A rejuvenated aboriginal studies program is coming to the College of New Caledonia (CNC) campus in 亚洲天堂 Lake and to the college鈥檚 other campuses this fall.

And it鈥檒l also be the first time an Associate of Arts Degree program offering university transfer will be available here, says Chad Thompson, the college鈥檚 acting vice president of academics.

The college has offered aboriginal studies before but was unhappy with both the participation and graduation rate, he said.

鈥淲hat we did was a complete overhaul for a new program to meet the needs of students so that they could have a lot of options,鈥� Thompson added in crediting community contacts and the college鈥檚 own instructors who came forward with ideas and suggestions.

The newly-designed program, which is two years in length, offers aboriginal-focused courses but also math, English composition and history.

It鈥檚 this blend which offers students options who may wish to continue on to other post-secondary institutions in pursuit of four-year degrees or other certifications, Thompson notes.

鈥淚n one of the courses, physical anthropology, the instructor is making available tools and specimens at all of the campuses,鈥� Thompson said by way of indicating the work being done by the college鈥檚 staff.

Key to the program being offered at all the college鈥檚 campuses is digital delivery so that students have a blend of in-person and distance teaching, he said.

鈥淐NC has really invested in new technology for digital delivery instruction for both its instructors and students,鈥� said Thompson.

The technology on hand, combined with vastly increased internet bandwidth, brings an enhanced and enriched connected atmosphere, he said.

Corinne George is CNC鈥檚 regional principal for the Lakes District and was one of those involved in redesigning the program. A historian by training, George will be teaching one of the program鈥檚 history courses.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 tell you how excited I am,鈥� said George in describing the program as a way to learn more about the indigenous presence in the area and beyond and how graduation can lead to further education and career opportunities.

鈥淭his is a great opportunity to learn more about the intertwining of peoples and histories,鈥� she said.

One of the program鈥檚 first year courses, for example, is an introduction to the world view of First Nations people while other courses examine the works of contemporary First Nations authors and authors of First Nations childrens literature.

The program can easily lead graduates to a career in teaching, a growing career track given the current high demand for teachers across the province.

鈥淭he indigenousization of school curricula is also underway and is a further opportunity arising from this program,鈥� said George.

In addition to George, two other instructors already in 亚洲天堂 Lake will be teaching program courses.

And so far, there鈥檚 been a growing amount of interest by locals interested in enrolling.