program called Dena Kēyeh Sōgadze’ī (We are caring for Dena Country). The Certificate will be taught by Kaska Knowledge Holders and administered and supported by Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning and the Dena Kayeh Institute. Kaska Citizens will be given priority for taking the certificate program. Individuals 16 years of age and up can take the program. To follow the traditions of Kaska families and communities – families are encouraged to attend alongside students to ensure the intergenerational transfer of knowledge. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE ALL FIVE COURSES OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE CERTIFICATE.

Summer 2025 Courses are: 

  • INLB 210: Kaska Dena Self-Determination: Kaska Dena Elder Norman Sterriah says that “as a Dena [he] carries the responsibility to take care of this land, and [he] can’t delegate that responsibility to someone other than a grandchild that he has taught really good.” This course will focus on Kaska self-determination and the ways in which settler colonialism forces Kaska Dena to defend their self-determination, historically and today.

  • INLB 220: Dena Kēyeh: Kaska Dena Elder Mary Maje says that “Before the settlers came here, our Dena tracks were all over the place, you know.” This course is all about Kaska Dena country, strengthening students knowledge and love of their land.

  • Course three will take place in Fall 2025 and Courses four and five will take place in winter 2026. Dates to be confirmed soon. Students who are registering for these summer courses are expected to attend all five courses.

Scholarships to cover tuition are available and childcare and onsite food and accommodations are provided. 

Ełehéh: Together Leading with Dene Values

May 26th - May 30th, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Cultural Tourism Centre

Dehcho First Nations and Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning are running a new pilot program in May 2025! Located at the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Cultural Tourism Centre and taking place from May 26th to May 30th (with May 25th and May 31st as travel days.)

  • This course invites members of the Dehcho to immerse themselves in the teachings of our ancestors, emphasizing Dene laws, mentorship, and the apprentice-style approaches to teaching and learning. The Ełehéh-Together Leading with Dene Values course is developed alongside Dehcho community and members as a place where we come together to learn and share our wisdom. Strong leadership is essential for a thriving community. Strong leadership includes mentoring and apprenticeship alongside all voices. Throughout the process, mentoring roles and apprenticeship roles reciprocate in a mutually beneficial manner. It is our ancestral teachings that teach us honour and integrity as we guide the way forward for future Dene. Due to colonial disruptions and forced trauma, there has been a significant delay in how Dene define and live out leadership and management as a community. Moving forward, we see the need to re-imagine working spaces as places of strength where young and old voices are honoured so that we can re- establish Dene philosophies that embrace leadership as collectives.

  • Get Credit for UBC's INLB 210-Introduction to Indigenous Self Determination in Theory.

  • Priority for Dehcho First Nations Members and those with connections to the region. 

  • We only have 15 spaces available; apply early. 

  • For more information contact: Josanne Kenny, DFN Education & Training Manager at  josanne_kenny@dehcho.org

Scholarships to cover tuition are available and childcare and onsite food and accommodations are provided. 

Dechinta Hide Camp Course

June 16th - June 29th, Chief Drygeese Territory (outside of Yellowknife)

Dechinta will be offering a two-week hide camp in Chief Drygeese Territory during the month of June. This program requires students to take two accredited courses through UBC - INLB 210 and INLB 220. 

Scholarships to cover tuition are available and childcare and onsite food and accommodations are provided. 

How to Apply

1.

Download and complete the UBC application form below. Fill it out, save it, and attach it to the Dechinta application form in step three.

2.

Get a copy of your post-secondary transcripts (if applicable) and attach them to the Dechinta application form in step three

*Note: If you are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution you will also need a letter of permission from your current post-secondary institution to apply.

3.

Complete the Dechinta application form below, attaching your UBC application form and transcripts to the application