Learning Tours

Learning tour destinations will represent the varied and important issues that are present in and around the local area. Our goal for these tours is to foster greater appreciation and understanding of the region, its challenges and opportunities. They will provide mutually satisfying conversations about issues that matter.

There are 11 unique choices to consider:

1. The "CanGo Grannies"
This group of grandmothers has a story to tell about the power of a grass-roots movement. The quest to support African families devastated by HIV/AIDS is the goal of the "grannies". Their experience is a fine example of how women all over the world are stepping forward to offer their leadership in service of the issues most affecting their communities.

2. Regional Mental Health Services - "The Hillside Centre"
Amidst the backdrop of concern and dissatisfaction with the health care system is the experience of the Hillside Centre. It is an example of how success in one part of the system can provide insight and role models for positive change in other areas of the system. Their task was to relocate patients previously institutionalized back into the community. They took a fragmented system of services and transformed it into a more holistic system that would deal with the whole person. They engaged in partnership with other agencies to accomplish their goals. Other communities are now looking to the Hillside experience as a template on which to model their own services.

3. TRU World
Thompson Rivers University is a public degree-granting institution in British Columbia. It has undergone a dramatic evolution, transitioning from a community college to an innovative university-college and now to a full provincial university with a unique mandate. TRU World is the international department at the university. It provides a story of growth and development that explains how a regional university has established itself as an international education destination for students from more than 70 countries attending TRU for academic programs or uniquely tailored training programs. TRU World has also developed institutional partnerships and accreditation programs that serve an additional 1200 students overseas. The Study Abroad Office of TRU World manages international student exchange programs with more than 40 bilateral agreements, as well as supporting a range of field school opportunities initiated by various academic departments.

4. KCTS
KCTS is a public television network for the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the United States. Its story is a good example of a successful partnership between these two countries. In a world of increasingly fragmented media options, KCTS continues to reflect the community's values and tell the stories that are important to local viewers. Explore with KCTS the role of public broadcasting in a free society and the particular importance of that role in today's world.

5. Sun Rivers Development
The Sun Rivers community development is a unique model of community living from several perspectives. The development is the result of a partnership between the Kamloops Indian Band who lease the land, and the European developer who envisioned this special living experience in North America. The community also represents Canada's first geothermal community and demonstrates the environmental benefits and long term cost savings attached to geothermal energy sources. Geothermal technology and dual water systems set Sun Rivers apart as an environmentally friendly blueprint for the future. A tour of the site will allow you to view this award winning community.

6. Tolko Industries Limited
Tolko Industries Ltd. is a privately owned forest products company which is managed using a decentralized structure. Based in the interior of British Columbia, Tolko manufactures and markets specialty forest products to world markets. Tolko is also a leader in the area of energy self-sufficiency. The company has partnered with Nexterra to develop a gasification system that converts wood residue into a renewable biofuel. This project will likely lead the way for widespread application in the forest industry, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Tolko operation in the Kamloops area is the site of the gasification project. Explore with Tolko representatives the present day challenges of the forest industry, the experience of the gasification project and the experience of working in an organization that has grown substantially in the last several years and continues to operate with a decentralized management system.

7. Sun Peaks Resort Corporation
Sun Peaks Resort Corporation is the second largest four season destination resort in B.C. It is a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of Nippon Cable Company of Japan. The Board of Directors is Japanese while the management is Canadian. Explore with Sun Peaks representatives how this cross-cultural structure has worked in the management of the operation. Sun Peaks has experienced tremendous growth and development. That growth has occurred along with organizational commitment to the environment. Discuss with representatives how responsibility to the outdoors has been managed. Explore also the experience with partnerships that have been necessary to the success of this resort corporation.

8. Kamloops Centre for Water Quality (City of Kamloops)
The path that has led to Kamloops having the largest and most sophisticated facility of its kind in all of North America is a journey involving visioning, planning, teamwork, public participation and stakeholder involvement, project management and partnering at all stages of the project. The innovative features designed into the Kamloops plant position the City as a leader in environmental stewardship and water conservation. It represents a good example of the value of integrating infrastructure with community enhancement. The City has also partnered with Thompson Rivers University to develop a unique training facility to share their experience and knowledge with others. Discuss with key project representatives how Kamloops was able to take on this project and provide an excellent environmental example for other municipalities to follow.

9. First Nations Alliance 4 Land Management
Aboriginal management of aboriginal lands is a critical element for self government. FNA4LM provides professional development services through training and networking to those who manage aboriginal lands. It is the goal of FNA4LM to enhance the ability of lands managers to effectively fulfill their roles. With the help of the Cultural Resources Management Administrator of the Kamloops Indian Band, find out more regarding the historical connection of aboriginal peoples to their lands and how it continues to influence present day strategies for land management. With representatives of the FNA4LM organization, explore the policies and challenges of lands management that managers face today. Also enjoy the guided tour through the unique Secwepmec museum, a video on aboriginal culture and way of life, and a short walk through the Kamloops Indian Band nature park with opportunities to view the old winter homes of our local aboriginal people.

10. The Golden Bear Ranch
The Golden Bear Ranch is a family owned business that primarily raises and markets cattle. It produces only grass-fed beef. It provides a good model to view close-up with respect to cooperation with others, environmental stewardship, and self sufficiency. Discuss with the owners the challenges faced by the cattle industry, the recent changes that have taken place in the industry, and the future for those involved in cattle ranching. Tour participants may also want to explore the challenges of running a successful family business. Although the cattle will be at the summer range, participants will be able to view some part of the haymaking experience in the August timeframe.

11. Experiential Conversation about the Nature of Facilitating Change
This session will bring the conference theme to life as we head outside for a magical day exploring the forest metaphor and its practical relevance to our work. Participants will investigate nature-based approaches to learning and development, and experience some activities that they can add to their facilitation "toolkit".