Outdoor play and learning in the early years are essential for physical, mental and environmental health and development. However, efforts and best practices surrounding outdoor early childhood education (ECE) learning and play are rarely shared across sectors to effect sustained change. In 2023 we launched the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play, a centre of excellence […]
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, will engage delegates in a hybrid workshop to, first, gain a deeper understanding of the Red River Métis and their unique history in Canada. Then, showcase hands-on, cultural activities as part of the MMF’s Métis Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow (MELT), Métis Community-Based […]
Join us, Dorothy Thunder and Tiffany Smith, on the land as we share with you how we braid Indigenous and Forest School epistemologies into relationship building with ourselves, each other and the land at our land-based education program, Blossoming Flower. Workshop participants will gain hands-on experience as they participate in activities the same way our […]
In working towards rebuilding a connection with Land, let’s pay attention to some of the colonial-isms perpetuated while learning outdoors, and recalibrate through sound advice from more-than-humans, place, and Indigenous perspectives. This, of course, is in no way comprehensive! However, the session proposes hands-on activities, stories, and learnings, relating to the lost connection with Land, […]
When youth have opportunities to have fun in the outdoors through diverse forms of recreation, positive memories of nature can be made. But we can also build upon that by giving youth opportunities to take action in their own communities. Conservation service work opportunities can give youth the tools to then have a deeper appreciation […]
“The outdoors are not neutral”. “Social justice and environmental justice are siloed – we need to disrupt that” Join a walking interactive story journey centred around how to work in a trusting partnership that links race and place in outdoor environmental education and climate justice. Follow a path of critical friendship and thought partners as […]
Supporting educator well-being supports the education system. But what happens if the teachers and educators are grappling with climate anxiety? How do we teach the leaders of tomorrow when our own fear of the future stands in the way? You are not alone. Let’s join together to learn practical habits to reframe climate anxiety as […]
Breaking free of the walls which confine us can lead us in to nature, a space where we can heal, learn, and reconnect with ourselves and each other. The National Healing Forest Initiative founded by Patricia Stirbys, a Cowessess First Nation Lawyer, and Peter Croal, a Geological Consultant, after the findings of the 2015 Truth […]
Hoping to integrate nature and place-based learning into the curriculum meaningfully? Still trying to figure out where to start? In this workshop, Hillary will discuss her experiences developing place-based curricula in urban and non-urban settings highlighting the need to pivot based on what is accessible to educators and their students. Participants will also learn core […]
Cultivating our inner peace as educators and human beings is our greatest human technology. In alignment with Otto Scharmer’s Theory U for systems change; deep listening, deep terrain, and healing the gaps which disconnect us from our nature are our most promising means of re-connection. May our disruption become transformation as we move forward together […]