Going outside is an act of reconciliation and ignites a passion to advocate for Mother Earth. Join us for an experience that will deepen our relationships with land, truth, stories and reconciliation. Adrian Alphonso and Lise Brown have developed a model for outdoor educators call "The Seven Relationships of an Ethical Forest and Nature School in Kanata" that has guided their work in Treaty 1 and has also been adopted by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada to guide their Forest and Nature School Practitioners Course. After spending time on the land in a recent workshop, a learner said "[This was] not only practical but profound personal and professional development. It was so much more than just learning about Forest School, it was about reconciliation" (Learner in wînipêk, 2024). This workshop will be outdoors, experiential, fun and meaningful. It will hold space for you as a learner, no matter where you are in your relationship with land, truth and reconciliation.
Lise Brown (she/her), Facilitator and Co-Founder of Momenta Inc. (2006). Lise began her career at camps in Manitoba as an outdoor educator and guide. Lise completed a Bachelor of Recreation in 2001, a Master of Social Work in 2007 at the University of Manitoba, and the Forest School... Read More →
Adrian Alphonso is from Anishinaabe and Guyanese parents and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Adrian is passionate about Indigenous perspectives in tourism and storytelling. He is a bicycle knowledge holder, Truth & Reconciliation Facilitator and Experiential Educator. Adrian... Read More →
The workshop will be an intimate nature-based experience, where participants will explore spiritual, emotional and metaphorical connections. Informed by ancient Celtic wisdom, this immersive experience will guide participants on a journey that promotes well-being by incorporating the ancient wisdom of the Celtic Trinity Knot, indigenous Irish craft skills and nature connectedness activities that foster mindful practice. The journey aims to generate an interconnectedness with the past, present and future. The workshop will use a holistic approach to create a sense of purpose in the individual through Celtic wisdom, the Irish language and the arts.
Student, Atlantic Technological University - Mayo Campus
Niamh Oliver is a student on the MSc in Outdoor Education Sustainability and Well-being in ATU. She works within the youth work sector and has a deep connection to rural communities and Celtic traditions. Raised in a farming family, Niamh has cultivated a keen interest in Irish folklore... Read More →
I have worked as an Outdoor Instructor for over 20 years in the west of Ireland. I have recently started a Masters in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Well-being.
Join Sylvie for an engaging and interactive session focused on the benefits of nature-based risky play. Through an active session that includes exploring natural environments and sample materials, participants will gain insights and examine practical strategies to bring risky play into any public school outdoor classroom. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and discuss their own experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges in implementing these practices in various settings.
Sylvie Tissandier is a certified Forest and Nature School practitioner and teacher in Edmonton where she developed and implemented a nature play and forest school program in an urban K-3 public school. With a passion for fostering students' connection to nature, Sylvie offers opportunities... Read More →
