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Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference
Venue: Kinnear Centre clear filter
Thursday, May 8
 

7:59am MDT

*Pre Conference Field Experiences*
Thursday May 8, 2025 7:59am - 11:30am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Participate in an optional pre-conference field trip to connect with the Land. Some of these may require travel or incur additional costs.
Thursday May 8, 2025 7:59am - 11:30am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Optional Field Trip

8:30am MDT

Conference Registration
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Check in at the desk as you come into the Kinnear Centre to get your welcome pack and information for the conference.

Please note that the McLab restaurant gets VERY busy right before we kick off the conference. Please do not wait until 12.30 to order food as you will NOT make it in time for conference opening.
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

9:00am MDT

Engaging with the Land Through Birds and Technology
Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Get to know your local birds using the magic of Merlin! Prior to the workshop, please download the Merlin app and then install the Canada West and your local bird packs so you’re ready to explore your local birds and the birds of Banff. Bring your binoculars too, if you have them.

The Merlin Bird ID app lets you discover which birds are sharing the land with you from season to season, by sight or sound. This app uses billions of eBird observations shared by participatory scientists from around the world to generate a list of potential birds based on your location and date. Its technology allows users to identify birds by sight, sound, or using a photo. We will explore the four clues to bird ID, research your local birds using the app, draw a focus bird, and then take a bird walk to gain real-life practice using these tools.
Session Host
CL
Speakers
avatar for Susan Licher

Susan Licher

K-12 Education Learning Coordinator, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University
Susan Licher is the K-12 Learning Coordinator at Cornell Lab of Ornithology where she develops and delivers transformational training for educators that supports them in connecting students to nature, strengthens their skills in using participatory (citizen) science, and increases... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Optional Field Trip

9:00am MDT

Listen to the Land: Sacred Buffalo Guardian Hike FULL
Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am MDT
Kinnear Centre
"Start your learning journey in Banff with an interactive hike beginning from the Banff Centre. This awe inspiring location is nestled on the slopes of Eyarhey Tatanga Woweyahgey Wakân in the Nakoda language or Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain.

Your guides — Îyârhe Nakoda Knowledge Holder Travis Rider and ACMG hiking guide Adam Mertens — will share stories and perspectives on the complex cultural and natural history of the Bow Valley, using a two-eyed seeing lens. They will invite you to reflect on your own teaching practice and the ways educators can approach the land as a teacher to explore complex topics including Truth and Reconciliation, Climate Action, Community Building and Personal Resilience.

This intentional approach to land acknowledgement, in which participants are invited to reflect on their personal relationship to this place, closely mirrors the type of land-based learning experiences that Howl has offered young people over the past three years.

Depending on weather conditions, we will either hike up Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain or down to the Bow River. Both options are beginner friendly and will start and end at the Kinnear Centre.

Please note there will a $10 participant fee, payment can be made to field trip leaders. 
Session Host
TH
Speakers
AM
Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Optional Field Trip

1:00pm MDT

Welcome and Conference Opening FULL
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Join us to start our conference off in a good way with opening words and sharing from Blackfoot Elder Sylvia Ann Fox and our organizers.
Speakers
avatar for Sylvia Ann Fox

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 1:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

1:30pm MDT

Slow Networking - Plenary Icebreaker
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

2:00pm MDT

Indigenous Land-Based Learning Panel Keynote
Thursday May 8, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Join us for a dynamic and thought-provoking plenary panel discussion on land-based learning from diverse cultural perspectives. Our panelists, deeply engaged in this work, will explore the full spectrum of land-based learning, highlighting its key components and significance.
This discussion will challenge and inspire you to rethink the role of land-based learning within the broader landscape of outdoor learning. You will leave with questions to travel with and practical advice on how to engage with land-based learning in respectful and meaningful ways. Prepare to engage, reflect, and deepen your understanding of how learning from and with the land shapes education and community.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sarah Brown

Dr. Sarah Brown

Mount Royal University
Sarah Brown is an Associate Professor at Mount Royal University, a contract instructor at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary and an active adventure guide and instructor. Her passion is connecting people with the natural world through education, play and... Read More →
NF

Nicki Ferland

University of Manitoba
Nicki Ferland (she/they) is a two-spirit Métis mother, wife, aunty and helper. Her parents are both descended from scrip-bearing Métis families with ancestral roots in St. Vital and St-Boniface (Winnipeg), and Lorette, Manitoba. Nicki has a Master of Education in Indigenous Land-Based... Read More →
LH

