Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

3:15pm MDT

Land as Teacher-a settler perspective on incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and being on the land LIMITED

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

This session will incorporate a holistic approach, centring our experiences around activating the mind, heart, body and spirit. We will explore the concept of sit-spots and examining the land through the Blackfoot concept of "okkakiosatoo"-or to "look carefully." We will do plant exploration and examine what is living, growing and thriving in the surrounding area to see what knowledge we can acquire and share collectively. We will gather in circle to discuss concepts explored by Indigenous Authors Robin Wall-Kimmerer and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, and we will explore ways to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into classrooms in a wide variety of disciplines. Incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, belonging and doing through a land-based approach is something that can seem scary, but through this session I will share tangible ways that you can help elevate and uplift these perspectives in your daily lives and practices.

Speakers

Denise Hammond

Learning Leader-Social Studies, Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School/CBE

I have been a passionate secondary school educator (Grades 7-12) for the last 11 years. I have spent the last 7 years of my career focusing on broadening my understanding of my role as a settler in mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. Learning alongside Elders, knowledge keepers... Read More →

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

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop, Indigenous Ways of Knowing

11:00am MDT

Building resilience through the cycle of the year LIMITED

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

Bear

"Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle." Ogalala Sioux holy man Black Elk

As we cycle through the year, we see the children we work with coming full circle and yet leaping ahead in terms of development, group cohesion and connection to the land. This workshop will focus on the resiliency that develops in children through learning outdoors for a full cycle of the year and discuss how educators can create space for connection to the land, building community, and fostering independence with intention, and also by trusting the process.

Speakers

Alix Wilson

ECCE Instructor, North Island College

My journey as an educator started in 2011 when I opened a nature-based in-home licensed family childcare centre. In 2015 I became a founding member of Hand-In-Hand Nature Education, starting as an educator in the Early Years program. Over the course of 9 years, I expanded our program... Read More →

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

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

2:00pm MDT

Nature's Path to Wellness - for you and your students FILLING

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Bear

Alberta’s Provincial Park System offers a natural space to rejuvenate and enhance your teaching practice. This session promotes personal wellness through nature-based activities, which you can apply with students/youth to create a balanced, healthy learning environment. You’ll explore:

• Sensory Exploration: Engage in activities that heighten sensory awareness, promoting mindfulness and presence. • Reflective Practices: Experience journaling, guided meditation, and quiet contemplation to support mental well-being. • Interactive Games: Enjoy games that build teamwork, communication, and relieve stress, adaptable for classroom use. • Storytelling: Use storytelling to connect with nature, enhancing mindfulness, creativity, and reflection.

Immerse in these land-based activities to support your wellness and gather tools for a wellness-centered learning environment.

Speakers

Vicki Perkins

Environmental Education Coordinator, Alberta Forestry & Parks

Vicki (she/her) grew up on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinabeg, Seneca, and Chippewa peoples. Time spent among the majestic white pines and flowing waters sparked her passion for nature and storytelling. For over 25 years, Vicki has worked internationally... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Bear

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

To Build a Yarn Environment LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Bear

What does intersectionality look like? How can we visually represent collaboration? What does it mean to queer space? Working together, participants will connect the natural environment + yarn + installation art + music + questions + conversation and collaboratively build a giant yarn environment to move through, to rest in, and to be curious about. We will work together to co-design a temporary and immersive art installation and unpack ideas, pedagogies, and practices about intersectionality, collaboration and collectivity, and queerness. Come ready to wander and wonder, throw colourful balls of yarn around, and crawl, walk, and roll through an interactive opportunity help build a space where we can see all the beautifully colourful ways that we can connect to each other. Pursuant of joy, curiosity, and compassion, this is a workshop you don't want to miss!

Speakers

Mark Reinhart

Lambton-Kent District School Board

Mark Reinhart (he/him, mostly) is a multidisciplinary artist, performer, educator, and community developer. His practices and pedagogies are grounded in queerness, and the curiosity for intersectional and phenomenological ways of seeing, experiencing and being in the world. He works... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Bear

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025