Terrace, BC – From May 1–15, 2026, Coast Mountain College students in Environments and Society: The Golden Triangle explored the connections between resource development, environmental stewardship, and local communities with College Professor Matthew Beedle. The highlight of this field school was a multi-day trip through Northwestern British Columbia with a stop at Hyder, Alaska. The trip included site visits, firsthand observation, and outdoor activities, allowing students to build a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental issues shaping the Golden Triangle region. Below is a selection of photos, shared by Matt, highlighting the experiences and activities the students enjoyed during the trip.
CMTN field school students stop at Kitwanga as they head North to Alaska during the Environments and Society: The Golden Triangle Field school.
Field school participants at the shores of Meziadin Lake after discussing salmon, climate change, industrial development, and Indigenous Protected Areas with Tara Marsden/Naxginkw (third from right) who is the Wilp Sustainability Coordinator for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.
CMTN field school students celebrate the amazing and challenging terrain of the Coast Mountains along Highway 37A enroute to Stewart, BC.
At the shores of Strohn Lake with Bear River Glacier in the background. The rapid recession of the glaciers of the Coast Mountains presents unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable salmon ecosystems and industrial development in the Golden Triangle.
Geologists from Cambria Gold explain the stability and mineralogy found in cores from Premier Mine. CMTN students were fortunate to have a full-day tour of Cambria Gold’s Premier Mine project operations starting here at the Core Shack in Stewart, BC.
Kayeanna MacKenzie and Madison Stenquist explore the cores in the Premier Mine Core Shack.
Cambria Gold geologists show how information from the cores is used to create three-dimensional maps of the underground stability and mineralogy of the Premier Mine.
CMTN field school participants and the Cambria Gold geologist team at the Core Shack in Stewart, BC.
CMTN field school participants geared up with PPE for a tour of the mill at the Premier Mine Project.
CMTN field school participants and Cambria Gold employees stand above the snow- and ice-covered tailings facility with the mine on the slope in the background.
Geared up with all the PPE required for an underground tour of the Premier Mine.
Students touring one of the underground refuge chambers at the Premier Mine and learning about emergency protocol.
CMTN field school participants investigate freshly drilled cores underground at the Premier Mine.
The early risers have coffee and prepare breakfast at the Rainey Creek Campground in Stewart, BC. This served as basecamp for the multi-day adventure in The Golden Triangle.
Field school participants work on a group project synthesizing their learnings from the Golden Triangle at the Rainey Creek Campground in Stewart, BC.
More group work back at camp with the "Plan of the Day" in the foreground.
At the Alaska-British Columbia border. CMTN field school participants explored the small community of Hyder, Alaska, learned about the transboundary watersheds, and the management challenges specific to systems that cross international borders.
Students at the Stewart, BC community driving range. This was a great way to unwind and have some fun in Stewart. On the "Plan of the Day" this activity, was billed as a "Field School Exam", so students were glad when it turned out to be a surprise golfing adventure!
The
Environments and Society: The Golden Triangle field school offered students a unique opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences and engagement with the places and issues they studied. You can learn more about future experiential learning opportunities and upcoming field schools on the
Coast Mountain College Field Schools page.
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Media Contact
Heather Bastin
Executive Director, External Relations
hbastin@coastmountaincollege.ca
250-635-6511 ext. 5494