Lindy Henderson

Kaa'Naa'Matay Wiigiiam (The Teaching Lodge)
Dr. Lindy Phelps-Henderson is the principal of a K-12 land-based school called Kaa'Naa'Matay Wiigiiam (The Teaching Lodge) on Washagamis Bay First Nation near Kenora, ON. For over twenty years Lindy worked with youth in the public school system as a classroom teacher, forest school... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

2:45pm MDT

Coffee and Snack Break (Included)
Thursday May 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Thursday May 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Break

3:14pm MDT

*Education Session A*
Thursday May 8, 2025 3:14pm - 4:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Meet on the patio of the Kinnear Centre
Thursday May 8, 2025 3:14pm - 4:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Concurrent Sessions

4:30pm MDT

Afternoon Social and Exhibitor Fair
Thursday May 8, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Join to meet our fantastic exhibitors. There will be connections to be made. Show up and participate in the full event to be in with a chance to win prizes from ALL 21 of our exhibitors!!
Thursday May 8, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

7:00pm MDT

TEDtalk style Keynote
Thursday May 8, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Short but powerful 15 minute sessions (x5) highlighting the importance and different aspects of Outdoor Learning from a set of diverse perspectives.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Gillian Judson

Dr. Gillian Judson

Assistant Professor, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Gillian Judson is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She gratefully works on unceded traditional Indigenous territories, including those of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations... Read More →
avatar for Court Rustemeyer

Court Rustemeyer

President, GEOEC - Global, Environmental, & Outdoor Education Council
Court has been a full-time outdoor educator in Calgary, for over 17 years. He is President for the ATA Specialist Council - GEOEC. He is also an Executive Director for the Outdoor Council of Canada, serving as the Director of the Prairies. Court was the recipient of the 2020 EECOM... Read More →
MZ
avatar for Emily McDermott

Emily McDermott

Em, part-time human, sometimes climber and full-time nature enthusiast. She's scaled the ranks to third in the world for paraclimbing, proving that even with a limb difference, you can still kick rocks (figuratively, and sometimes literally.) With a passion for the healing power of... Read More →
avatar for Léa Flowers Nelson

Léa Flowers Nelson

Canadian Rockies Youth Network
Léa Flowers Nelson is a grade 12 student currently living in Calgary, Treaty 7 Territory. Since grade 10, they have been a part of the leadership committee for the Canadian Rockies Youth Network, a youth-led environmental action and education group that works to foster a community... Read More →
avatar for Maggie Cumming

Maggie Cumming

Canadian Rockies Youth Network
Maggie is a grade 11 student in Calgary, Alberta, and is a member of the Canadian Rockies Youth Network committee, a youth-led environmental action and education group. Maggie enjoys playing sports, going on hikes, and camping in Kananaskis and the surrounding area. She believes that... Read More →
avatar for Geovanna Nicole Schmeiske Nunes

Geovanna Nicole Schmeiske Nunes

Canadian Rockies Youth Network
Nicole grew up in Brazil and moved to Canada in 2023; she is now a grade 12 student in Calgary. From the jungles of her home to the mountains and plains of her new home, Nicole has always loved to be outdoors and to find the beauty in her surroundings. Even so, she sees the damage... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

8:29pm MDT

*Social and Connection Spaces*
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:29pm - 10:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:29pm - 10:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Social Event
 
Friday, May 9
 

8:45am MDT

Morning Gratitude
Friday May 9, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Join to begin our day together in the right way. 

Speakers
avatar for Sylvia Ann Fox

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 →
Friday May 9, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

9:00am MDT

Climate and Environment Keynote Speaker
Friday May 9, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ellen Field

Dr. Ellen Field

Assistant Professor, Lakehead University
Ellen is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University. Her research interests are in policy and practice of climate change education in the Canadian formal education system. She teaches Environmental Education (B.Ed) and Climate Change Education (M.Ed... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

10:00am MDT

Coffee Break (Included)
Friday May 9, 2025 10:00am - 10:15am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Bring your own snacks!
Friday May 9, 2025 10:00am - 10:15am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Break

10:15am MDT

Break/ Reflection Time
Friday May 9, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Friday May 9, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Break

