From Hearst to Yellowknife: exploring alternative governance models

From June 9 to 14, 11 Université de Hearst students had the opportunity to travel to Yellowknife to take an off-site course at Collège Nordique, entitled "Alternative Governance Models". This trip enabled them to discover and explore various aspects of alternative governance in the Northwest Territories.  

Realities shared by Université de Hearst and Collège Nordique.  

Located in the northern Ontario town of Hearst, Université de Hearst shares similar realities with Collège Nordique, as French-language post-secondary institutions operating in a predominantly English-speaking environment. This partnership is a testament to the importance of regional diversity and the richness of intercultural exchanges in the field of education. The aim is to create synergies that strengthen the French-speaking world, while promoting the uniqueness of northern experiences. 

By collaborating, our two establishments not only share knowledge and resources, but also explore together the unique challenges and opportunities offered by the North. This spring's 2024 off-site course, entitled "Alternative Governance Models", is a concrete example of this rewarding cooperation.  

A course immersed in the realities of alternative governance.  

In the heart of the Northwest Territories, students explored various models of political, community and organizational governance. Their immersion began with a canoe trip on Sunday, June 9, guided by Jack Panayi of Jackpine Paddle. This activity allowed them not only to discover traditional methods of travel, but also to connect with the surrounding nature, a central element in the life and governance of northern communities. Saoudiatou Ba, Université de Hearst student, says: 

"Taking part in the Alternative Governance Models course at Collège Nordique was a transformative experience for me. The hands-on activities gave me a concrete understanding of how these complex systems work". 

On Monday, June 10, they revisited the relationship between the Indigenous peoples and the colonizers through an indigenous lens, in a memory activity called the "Blanket Exercise". The aim of this activity is to raise awareness among citizens of the historical experience of disempowerment experienced by Canada's Indigenous Peoples and its consequences today. The idea is to stand on blankets representing Indigenous territories, and as the story of colonization is told, the blankets are gradually removed, symbolizing the dispossession of the land. The day was marked by deep reflection on the traditions and challenges of Indigenous communities.

Meetings and exchanges with NWT community organizations. 

On Tuesday, June 11, students had the honour of exchanging with Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty views on the challenges and opportunities of governance in a multicultural city like Yellowknife. The day ended with a visit to the Yellowknife Farmers' Market, held every Tuesday from June to September at Somba K'é  Park.   

On Wednesday, June 12, our guests had the opportunity to visit Cameron Falls and meet with various Francophone community organizations, such as the Fédération Franco-Ténoise (FFT), the Association Franco-Culturelle de Yellowknife (AFCY) and the Intercultural Centre NWT, all of which are essential to the development of the Francophone community in the region. 

On Thursday June 13, a visit to the Yellowknife Legislative Assembly gave students an insight into the decision-making process and political history of the Northwest Territories. Ruth Esther Kouamé, student at Université de Hearst says: 

"My favorite part of the summer course in Yellowknife was attending a session of the Legislative Assembly. It was a highlight for me, as it was my first time attending such a session in person. The structure of the building, the seating arrangement and the customs observed by the members of the Assembly are particularly fascinating". 

Finally, on Friday June 14, the day began with a visit to the town of Behchokǫ̀, where the students learned about the daily life and culture of the local Indigenous communities. This was followed by a visit to Yellowknife's "Prince of Wales" museum, offering them a detailed perspective on the history and heritage of the Northwest Territories. The museum is renowned for its exhibits on archaeology, geology, art and indigenous cultures, giving visitors a better understanding of the evolution of the region.  

A long-term collaboration.  

We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of this partnership with Université de Hearst in the spring of 2025 for a new and new, even more rewarding, exploration. This collaboration continues to deepen the educational journey of our student community, while contributing to the development of essential skills for their professional and personal lives.  

This spring's off-site course not only enhanced participants' academic knowledge, but also broadened their cultural and social horizons. This program is a perfect illustration of the importance of academic exchanges in shaping enlightened and committed students in an increasingly interconnected world.