Indigenous Training Program
BEAHR Courses Overview
Vocational, Job-Skills Training focused on Employment
Our two-step approach to environmental work weaves together both Indigenous and Western perspectives. By strengthening the overall delivery, we provide a hands-on, real-world learning environment.
BEAHR Indigenous Training Programs are geared for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. The programs help communities develop local environmental skills to pursue meaningful green careers.
Our braided two-step approach to environmental work weaves together both Indigenous and Western perspectives. By strengthening the overall delivery, we provide a hands-on, real-world learning environment.
These certificate training programs allow further recognition of the more comprehensive environmental background of the graduate. BEAHR is delivered through our network of licensed trainers. These professionals possess strong qualifications and skillsets in a variety of environmental specializations and have years of experience of working closely with Indigenous communities and environmental projects. All trainers are certified through ECO Canada, meaning they are qualified to deliver at a caliber that ensures local industry standards are met.
BEAHR Training Programs are adaptable to suit community needs and can be arranged to accommodate a variety of requirements, including delivery location, instructor preference, number of students, and the length of time to complete the required modules.
Course Curriculum Overview
Environmental Core Skills
3 weeks, or 90+ hours of instruction
The courses consist of five modules with each one focusing on helping you develop the skills you’ll need to work in an assistant-level environmental job
These modules include:
- Foundation Skills
- Introduction to the Environmental Sector
- Technical Skills
- Health & Safety
- Local Knowledge
Environmental Monitoring Coordinator
Regulatory Specialization - 2 weeks, or 60+ hours of instruction
The Environmental Monitoring Curriculum prepares students to observe and measure impacts of human and industrial activities and communicate this information to various stakeholders to mitigate negative impacts. Regulatory Monitors are those individuals who monitor the activities of industry to ensure compliance with land-use or other environmental impact agreements.
Some of the topics covered in the regulatory specialization include:
- Legislative and non-legislative environmental requirements that apply to development activities
- Identification of environmental effects and the related monitoring and reporting requirements at different phases
- Role of local knowledge and Western science in identifying risks, mitigation measures, and further monitoring requirements
Environmental Monitoring Coordinator
Research Specialization - 2 weeks, or 60+ hours of instruction
The Environmental Monitoring Curriculum prepares students to observe and measure impacts of human and industrial activities and communicate this information to various stakeholders to mitigate negative impacts. Research Monitors assist with the monitoring of various factors of the environment.
Some of the topics covered in the research specialization include:
- Incorporating local knowledge and Western science into environmental monitoring and planning
- Basic ecological principles
- Using standard equipment and tools for environmental monitors including safety equipment, maps, GPS and recording equipment
- Using various surveying and sampling techniques used to study environmental parameters
Environmental Site Assessment Assistant
4 weeks, or 120+ hours of instruction
An environmental site assessment assistant participates in the environmental assessment of a potentially contaminated site. The program curriculum prepares students with the essentials of environmental site assessment phases I, II, and III.
Some of the topics covered in this course include:
- Background on Environmental Site Assessment Approaches, legislation and regulatory agencies
- Obtaining local knowledge about the site and surroundings
- Sampling and testing techniques
- Interpretation and evaluation of field data
- Project planning and preparing reports
Marine Ecology and Conservation
2 instructional weeks
The Marine Ecology & Conservation (MEC) course provides students with the basic scientific knowledge in marine ecology and conservation needed to assist in the identification of current and potential future threats and impacts on marine ecosystems. The curriculum focuses on the ecological relationships between marine organisms and their environment and the consequences that humans have caused as ecological disturbers.
This course aims at helping participants in developing their technical knowledge, professional attitude, and organizational skills that can allow them to find meaningful employment in the ocean sector.
Some of the topics covered in the Marine Ecology and Conservation course include:
- Introduction to Marine Ecology & Conservation
- Problem Assessment: The Current Ocean Environment
- Ocean Ecology
- Marine Threats & Issue Framing
- Conservation Strategies
- Management & Monitoring
Aquaculture Technician Training
2 instructional weeks
The Aquaculture Technician Training (ATT) course intends to provide training for entry-level positions as aquaculture technicians with the ability to assist fish farm and hatchery managers with breeding and rearing of marine species. The objective is to help building local capacity within indigenous communities, with a focus on sustainable aquaculture activities.
This course aims at helping participants in developing their technical knowledge, professional attitude, and organizational skills that can allow them to find meaningful employment in the ocean sector.
