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    Overview

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    Our Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art brings all nations together in the pursuit of higher education, and sets new standards for aspiring artists. It is the only School of its kind in Canada, focusing on traditional First Nations Pacific Northwest Coast art.

    Coast Mountain College created the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art to honour, recognize and continue the legacy of Haida artist Freda Diesing. She was a master carver, painter, tireless educator and champion of First Nations art and culture.

    Programs offered

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      First Nations Fine Arts Certificate

      Certificate

      Program length: 1 year

      Intakes: September

      Begin with fundamentals of two-dimensional Northwest coast art design, drawing and painting basics. Most students continue their studies direct into the First Nations Fine Arts Diploma.

      Learn more
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      First Nations Fine Arts Diploma

      Diploma

      Program length: 2 years

      Intakes: September

      Enhance your design, drawing and painting skills gained in the first year certificateby building and using traditional tools, and traditional work carving techniques.

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      First Nations Fine Arts Advanced Diploma

      Advanced Diploma

      Program length: 10 months

      Intakes: TBD

      Build on the solid foundation laid in the Diploma program in First Nations Northwest Coast Art by learning and practicing the traditional arts of jewelry and sculpture under the mentorship of world-renowned master artists and instructors.

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    • We're still here.

      "When we are drawing, painting and carving it's like we can feel our ancestors watching us, and I just know they would be proud of us,  that we're still practicing our art form. We're keeping it alive. We're still here."

      Jaimie Davis, Artist & Program Graduate

    • Enriched learning experiences

      The School offers the First Nations Fine Arts program, instructed and mentored by world-renowned artists. Visiting artists, dignitaries and cultural advocates enhance the learning environment with their knowledge, wisdom and experience.

      Faculty Bios

    • Freda Diesing spotlight

      The Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art was created to honour, recognize and continue the legacy of Haida artist Freda Diesing. She was a master carver, painter, tireless educator and champion of Indigenous art and culture.

      Freda Diesing biography

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      CMTN's Indigenous resources

      In partnership with our First Nations Council and Indigenous communities, we develop programs connected to the cultural, social, political, and economic values and realities of their communities. 
      We honour and support the rich traditions of Indigenous culture in the northwest and through education.

      Learn more

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      The NW Passage

      View the Coast Mountain College collection of Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in the NW Passage.

      Enter the Passage