Northwest Community College (NWCC) has hired Dr. Ken Leslie to the position of Director of Education, Haida Gwaii effective January 31.
Dr. Leslie comes to NWCC from the Psychology department at the University of Victoria and brings to his new position valuable experience with community outreach and
grants.
Dr. Leslie is passionate about Haida language revitalization and preservation. He has worked with the Haida in Masset, developing language learning stop motion animated movies to support Haida language learning in that community. His Haidawood blog shows some of the fascinating work that has come out of these projects.
“Haida Gwaii is a magical place, the environment is beautiful and amazing,” said Dr. Leslie.
“And Haida culture is so rich. The people I’ve worked with there were so open and welcoming.”
He says his first order of business in his new role will be to meet with the different communities on Haida Gwaii and to assess the existing educational programming and its connection with the local culture and environment.
“I am most excited to develop innovative and supportive learning that will suit learners that are there and that will also attract off-island learners,” added Dr. Leslie.
“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.”