Apply to our 2026 Courses!
2026 Courses Info
Land and Indigenous Self-Determination with Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Dates: October 19 - 30, 2026
Location: Jackson Lake, Whitehorse, Yukon
Application Deadline: May 31st 2026
This fall get credit for a university course while learning about Kwanlin Dün First Nation culture, history and politics on the land with local Elders, community members and fellow students. No previous university experience is necessary! This course is university-accredited, and credits can be transferred to post secondary institutions.
Post-Secondary funding for KDFN Citizens is available!
Applicants must be 18+
Childcare and onsite accommodations are provided.
Priority will be given to KDFN Citizens.
Questions? Please email:
Apply to the KDFN Program Below!
Kaska Dena Stewardship Certificate Program - Dena Keyeh Sogadze’i (We are Caring for Dena Country)
The Dena Kēyeh Sōgadze’ī (We are caring for Dena Country) Kaska Dena Stewardship Certificate Program is a five course certificate program, with the first two courses being offered in Early Fall 2026, the third in Winter 2026 and the final two in Spring 2027. The certificate program will focus on Kaska Dena politics of self-determination, history, codes of ethics, ways of being, living, knowing and land guardianship.
This program will involve land-based and cultural practices in tandem with university lectures from Kaska knowledge holders. As a student, you will be spending a substantial amount of time on the on the land learning hands-on skills, harvesting and engaging with Elders. This will include dry-meat making, medicine harvesting and making, caribou hunting and hide tanning! You will also spend time doing “classroom work” where students will get the opportunity to learn about Indigenous self-determination, governance, and more in seminar formats. Join us in exploring the intersection betewen culturally-informed, land-based learning and academic work that distinguishes Dechinta from other university experiences.
Kaska Dena will be given priority and can apply for courses
All courses take place in different land-based camps throughout Kaska Nation.
Students will pay tuition to the University of British Columbia. Tuition scholarships are available.
Previous university experience is not necessary!
Onsite accommodations, meals and childcare are provided.
All dates are subject to change.
Students are expected to take all five courses
Kaska Dena wishing to attend the program not for credit may also apply!
Application Deadline: May 31st 2026
For information about specific courses click here!
Apply to the Kaska Program 2026 Below!
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.
