Upcoming events
Supporting Youth in Learning from the Land
Supporting Youth in Learning from the Land
Submit Registration (then go to cart) Free
Free 1 Hour Virtual Workshop! Tues, Feb 10 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time
Join experienced Indigenous Educators and Curriculum Designers Launa, Sherrelle,Jenna and Feather who will share about favourite resources and offer hands-on activities for supporting youth in learning from the Land. Non-Indigenous educator Jade will reflect on how incorporating these teachings and resources have helped her grow and decolonize her teaching practice and how you can do this in an appropriate way too!
Facilitators
Launa Payne is a member of Xa’xtsa First Nation. She is an Indigenous Educator with a focus on outdoor education. Launa teaches yoga and mindfulness in addition to Indigenous outdoor camps. Launa is the proud mother of two adult children. She has published 2 books on Indigenous teachings and connection to the land, including Heartbeat of the Earth and Whispers of the Earth.
Sherrelle Anderson is a member of the Saddle Lake First Nation. She is a Social Worker with a focus on Indigenous wellness. Sherrelle is an Indigenous outreach Worker who also teaches a number of Indigenous programs throughout BC. Sherrelle is the proud mother of three school aged daughters.
Jenna Jasek is the Director of Indigenous Learning for the Outdoor Learning School and Store. After completing her Bachelors and Masters in Teaching and working as an educator for many years became the VP for Indigenous Learning for her school district. Now she supports school districts, boards and educators across North America through community building, professional learning and resources, she is revitalizing her Secwepemcjin language through learning it to fluency.
Feather Pewapisconias-McKee, from Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan (Treaty Six Territory), is of Nehiyaw (Plains Cree) and Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) descent. She earned her B.Ed. and M.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan and has over ten years of experience in education, including seven as a teacher and now three as an education consultant. A passionate advocate for Indigenous language, culture, land-based learning, inclusive education, and reconciliation, she has held several leadership roles and received numerous awards for her contributions. She is currently working with Reconciliation Education as an Indigenous Education Consultant does advising, researching, creating content, and creating educational resources.
Jade Berrill is the Director of Learning at the Outdoor Learning School and Store. Jade is a Physical Geographer (BSc), Award Winning Environmental Educator, Outdoor Learning Curriculum Writer, Outdoor Instructor and Guide. She is a member of the Circle of Guidance for the Revelstoke Indigenous Friendship Society. Jade has dedicated the last 9 years in Canadian education learning the truth of Indigenous history here, deepening her understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing as an equal to other systems of knowledge and working with Indigenous mentors on how best to uplift and celebrate Indigenous voices in typically white education spaces.
All registrants will be able to access the recording, in case you can’t join us live. And all attendees will be able to access a Certificate of Attendance and will be entered to win some great prizes!
Lean in to our curated Indigenous resource offerings:
Learn from these self-paced Indigenous learning modules:
These are all part of the broader 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning Course
STEAM Teachers Café: I Love Robots: A Hands-on Tech Adventure
Join Science World and UBC Geering Up for a fun, hands-on exploration of robots and coding tools. This workshop is beginner-friendly and will not assume any prior experience with coding or computer science, though all levels of knowledge are welcome! You’ll have the chance to play and explore classroom technologies like micro:bit, Finch, Edison, and more, all in a low-pressure environment with coffee, tea, and light refreshments. You will also learn about Science World’s loaner kit system, which is a free-of-charge way to bring class sets of amazing technology and robots into your classroom. Plus, you’ll learn more about teacher offerings from both Science World and Geering Up. Bring your curiosity and willingness to play, and join us for this fun adventure.
If you have any questions about this event, please email us at prodworkshops@scienceworld.ca.
Getting Yourself Outdoor Learning Certified!
Getting Yourself Outdoor Learning Certified!
Submit Registration (then go to cart) Free
Free 1 Hour Virtual Workshop: Tues, Feb 24 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time
Across research in Outdoor Learning, barriers to outdoor learning for educators have been shown to include; a lack of confidence in their own expertise, poor classroom management skills adapted for outdoor settings, insufficient training in outdoor pedagogy, and difficulties in assessing learning that occurs outside the classroom.
Join expert educators from Take Me Outside and the Outdoor Learning School & Store to learn how to integrate the outdoors into your teaching practice using effective strategies and resources through these interactive online self-paced courses:
Upon registration, all registrants will receive a 20% discount code to enroll in these courses!
In addition, all registrants will be able to access the recording, in case you can’t join us live. And all attendees will be able to access a Certificate of Attendance and will be entered to win some great prizes!
And we invite you to have a look at these great resources to help you get started learning outdoors.
Facilitators
Jade Berrill is the Director of Learning at the Outdoor Learning School and Store. Jade is a Physical Geographer (BSc), Award Winning Environmental Educator, Outdoor Learning Curriculum Writer, Outdoor Instructor and Guide.
Ian Shanahan is a lifelong naturalist. Ian holds a BEd through the University of Toronto and is an Ontario Certified Teacher. Ian just completed a 5-year stint as General Editor of Green Teacher magazine, and enjoyed 13 seasons with Ontario Parks. Outdoor and environmental learning aren’t just what Ian does; they’re who he is. A lifelong naturalist with a deep passion for wild spaces, Ian is based in Ontario and supports the outdoor learning community through course design, outreach, editing, and podcast production.
Sigourney Hoytfox has a background in recreation and earned her degree from Wilfrid Laurier University before beginning her career in aquatic recreation. Originally from Southern Ontario, she relocated to Saskatchewan in 2016. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager at SaskOutdoors and supports program outreach with Take Me Outside. Sigourney has a strong appreciation for active living and enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, and spending time outdoors with her two young children, husband, and dogs.
