Next session: April 15, 2025
Time: 4-5 pm (PST)
Location: Online via Zoom
*Attention April 15 attendees: Stick around until the end of the session for a chance to win a limited-edition UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship sweatshirt in our raffle!
Are you interested in honouring and valuing the knowledge and experiences of Indigenous Peoples? Would you like to learn about Indigenous-led land healing and action-oriented reconciliation? Join us for an online information session where we’ll introduce you to the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship (BILS). Hear from the director of the Centre of Indigenous Land Stewardship and get a chance to ask your questions.
The Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program trains future land stewards by combining Indigenous knowledge, governance, and sustainability through culturally appropriate, interdisciplinary education led by Indigenous scholars and allies.
Nadi’ Denezā Garry Merkel
Director, Centre of Indigenous Land Stewardship
Garry is a Tahltan from the Stikine River area in northwest British Columbia and is a professional forester with diverse expertise. His work spans community development, treaty negotiations, governance, business, and education. He has contributed significantly to Indigenous education, including being at the core of the establishment of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and the Center of Indigenous Land Stewardship. His core mission is to empower others to shape their futures, particularly Indigenous communities through land stewardship based on their traditional ethics. He believes these ethics are key to restoring humanity’s balance with nature and creating sustainable stewardship systems globally.
Carlos Ormond
Director, Indigenous and Intercultural Initiatives
With theoretical backgrounds and field experience in ecology, curriculum development, and community-based work, Carlos has focused his efforts over the last two decades collaborating with Indigenous and local communities, governments, industry, and post-secondary institutions at local, national, and international levels. As the Director of Indigenous and Intercultural Initiatives, he plays a prominent role in UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship and supports Garry Merkel at the Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship. Carlos is also involved in initiatives aimed at increasing the accessibility of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship programming to Indigenous, local, and international communities while strengthening relationships with community partners.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our admissions team:
Phone: 604-822-1834 (Toll-free: 1-888-933-9663)
Email: forestry.undergrad@ubc.ca
Book a one-on-one appointment with a BILS advisor.
