Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

3:15pm MDT

Land as Our Teacher: Learning From and With the Land, Guided by 4Rs of Indigenous Land-Based Education FULL

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

As spring unfolds and the Earth begins to offer us a wealth of gifts, we pause to reflect on the teaching of reciprocity and our responsibilities as stewards of the land. Join me as we explore 4 Rs of Indigenous land-based education (Responsibility, Respect, Relationships, and Reciprocity) and learn how to honour these teachings throughout the year. Together, we will explore the natural spaces surrounding the Banff Centre, learning how to identify plant medicines and deepen our connection with the land.
We’ll craft a healing salve using common plantain—a remedy you can bring along on your nature adventures. Together, we will explore how natural remedies support our well-being and discuss ways to give back to the land through these healing practices.
By the end of this session, you will walk away with practical ideas and tools for easily integrating the 4Rs of Indigenous land-based education into your school’s outdoor spaces.

Speakers

Gillianne Mundell

Indigenous Land-Based Education Teacher, Limestone District School Board

Aanii, Bozhoo! My name is Gillianne Mundell, and I am the Indigenous Land-Based Education teacher with the Limestone District School Board in Kingston, Ontario. I was born in Maniwaki, Quebec, to an Algonquin/French father and a European mother. My two sisters and I split our time... Read More →

Scot Gillam

My name is Scot Gillam, and I have dedicated the past 30 years to education, with experience as a teacher, school principal, and now as the Supervising Principal for Indigenous Education with the Limestone District School Board in Kingston, Ontario. I live in Napanee with my wife... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
201

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop, Indigenous Ways of Knowing

8:30pm MDT

60 min Gentle Movement & Mindfulness Session FULL

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT

201

Connect body, mind and spirit in this gentle all levels yoga and meditation class. We encourage you to bring your own mat or towel if you can.

Speakers

Heidi Davis

First Thunder Wellness

Heidi Davis - Iiniipoiakii, Buffalo Talking Woman, is a Recreation Therapist and Yoga Facilitator from Lethbridge (Sikookitoki), Alberta. She is passionate about offering inclusive, inspiring yoga, movement and art based programs that include story, connection, and options for all... Read More →

Sylvia Ann Fox

Elder in Residence

Sylvia Ann Fox, Ii’sts’pan’sts’aa’kee (Singing Alone from Above) has been the Traditional Wellness Coordinator at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for the past 8 years. She is the mother of three beautiful children and four grandchildren.Sylvia Ann studied Arts... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT
201

Social Event

6:00am MDT

60 min Gentle Movement & Mindfulness Session LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 6:00am - 7:00am MDT

201

Connect body, mind and spirit in this gentle all levels yoga and meditation class. We encourage you to bring your own mat or towel if you can.

Speakers

Sylvia Ann Fox

Elder in Residence

Heidi Davis

First Thunder Wellness

Friday May 9, 2025 6:00am - 7:00am MDT
201

Social Event

11:00am MDT

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin Métis Land-Based Learning LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT

201

Askîhk Kiskinohamâtowin - Weaving Métis Ways of Knowing into Land-Based Learning: Land Based Learning is central to Métis ways of knowing and being. When we create relationships to the land, we have a responsibility to live in reciprocity by protecting and caring for the land and all that lives on it. Seeing the land as a relation is an important Métis worldview. Join Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning in exploring what Land-Based Learning could look like in schools, what it is and resources to support this learning.

Speakers

Holly Brandsma

Rupertsland Institute

Holly Brandsma, is a proud Métis woman, Educator, mother and wife connected to the historical Métis community of mânitow sâkahikanihk - Lac Ste Anne and resides in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan - Edmonton. Holly has facilitated learning in various capacities such as consulting, as a... Read More →

Cheryl Devin

Rupertsland Institute

Cheryl is a proud Métis woman- otipemisiwak esquao- mother, and educator. She has over 30 years of teaching experience with Northern Lights School Division, Edmonton Public Schools and Elk Island Public Schools and the Alberta Teachers’ Association. She has recently retired from... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
201

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop