January 14, 1998 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia will be the first university in Canada to offer a bachelors degree in Northern Studies.

The UNBC Senate approved the new program today, which will be comprised almost entirely of existing courses. "UNBC has extensive expertise in the North throughout all of its degree programs," says Robin Fisher, Dean of Arts, Social and Health Sciences at UNBC. "By enrolling in this program, students will have exposure to northern topics in fields such as the economy, anthopology, politics, First Nations issues, the environment, history, and international comparisons."

Only one new, first-year course will be created to offer the degree: Northern Environments will be a first-year course introducing students to the physical, biological, and human environments of the North. Two additional courses will be created at the fourth-year level.No other Canadian university offers a similar program: McGill, the University of Calgary, and Lakehead University all offer minors in Northern Studies, but no majors.

"UNBC has always had a strong focus on the North," says Dr Fisher. "This new program will give students exposure to the large number of issues confronting the north, from First Nations self-government and health issues, to environmental sustainability and politics. Graduates will be poised to assist in the development of our region and northern regions around the world."

It's expected that about 20 students per year will enrol in the program, which will officially begin in September 1998.