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Title: The lived experience of sensing the presence of the deceased
Contributors: Barbara Lynn McLean (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: A common experience among mourners is thinking they have seen, heard, or experienced the presence of the deceased. In counselling literature these experiences are characterized as hallucinations that occur as a symptom of grief. Mourners often believe they are in contact with another reality and as a result feel that mental health professionals misunderstand them, leading to a silencing of the phenomena. In order to be more helpful to these prospective clients, counsellors need a deeper understanding of the experiences from the perspectives of those having them. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological thesis is to portray the lived experience of perceiving the presence of the deceased as described by seven participants having had the experience. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed for common themes through a process adapted from Colaizzi (1978). Although much was discovered, the most fundamental findings were that the experiences were best described as spiritual and had positive effects on the participants. Other findings included the inability of participants to find words that could describe their experiences, the limited willingness to share their experiences with others, the inability of the participants to control their experiences, and the discovery that participants were not always grieving when the experiences occurred. These findings raise important questions concerning counsellors' approaches to clients. Knowing how to encourage disclosure of the experience, or how cultural differences affect the experiences, or the extent of effects that these experiences have on peoples' lives could be particularly beneficial to counsellors.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:15:03.611Z

Title: Git Skee'een Niidiit: people of the Skeena River: Gitksan history in art
Contributors: Judith P. Morgan (author), Antonia Mills (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: First Nations Studies
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:17:03.299Z

Title: Aboriginal values, sacred landscapes, and resource development in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of BC.
Contributors: Titilope I. Kunkel (author), Ellen Petticrew (Thesis advisor), Robert Ellis (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The Aboriginal values and epistemologies of Indigenous peoples in the Cariboo and Chilcotin region of British Columbia are nested within one of the province's resource development hinterlands. These geographic locations are the birthplace of various cultures, legends, and stories of Indigenous groups. Resource developments at these locations continue to highlight the collision of values arising from urban-remote interactions. Using a hybrid approach of grounded theory and Indigenous research methodology, this dissertation uses two case studies to capture (1) the struggles and resistance of the Indigenous Tsilhqot'in communities as they defend their land against an incumbent mining company and (2) insights into Aboriginal community planning through documenting the Nazko First Nation's Comprehensive Community Planning process. Major themes addressed in this study are (1) Aboriginal values expressed during a Federal Panel Assessment of a proposed mine development in the Cariboo Chilcotin region (2) the contemporary culture of the Tsilhqot'in people including how some women continue to survive on the land and (3) geothermal energy as a potential primary resource. Outcomes of this research study highlight the critical Aboriginal values within the Cariboo Chilcotin region, and how these values are important considerations in resource development decisions. These outcomes provide new insights into how cultural values are embedded within traditional activities and landscapes. Furthermore, the findings show that despite contemporary challenges, community values continue to influence resource development considerations and choices made by the Aboriginal people. This research concludes with new theory propositions about Native Space and why the location and ecological footprint of resource development within the traditional territories of Aboriginal people are important in meeting the needs of their daily lives. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Natural Resources & Environmental Studies
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:14:33.087Z

Title: The Seniors' Connection Programme: an evaluation
Contributors: Loraleigh Fitzgerald (author), Bryan Hartman (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract avaialble.
Discipline: Education
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:16:06.267Z

Title: Characterization and seasonal ecology of ectomycorrhizae associated with Sitka alder and lodgepole pine from naturally regeneraing young and mature spruce forests in the sub-boreal spruce zone of British Columbia
Contributors: Aniko Marie Varga (author), Hugues B. Massicotte (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Prior to this thesis project, our understanding of the influence of stand age and season on in vivo ectomycorrhizal communities of Sitka alder growing with Lodgepole pine within the Sub-Boreal Spruce biogeoclimatic zone was limited. The magnitude of ectomycorrhizal associates present on Sitka alder and Lodgepole pine was not known. In addition, it was of ecological interest to assess if the two host species, common to early-successional, post-harvest forest communities, were directly linked via common ectomycorrhizal fungi with reference to ecosystem interactions and possible nutrient translocation. Stemming from this general lack of knowledge, the purpose of this thesis project was to strengthen our ecological understanding of these two ectomycorrhizal communities. Two complementary methodologies were implemented in order to assess the ectomycorrhizal communities. Traditional morphological assessments offered one perspective of the mycorrhizal associates and permitted morphological description and mycobiont identification when possible, as well as richness, abundance, diversity, and evenness comparisons with respect to host, stand age, and season. It was found that mycorrhizal richness was greatest for Lodgepole pine. Seral and seasonal effects were shown to significantly impact certain Sitka alder and Lodgepole pine ectomycorrhizae. Seral and seasonal effects also significantly impacted alder ectomycorrhizal diversity and evenness assessments, however, no similar impact was observed for pine. Several possible genera of fungal symbionts were identified that may link Sitka alder and Lodgepole pine. The resolution of ectomycorrhizal taxa comprising the belowground communities were improved over morphological assessments through the use of molecular techniques, specifically PCR-RFLP analyses, the second technique applied. Molecular datasets further confirmed some morpholog_ical assessments and defined morphological descriptions allowing for identification of some mycobionts mostly to the genus level, but also to the species level, as well as determining inter- and intraspecific variation of the int!'lrnal transcribed spacer region of rONA within certain morphotypes. Two mycobiont genera (Cortinarius and Lactarius) were identified on both hosts which suggest the possibility of direct mycorrhizal linkage. In this study, molecular diversity assessments, when used in conjunction with defined morphological techniques (such as morphotyping), offered a complementary synopsis of the diversity and dynamics of ectomycorrhizal communities. Taxa were distinguished to a finer taxonomic level and could be identified using PCR-RFLP analysis while the abundance of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes was best described using morphological techniques. The research indicated that stand age and season can significantly influence alder and pine ectomycorrhizae.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:18:24.995Z

