Interdiscplinary Course explores striking the balance in the biosphere

Capilano University students entering the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, school of Science, technology, engineering and Mathematics (STEM) must take INTS 110 - Making Change - Regional Research and Action.

This course brings together students, educators, and community organizations to collaborate on generating solutions to regional problems. The Sea to Sky corridor and communities along the way in the Howe Sound region are facing many pressures and the area offers many opportunities for field trips to visit and meet with community organizations.

During July and August 2022, instructors Sabrina Cornish, Brian Ganter, Tong Chow and Danielle Wills enjoyed two field trips with their students on an action-packed bus trip to Squamish. Here they walked the estuary and learned about the value of restoration with Edith Tobe of the Squamish River Watershed Society. They visited the longhouse at the Cheakamus Centre to learn about Squamish Nation’s traditional and historical practices. Sarah McJannet of the District of Squamish talked about the circular economy and challenges of a fast-growing town. The students also heard two points of view about a new controversial fossil fuel project.

In the 2022/23 term, instructors with 35 students explored the challenges of sea level rise and the impacts on the community. Two field trips took students to the waterfront in West Vancouver, where they heard from community knowledge holders, both indigenous and non-indigenous, on the actual impacts of climate change. The 2023 Fall term students looked at the challenges of growth in the Sea to Sky area through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students then picked a particular problem and considered solutions. This ranged from the need to build a new hospital in Squamish, to energy solutions for the landfill, integration of new immigrants and densification.

This seven-week course will be an ongoing exploration of challenges. Link here for more information