Yukon College, Parks Canada forge stronger ties through MOU

 Whitehorse – Students at Yukon College will have more opportunities to access the territory’s historic and natural treasures as a result of closer ties being forged by the College and Parks Canada today.

Officials with the College and Parks Canada signed a memorandum of understanding this morning that calls for closer ties between the two organizations.

“It’s really a ‘2+2=5’ kind of situation,” says Deb Bartlette, the Dean of Applied Arts at Yukon College. “It means there’s an intent and a willingness to work together to benefit both our organizations.”

The MOU sets the tone for the two bodies to work together to broaden and encourage collaboration on programs and projects, look for opportunities for co-op students and apprenticeships, and use Parks Canada sites for college activities and courses.

“The intent is to develop and strengthen the relationship over time and to co-operate in an open and transparent manner,” the MOU states.

The Field Unit Superintendent of Parks Canada in Yukon says the MOU builds on an already-strong relationship with the College.

“By working together we can identify opportunities to strengthen the respective capabilities of each of our organizations and explore innovative and relevant projects for both Whitehorse and the communities," says Anne Morin.

“It allows us to provide opportunities for our students we can’t provide on our own,” adds Bartlette. “It enhances what we do based on what the other organization can do for us.”

Bartlette sees many opportunities for the College’s students to benefit from the MOU, especially in the Heritage and Culture program.

“It builds opportunities for students with Parks Canada to work directly with Parks doing cultural research and archeology projects in our national parks,” she says. “It could be especially beneficial for our First Nations students, who would be able to be more involved in researching their heritage, and culture.”

The other piece of this is, expanding opportunities for students when they’re at college leads to expanded opportunities after they graduate,” adds Bartlette.

Details on specific projects and programs will be worked out on an individual basis as the relationship develops.

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