Title: Empowering people with concurrent disorder in a clinical context: a structural perspective.
Contributors: Curtis Andrew Olaf Venos (author), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Concurrent Disorder (CD) is a nascent area of study relative to mental health and addiction. Conceptions of effective treatment and desirable outcomes in the field remain contested. In my examination of CD literature, most researchers concluded the preferable outcomes of treatment to be a reduction or cessation of mental health symptoms and abstinence from substance use. The preferences of people with CD were largely absent in the literature review I conducted. The dissonance between CD literature and my structural social work values prompted me to adopt an empowerment lens for my practicum. Empowerment is defined in this report from a structural perspective. Structurally informed empowerment acknowledges that systematic discrimination is a factor precluding people with CD from living as they desire. In a clinical setting, the reduction of adverse effects from CD and oppression are the most prevalent forms of empowerment. Empowerment in a clinical context is aided by utilizing the recovery movement in determining what people define as a meaningful life recovery from CD is possible with the continued presence of mental health symptoms and substance use. Shared decision making (SDM), harm reduction, personal medicine, and treatment modalities are possible empowering clinical methods to enact a person's vision of recovery. Common needs for the increased well-being of people with CD were ascertained through dialogue and observation at the practicum site. Resources to contribute to fulfilling many of the needs were available in Prince George, British Columbia, yet knowledge of their existence is often esoteric. Social workers in the clinical context are able to address many of the needs in micro and mezzo capacities. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:26:31.259Z

Title: Conflict, styles of conflict resolution, stress and job satisfaction amongst veterinary healthcare workers in clinical settings
Contributors: Deborah L. Kalyn (author), Rick Tallman (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This project looks at sources of stress and conflict, styles of conflict resolution and their outcomes in veterinary healthcare workers. An on-line survey was developed and sent to veterinary hospitals. Results included: Positive correlation between task and relationship conflict Positive correlation between conflict and avoiding, dominating and obliging styles of conflict resolution - Negative correlation between job satisfaction and stress - Negative correlation between job satisfaction and an avoiding style of conflict resolution and a positive correlation between job satisfaction and an integrating style of conflict resolution - Positive correlation between job satisfaction and intent to stay with both the current employer and the occupation. It is hoped this research can be used as a starting point to open dialogues about sources of stress and conflict, differing styles of conflict resolution and their benefits in terms of improved job satisfaction, decreased stress and intent to leave. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:07:43.407Z

Title: The feminist movement in Mumbai, India: how women in India organize against gender violence
Contributors: Dorothy Jean Brown (author), Marianne Ainley (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The nature and forms of violence against women arise from patriarchy- broadly defined as a system of male dominance, legitimated within the family and society through superior rights, privileges, authority and power. The degree to which this happens and the forms in which such power is exercised vary between cultures and societies. The process of subordination is generally achieved by devaluing women's contribution, while at the same time extracting significant contribution from them. The accounts of violence against women in the following thesis illustrate poignantly the conjunction of these processes. They also bring out the cultural specificity of some types of violence. Some avenues available to the victims of violence are through the courts of justice which are not immune to the prejudices of the social order and reflect the male bias of the system. A qualitative research design was used and data collected by doing a feminist ethnography which included interviews, participant observation and content analysis in Mumbai, India. What emerged from the data analysis was that in order to have an understanding of feminism as a validation of women's diverse realities, we must have an understanding of empowerment and how it can enhance our ability to control our own lives. Empowerment is a political activity that can range from individual acts of political resistance to mass political mobilization and is aimed at changing the nature and distribution of power in a society.
Discipline: Gender Studies
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:17:22.343Z

