FOR RELEASE
December 1, 2015

DAWSON CITY—Eighty-one Yukon students from eight rural communities traveled to Dawson City to participate in a Rural Experiential Model (REM) from September 21 to 25.

“Rural Experiential Models are a great opportunity for rural students to work in larger groups and earn credits in specialized subjects that they otherwise might not be able to access,” Minister of Education Doug Graham said. “We thank the REM staff, Robert Service School, the City of Dawson and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in for being welcoming hosts to these student visitors year after year.”

Students in grades 10 to 12 from eight schools (Carmacks, Dawson City, Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Pelly Crossing, Ross River and Watson Lake) attended this fine arts and applied skills program. Seventy-eight of those students – or 96 per cent of participants - successfully achieved their two credits at the REM this fall.

“REM is one of my favourite parts of the school year,” Robert Service School student Olivia Holmes said. “Sometimes in the rural communities, people feel a little bit unmotivated and for me, it’s really exciting to see everyone so excited about the same thing.”

Students chose from 12 daytime session options developed and delivered by rural teachers, Yukon experts, First Nation citizens and Elders, and department support staff. The course options included culinary arts, archery, ancestral technologies/on-the-land, First Nations fine art, hair and esthetics, robotics, wood shop and more.

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See backgrounder and photos.

Contact:

Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@gov.yk.ca  

Holly Fraser
Communications, Education
867-667-5666
holly.fraser@gov.yk.ca

Backgrounder

Dawson City Rural Experiential Model sessions

Ancestral technologies/on-the-land: Students hike, canoe, explore and experience all the outdoors has to offer on the traditional territory of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. Elders from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation will join the group. Participants will have the option of spending one night camping.

Archery: Students of all skill levels will work toward achieving their Level 1 NCCP certification, which allows them to coach archery in their home communities. They will practice this traditional sport on targets, including 3D animal targets, under the instruction of experts from the Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle.

Culinary arts: This hands-on course teaches students the fundamentals of cooking and commercial kitchens in, including food safety, menu planning and more. Students will prepare meals for the REM participants.

Dance and drama: Professional training in different elements such as rhythm, technique, body awareness, strength and balance. Classes include warm-up exercises, choreography and rehearsals for a showcase at the REM finale. Students will also learn about the performing arts including mime, storytelling, improvisation and others practices.

First Nation art: design and carving: Students have the opportunity to work with an established Yukon First Nations artist designing Northwest Coast art and learning basic carving techniques for a panel with an animal motif and other projects.

Hair and esthetics: This session trains students to style hair, paint nails and practice other esthetics skills with industry experts.

Mining matters: Participants will explore local and regional geology, permafrost, mining exploration, mining techniques, mine development, and mine reclamation with hands-on activities with experts, including trips to an operating placer mine and Tombstone Territorial Park.

Mountain biking: riding and repair: This sessions aids the development of basic skills for cross-country mountain biking and bike repair techniques.

Robotics: Using simple materials and programming language, students will build an eight command radio-controlled car and remote control, mini-drone, or 3D-print one or more pieces of a robot frame.

Science: Let’s DO it!: Offers students exciting hands-on lab work and field studies about biology, chemistry, engineering, forensics, physics, and veterinary sciences led by professional scientists.

The social media project: Students will explore how to use social media tools and wireless technology in class, such as Youtube, Facebook, Snapchat and Google Docs. They will complete two major projects, including a digital REM report using images and feedback from students and teachers and a project on safe and responsible digital citizenship.

Wood shop: framing: As a group, students will learn the carpentry trade and build two sheds from start to finish.