Author, Web Developer, and Now Educator, Earl Einarson Puts His BCIT Education to Practice

In Earl Einarson’s book, The Moccasins, when a young Aboriginal foster child is given a special gift by his foster mother, he says, "She told me that my background was Native and that it was a good thing to be."

Earl is a member of the Ktunaxa (k-too-na-ha) First Nation; worked in Training and Corporate Security with Air Canada; and was a 2005 finalist for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize. He is also a graduate of BCIT’s New Media Design & Web Development program — a good thing to be. "BCIT has been a tremendous experience," says Earl. "Truly life changing."

Earl has seen first-hand how legacy communication models have placed Aboriginal communities at a disadvantage both socially and economically, and is determined to use the knowledge and skills he’s acquired at BCIT to change that paradigm. "The internet is one of the most prevalent entities on Earth right now," Earl says. "It provides a possibility of communication models that have never been realized before. Last mile connectivity really interests me. Providing a pipeline of information to isolated communities in Canada via the internet excites me."

Windermere. Cranbrook. Grasmere. Creston. Invermere. Seventy thousand square kilometers in the Kootenay region of Southeastern British Columbia. These are the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa Nation. But their traditional disadvantages—isolation, distance, size—are no longer factors. The internet has leveled the playing field.

Earl caught a glimpse of the possibilities early, and enrolled in an entrepreneurship program, where he wrote a business plan for an Aboriginal new media company. Then, knowing he needed to build his skills in the specialized field, he turned to BCIT. "I chose BCIT because of the quality of their New Media program," says Earl. "BCIT’s reputation is held in high-esteem."

In addition to mastering the technical skills, Earl gained experience in project management, industry operations, and the law. The program also included career preparation and practicum opportunities. "I have had meetings with new media professionals," says Earl, "and as soon as I mention … BCIT, there is a noticeable recognition [of my] credibility … knowledge and skills."

Since graduating in 2007, Earl has launched his First Nations-owned web development company, The Plateau. His first project was the development of an online marketplace with his partner and wife. Called Poppytalk Handmade, the site is a monthly online street market curated by design blog Poppytalk showcasing handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world. And if that isn’t enough, BCIT has recently hired Earl to teach part-time studies in New Media Design and Web Development, as well as produce a promotional/recruitment DVD for BCIT Aboriginal Services – a kind tribute to his in-demand skills."I would not hesitate to recommend BCIT," says Earl. "If you are serious about new media, then BCIT is the premier centre to gain field-recognized skills."