Title: Poems of the promised land: women's stories in the King James Old Testament
Contributors: Jacqueline Joan Hoekstra (author), Dee Horne (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This project entails a feminist examination of women's stories in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. I focus directly on the Old Testament stories, beginning with Eve in Genesis and ending with Vashti and Esther in Esther. I have engaged these particular narratives for a number of reasons. I pick some stories because of how their oppressive patriarchal interpretation defines womanhood. I choose some other stories because of the manner in which they have been ignored. I select some stories of autonomy because of their liberatory potential for contemporary women. I explore the emancipatory and oppressive narratives concerning women in the text. This systematic approach to images of women and the narratives of women's stories will enable a loosening of interpretation.
Discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:12:00.219Z

Title: Assessing the psychometric properties of the British Columbia pain behaviour taxonomy (BCPBT).
Contributors: Elizabeth A. Hughes (author), Kenneth Prakchin (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Psychology
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:00:26.4Z

Title: Spatial associations between infestations of mountain pine beetle and landscape features in the Peace River Region of British Columbia.
Contributors: Honey-Marie C. de la Giroday (author), Brian Aukema (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: An immense outbreak of the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, currently covers a cumulative area of 14.5 million hectares of mature pine forests across the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. In 2004, the first outbreaking populations of mountain pine beetle were observed in northeastern British Columbia, an area not considered part of the insect's native range. My thesis examines how landscape features and their orientation influence establishment patterns of the insect. Mountain pine beetle spread between 2004 and 2006 in patterns similar to a propagating wave, likely due to long-distance dispersal into the region. Large glacially-eroded valleys, canyons, deeply incised streams, local and midslope ridges or small hills in valleys and plains, and open slopes were often positively associated with infestations, providing evidence that the interaction of meso-scale convective currents and topography can mediate patterns of establishment. The orientation of landscape features also influenced establishment, as southwest-facing areas and linear features aligned in northeast-southwest directions were associated with increased densities of infestations in 2006. Management activities were typically associated with a decline in the density of mountain pine beetle infestations in the following year, indicating that such activities were effective in preventing short-distance dispersal of the insect. I found no evidence that anthropogenic activities such as transport and storage of infested material increased establishment of mountain pine beetle across the research area. These results may be used to prioritize preemptive treatments in mountainous regions in the absence of long-distance inputs of mountain pine beetle into expanding ranges. --P.ii.
Discipline: Biology
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:06:41.78Z

Title: Prediction of national mathematics and science achievement by socioeconomic and health factors with a focus on Ghana
Contributors: Christian Appoh (author), Peter D. MacMillan (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Mathematics and Science are two disciplines considered imperative for technological advancement of any country. However, Ghana placed 47th out of 48 counties in the 2003 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Ghana placed lowest for both Mathematics and Science in the 2011 TIMSS. The purpose of this study was to examine Mathematics and Science achievements in relation to economic and health outcomes for the countries in the 2011 TIMSS report. Multiple linear regression was used as a method to predict achievement. The criterion variables were a Mathematics composite score and a Science composite score. The predictors were Under 5 Mortality Rate and Gross National Income for both Science and Mathematics. Science achievement was more strongly related (55%) to these predictors than was Mathematics achievement (47%). Ghana's results were accurately predicted based on these factors. These findings have implications for Ghanaian educators. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:29:22.32Z

Title: Community network building to impact policy and improve the lives of northern British Columbian women
Contributors: M. Christina Rodrigues (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:17:29.67Z

Title: Stress management for young adolescent girls: strengthening connection in the school setting
Contributors: Candace Merla Koziski (author), Colleen Haney (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: For this research project, nine grade 8 girls were asked specific questions during focus group interviews to illuminate their stressors and methods of coping. The results revealed that stress is a significant factor in three main areas of their lives: school (especially the transition to high school), family and peers. The girls utilized mostly active coping strategies. They sought assistance from family, friends or other adults in their environment. A small group format was mentioned as affording an opportunity to practice coping skills. These findings imply that young adolescent girls elicit most of their support through connection with others. Therefore, a stress management group intervention is presented to assist young adolescent girls in managing the transition to secondary school and beyond. The program attempts to help the students learn skills that will increase their ability to cope actively with their stressors. This project concludes with recommendations and practical applications for future endeavors.--Page ii.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:18:48.731Z

Title: Determining tax rates: Are property tax rates determined on the basis of political factors, by politicians?
Contributors: William Donald Kennedy (author), G. Poelzer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Political Science
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:33:58.084Z

