Submitted by Northwest Community College--Field studies have wrapped up for another year and assignment due dates are pending for another successful Haida Gwaii Field School offering from Northwest Community College (NWCC).The field school, which this year included a first-year anthropology course-First Nations of BC, and a second-year geography course - Ethnogeography, was offered in from July 14 to 23. Taught by Terrace-based University Credit instructors Sheree Ronaasen and Ken Downs, the field school drew 10 students, seven from Terrace, one from Prince George, one from Gibsons and one from Queen Charlotte.Students learned about the Haida culture from a series of guest speakers: Capt. Gold, Skidegate knowledge keeper; Sean Brennan, of the Secretariat of the Haida Nation, land use planning; Barb Wilson, cultural resource specialist for Gwaii Haanas, and James Williams, a Haida Watchmen.They also toured the Haida Heritage Centre and paddled a Haida canoe; walked Spirit Lake Trail with Linda Tollas from Gwaii Haanas, who's knowledgeable about plants and CMTs; travelled to North Beach and to Gwaii Haanas and stayed at Swan Bay Rediscovery Camp for three nights. Moresby Explorers transported students to Gwaii Haanas and they visited the Haida Village of SGang Gwaay Llnagaay and travelled to the Haida Watchmen site of Hotsprings; and they saw sea lions, humpback whales, killer whales, puffins and a black bear.James Williams joined the class in its journey to Gwaii Haanas. He shared his knowledge of Haida culture and was a great interpreter."It is one thing to study culture from a textbook but it is quite another experience to walk the land and travel the ocean that is the foundation of the culture," said Ruth Wheadon, NWCC's Haida Gwaii Manager who took in the trip to Swan Bay Rediscovery. "This field school allows students to learn from a sense of place."One student was overwhelmed with the visit to the Haida village, saying: "I can honestly say this was the best day of my life.""At Northwest Community College, we are blessed with natural surroundings seeped in culture that make for classroom settings that are unforgettable," said NWCC President Stephanie Forsyth. "It is a privilege to offer unique learning experiences, such as the Haida Gwaii Field School, and the college owes thanks to our many partners that make it possible each year."NWCC offers the field school in partnership with the Haida Heritage, Swan Bay Rediscovery, Moresby Explorers, BC Ferries, Spruce Point Lodge, Premier Creek Lodging, Gracie's Place, and Gwaii Haanas.Planning is underway for next year's field school. Students are encouraged to sign up early.