10:59am MDT

*Education Session B*
Friday May 9, 2025 10:59am - 12:15pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Friday May 9, 2025 10:59am - 12:15pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Concurrent Sessions

1:30pm MDT

Break/ Reflection Time
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Break

1:59pm MDT

*Education Session C*
Friday May 9, 2025 1:59pm - 3:15pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Friday May 9, 2025 1:59pm - 3:15pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Concurrent Sessions

3:14pm MDT

*Education Session D*
Friday May 9, 2025 3:14pm - 4:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Friday May 9, 2025 3:14pm - 4:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Concurrent Sessions

4:30pm MDT

Afternoon Social and Exhibitor Fair
Friday May 9, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Friday May 9, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary
 
Saturday, May 10
 

9:30am MDT

Morning Gratitude
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Join to begin our day together in the right way. 

Speakers
avatar for Sylvia Ann Fox

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 →
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

9:44am MDT

*Education Session E*
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:44am - 11:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Meet on the patio of the Kinnear Centre
Saturday May 10, 2025 9:44am - 11:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Concurrent Sessions

11:00am MDT

Break/ Reflection Time
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MDT
Kinnear Centre
Tea, coffee and snacks are not provided during this break.
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Break

11:15am MDT

Health and Wellbeing Keynote Speaker
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Join Dr. Sabine Thomas to speak about youth mental health and belonging.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sabine Thomas

Dr. Sabine Thomas

Dr. Sabine Thomas is a Naturopathic Physician and co-owner of JSOL STUDIOS, a family-wellness centered and nature-embodied organization supporting the parent-child relationship. She also leads The Nature Prescriber PLLC, a private naturopathic medical practice, where she combines... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Plenary

1:59pm MDT

*Post Conference Field Experiences
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:59pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Saturday May 10, 2025 1:59pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Optional Field Trip

2:00pm MDT

Engaging with the Land Through Birds and Technology
Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
Get to know your local birds using the magic of Merlin! Prior to the workshop, please download the Merlin app and then install the Canada West and your local bird packs so you’re ready to explore your local birds and the birds of Banff. Bring your binoculars too, if you have them.

The Merlin Bird ID app lets you discover which birds are sharing the land with you from season to season, by sight or sound. This app uses billions of eBird observations shared by participatory scientists from around the world to generate a list of potential birds based on your location and date. Its technology allows users to identify birds by sight, sound, or using a photo. We will explore the four clues to bird ID, research your local birds using the app, draw a focus bird, and then take a bird walk to gain real-life practice using these tools.
Session Host
CL
Speakers
avatar for Susan Licher

Susan Licher

K-12 Education Learning Coordinator, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University
Susan Licher is the K-12 Learning Coordinator at Cornell Lab of Ornithology where she develops and delivers transformational training for educators that supports them in connecting students to nature, strengthens their skills in using participatory (citizen) science, and increases... Read More →
Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre
  Optional Field Trip
 
Outdoor Learning Conference 2025
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Filter sessions
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Thursday, May 8
Friday, May 9
Saturday, May 10
201
201 (Indoor Space)
203
203 (Indoor Space)
Banff Centre
Banff Centre - room TBD
Banff Centre Accommodation
Banff Centre Amphitheatre
Bear
Beaver
Bee
Bus to go to Yamnuska Trailhead
Butterfly
Cascade Ponds 51°12'42.4"N 115°32'02.2"W - Google Maps
Central Park parking lot -- We will walk along the trail to a safe spot along th
Chickadee
Chickdee
Choose your own adventure
Cougar
Deer
Eagle
Great Blue Heron
Huron
In a meeting room at the Banff Centre though we will move outside as well.
Kingfisher
Kinnear Centre
Kinnear Patio Firepit 1
Kinnear Patio Firepit 2
McLab Bistro
Moose
Otter
Owl
PDC (professional development centre)
Porcupine
Raccoon
Racoon
Raven
Snail
Squirrel
Start at Banff Centre & Walk Together down to River
Toad
trail head near a creek or somewhere that we can set up a mini blow up pool
Tunnel Mountain Trailhead (Lower Parking Area)
Turtle
Vistas Dining Room
Wolf
  • Break
  • Concurrent Sessions
  • Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop
  • Health and Wellbeing Workshop
  • Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop
  • Meal
  • Optional Field Trip
  • Plenary
  • Social Event