Title: The experience of hope for domestic violence support workers.
Contributors: Maggie Jan Crain (author), Corinne Koehn (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This study explored the lived experience of hope for domestic violence support workers. A hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was used to collect and analyze the experiences of six professional women, ages 37 through 69. Four themes, each with sub-themes, emerged from the findings. One theme, Hope is Visceral, reveals the phenomenology of hope as experienced through bodily sensations, reactions, and emotions. A second theme, Hope is Contextual, describes how experiences of hope are enhanced by personal perspectives and social environments. A third theme, Hope is Mutual, reveals how interactions with other people inspire a sense of hope. A fourth theme, Hope is a Journey, illustrates how hope evolved over the years to reveal new understandings of what it means to live hopefully. The findings are discussed in relation to the current literature. Implications for counselling, counsellor education, service provider organizations, and suggestions for future research are presented.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:07:01.594Z

Title: A case study of teacher collaboration at Duchess Park Secondary School
Contributors: Keith Takuya Wood (author), Andrew Kitchenham (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to identify issues and barriers to teacher collaboration within Duchess Park Secondary School (DPSS) and offer strategies to improve practice. An assessment of the successes and failures of the current mechanisms for collaboration was conducted through a broadly-distributed, anonymous questionnaire to DPSS staff, and through a narrowly focused interview process which targeted individual members of collaboration groups in varying disciplines and demographics at DPSS. Once data was collected it was analyzed using qualitative thematic data analysis. The main barriers to successful teacher collaboration at DPSS were individual personality conflicts, a lack of leadership within collaboration groups, a lack of predetermined collaboration objectives and agenda, and in some cases isolation and teacher work load. These barriers lead to feelings of dissatisfaction with collaboration sessions, frustration, and uncertainty, which further complicated the success of collaboration teams. Successful DPSS collaboration groups were those who: Exhibited a positive team mentality enabling the group to work together, had a clear group leader to organize and mediate the discussions, and who prepared an agenda and objectives for the group prior to the collaboration session so that each group member could prepare and participate. It was recommended that groups displaying the main barriers identified in this study work at primarily resolving these in order successfully collaborate. It was noted that individuals who do not believe in true collaboration or those who do not believe that change is needed within the PLC may not have participated in the general questionnaire and therefore their opinions may not have been reflected in this study. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:20:24.157Z

Title: Assessment of optimum snowmelt model complexity, Cariboo Highlands, British Columbia, Canada.
Contributors: Kara Francine Przeczek (author), Stephen Dery (Thesis advisor), Brian Menounos (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The goal of this study is to assess the performance of melt models of varying complexity to simulate snowmelt under different aspect, forest cover, and input data conditions in the British Columbia interior. Observed snow water equivalent data from the 2008 melt season were used to compare the performance of a basic temperature-index (TI) model, three modified TI models, and a simple energy balance model (EBM). The largest (smallest) values of NSE (RMSE) for the snow course sites were 0.81 (0.0243 m) for the TI models and 0.58 (0.0362 m) for the EBM. At the automatic snow pillow (ASP) the largest (smallest) values of NSE (RMSE) were 0.54 (0.0055 m) for the TI models and 0.65 (0.0048 m) for the EBM. At the snow course sites all TI models performed better than or equivalent to the EBM. At the ASP one EBM version performed better than the TI models. --P.ii.
Discipline: Natural Resources & Environmental Studies
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:08:19.04Z

Title: Corporate governance structures of business entities in Aboriginal communities
Contributors: John Allan Curry (author), Han Donker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This project examines the development of corporate governance structures of development corporations in First Nations communities in British Columbia and across Canada. The concept is advanced of a close relationship between local community and corporate goals. Discussion focuses on potential conflicts of interest (agency problems) between community political leaders and managers of on-reserve businesses. Three theoretical models were developed -- traditional Native, Economic Development Corporation, and modern Native -- and in-depth interviews were completed in selected case study communities and questionnaires were administered to economic development professionals at the annual conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. The findings from this study indicate that the traditional Native model of corporate governance prevails in small communities and that traditional Native model boards of directors are politicized -- not independent from local government. Politicizing of business decisions should be avoided, and checks and balances should be put in place within the corporate governance structure of development corporations.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:12:47.314Z

Title: Faculty experiences of students in distress on Canadian post-secondary campuses
Contributors: Robert Giardino (author), Linda O'Neill (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution), John Sherry (committee member), Sherry Beaumont (committee member)
Abstract: What started as a project to discern faculty’s preferred role in working with students in distress has turned into a discovery of student challenges on post-secondary campuses including but not limited to trauma, indigenization, barriers affecting non-traditional students and other discussions including faculty self-care. The research was prompted by CACUSS and CASA’s recommendations for faculty involvement in creating healthier campuses with specific reference to mental health. Seven faculty members from a four-year university and two-year college from a northern Canadian community volunteered for approximate one-hour semi-structured interviews on their experiences with students in distress. The interviews were coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis. The emergent themes were common humanity, passion, concern and frustration. The author proposes post-secondary institutions look at adopting trauma-informed approaches to building policy, procedure and campus environments to address mental wellness and distress for all campus community members, students, staff and faculty alike.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Date added: 2019-03-28T22:18:14.48Z

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