The core curriculum consists of ten modules:
- Introduction to Aquaculture
- How to farm in water?
- Water Environment in Aquaculture
- Aquaculture Production Systems
- All about Farming Finfish
- Introduction to Shellfish Aquaculture
- Fish health management and Biosecurity
- Site Selection & Monitoring in Aquaculture
- Concerns about Aquaculture
- Aquaculture Regulations in Canada
Contaminated Sites Remediation Coordinator
4 weeks, or 120+ hours of instruction
A contaminated sites remediation coordinator assists in the confirmatory sampling of a remediated site and coordinates the long-term monitoring of site health and recovery. The program curriculum prepares students with the essentials of contaminated sites remediation.
Some of the topics covered in this course include:
- Introduction to the steps of contaminated sites management
- Engaging the community about remediation activities
- Sampling and testing at a site
- Developing and implementing a remedial action plan
- Long-term monitoring of site health and recovery
Reclamation Specialization
1 instructional week (minimum 30-hours of training)
Complimentary to the 4-week Contaminated Sites Remediation Coordinator, a reclamation assistant aims to restore disturbed land to pre-existing conditions after it has been impacted by construction and operational activities. The program focuses on the reclamation process to receiving statutory relief, understanding the dynamics and responsibilities that arise between industry, proponents, Indigenous Nations, public, etc.
Topics include:
- Regulatory process for reclamation projects across Canada
- Reclamation techniques and methodology for different industry
- The significance of Indigenous participation in the reclamation process
- Implementation of steps in the reclamation process across various projects
Local Environmental Coordinator
12 weeks, or 360+ hours of instruction
A local environmental coordinator assists in protecting and improving the quality of the environment in his or her community. The program curriculum prepares students with the fundamentals of environmental management.
Some of the topics covered in this course include:
- Background on the environmental issues that may affect their community
- Communication skills, interpersonal skills, and non-technical work skills
- Project management; including budget tracking, monitoring project schedules and supervising staff
- Identifying pieces of legislation that are used in the environmental sector
- Integrating Traditional Knowledge within data collection and data analysis
- Developing, implementing, and monitoring environmental plans
Solid Waste Coordinator
5 weeks, or 150+ hours of instruction
A solid waste coordinator is responsible for the management of household and commercial waste in his or her community. The program curriculum teaches students about waste collection, disposal, and diversion processes, as well as supporting community education and waste reduction promotion. Some of the topics covered in this course combine Traditional Knowledge within data collection and analysis.
Emphasis will be placed on understanding how to include:
- Planning, developing and implementing a waste management program
- Administration of a waste management program and communication to the community
- Design, operation, management, and closure of a landfill facility
- Collecting and disposing of waste
- Diverting waste from the landfill (e.g. recycling and composting)
Climate Change Adaptation
1 instructional week (minimum 30-hours of training)
Students will use both an Indigenous and Western lens to analyze the impacts that climate change has on future generations, and to identify and implement adaptation options at the community level to increase the resiliency of their nation.
Through the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science, you will work through a series of discussions, activities and case studies focused on:
- Understand impacts of climate change on their local nation
- Analyzing vulnerabilities and risks surrounding their community due to climate change
- Identify tools needed to build community resilience in the face of climate change
- Building a Framework for local adaptation planning
Leadership in Energy Management
5 instructional days (minimum 30-hours of training)
This course is focused on building leadership and technical hands-on skills in the areas of energy management, including energy efficiency (retrofits), renewable energy and community energy planning (CEP). Gain hands-on technical skills and effective strategies for implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at a community level.
Key topics include:
- Sustainability at the community level
- Exploring the benefits of community based sustainability
- Hands-on technical sessions exploring energy efficiency through commercial, residential and community-based platforms
- Explore renewable energy development, considering solar, wind and geothermal options
- Learn clear, tangible action plans for the community to meet their own sustainability goals
Land Use Planning
4 weeks or 120+ hours of instruction
A land use planning coordinator assists in the development and coordination of a community land use plan with emphasis on Indigenous land use planning. The program curriculum prepares students with the fundamental concepts associated with the creation, implementation, and execution of a land use plan designed to meet the needs of their community or region.
Upon graduation, they can assist with:
- Developing a community vision and goal
- Gathering biophysical and cultural information
- Creating an inventory of community information
- Coordinating a community mapping session
- Identifying and assessing land use options
Explore Program in detail
For the full course syllabus and curricula topics, please download our guide
Explore Program in detail
For the full course syllabus and curricula topics, please download our guide
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