Colin Harris is the Executive Director of Take Me Outside. Colin Harris holds a Master’s of Environmental Education and Communication through Royal Roads University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Research with a focus on curriculum and learning through the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. He has been immersed in the field of outdoor learning for almost 20 years, including being the Director of Outdoor Education at an Ontario-based Centre, instructing canoe trips for Outward Bound Canada, working with Indigenous students in the Western Arctic Leadership Program in the Northwest Territories, and teaching grades K-8 in the classroom.
STEAM Teachers Café: Spring into Tech-Enhanced Nature Education
As spring approaches, join fellow educators online to discuss tools and brainstorm ideas around responsible integration of technology and digital tools in environmental education.
As the seasons begin to shift and nature finds its annual bloom, join this online session with fellow educators to discuss tools and brainstorm ideas around the responsible integration of technology and digital mediums in environmental education. Working across STEAM disciplines, we will be diving into methods for cross-curricular community science options and resources, and connections with the other-than-humans who share these spaces, inside the classroom and out. From Micro:bit projects, plant ID, bird song recording, and soil sampling, this session aims to provide an educational springboard for integrating learnings in both technology and ecology for students across the province! You can learn more about our special guest presenter Joshua Ralph (he/they) and the Invasive Art Initiative here.
There will be prize giveaways and plentiful resources for classroom use (and for taking learning outside). Please note that this is an online event taking place over Zoom, but free registration is still required to save your spot.
If you have any questions about this event, please email us at prodworkshops@scienceworld.ca.
Mentorship in the Wild: Leadership, Adventure & Wonder
Online Learning
Mentorship in the Wild: Leadership, Adventure & Wonder Free 1 Hour Virtual Workshop! Tues, Mar 3 at 4pm Pacific / […]
Submit Registration (then go to cart) Free
Free 1 Hour Virtual Workshop! Tues, Mar 3 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time
How can you become a great leader for students outdoors? How can you bring adventure, wonder and safety together to deliver life changing educational opportunities for youth? With a passion for outdoor education and leadership, join Court Rustemeyer as he shares his wisdom, bringing close to 20 years of experience in creating transformative educational experiences that blend adventure, learning, and growth.
Facilitator Court Rustemeyer is an accomplished outdoor educator, writer, presenter, and consultant dedicated to inspiring deeper connections with nature through experiential learning. With nearly 20 years of experience, Court blends adventure-based education with practical strategies to empower educators, students, and organizations to lead with purpose and embrace the power of the outdoors.
All registrants will be able to access the recording, in case you can’t join us live. And all attendees will be able to access a Certificate of Attendance and will be entered to win some great prizes!
Explore Court’s fantastic new book – Mentorship in the Wild: A Guide to Leadership, Adventure & Wonder
Spring Celebration of Outdoor Learning Books!
Online Learning
Join us for this FREE Spring Celebration of Outdoor Learning Books! Free 1 Hour Virtual Workshop on Tues, March 10 […]
Submit Registration (then go to cart) Free
Join us for this FREE Spring Celebration of Outdoor Learning Books!
Free 1 Hour Virtual Workshop on Tues, March 10 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time
This is a chance to connect virtually with the incredible authors of some of the outdoor and Indigenous learning resources that we’ve published. Get the inside scoop, hear about their process, and ask any burning questions….
All registrants will be able to:
Access the recording, in case you can’t join us live
Access a Certificate of Attendance
Be entered to win some great prizes!
Receive a 15% coupon code to access any of the books featured!
Authors/Educators who will be presenting:
Launa Payneis a member of Xa’xtsa First Nation. She is an Indigenous Educator with a focus on outdoor education. Launa teaches yoga and mindfulness in addition to Indigenous outdoor camps. Launa is the proud mother of two adult children. She has published 2 books on Indigenous teachings and connection to the land, including Heartbeat of the Earth and Whispers of the Earth.
Lauren MacLean is a teacher, author, and outdoor learning consultant who believes outdoor learning should make teaching easier—not harder. Her work focuses on helping teachers start small, let go of perfection, and build outdoor learning practices that actually fit real classrooms. She supports K–8 educators in taking learning outdoors through realistic routines, seasonal flow, and inclusive, low-prep practices. Lauren is the author of Me and My Sit Spot, Finding Common Ground, Risky Play Gone Away, What Does It Mean To Care About Nature?, and Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots.
Gillian Judson is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). At the SFU Surrey campus she gratefully works and learns on unceded Indigenous traditional territories, including those of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations. She teaches in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction programs. Her books that we’ve made available are A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years, Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education: Practical Strategies for Teaching and A Walking Curriculum.
Michelle McKay is a teacher/Early Years educator who teaches in a large urban centre in Ontario. She completed her Ph.D. at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (University of Toronto) in Curriculum and Pedagogy. Michelle’s research is situated around engaging Kindergarten students in teaching and learning about truth and reconciliation. Her passions include early learning, equity- based work, and inclusive instructional strategies. She provides professional development for educators from across the province on a range of topics related to early learning and play and enjoys working with Early Years professionals. She co-authored A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years.
Klara Redford is a teacher (OCT) in a large urban school board in Ontario and has spent the majority of her career learning alongside students in the Early Years. Klara’s passion lies in amplifying student identity and lived experiences as we #getoutside to extend the learning, learn with and from the land and develop a deeper sense of Place. Klara’s love of picture books (and her ever-growing collection) provides endless opportunities for students to see themselves represented, make connections, and be curious about the world around them. Klara continues to work to amplify the voices of Early Years educators and students and build community through opportunities for Early Years educators to learn from each other and together. She co-authored A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years..
These are the fantastic books that we’ve published with these incredible authors!
We invite you to use this 15% coupon code at checkout (valid until March 31, 2026): 15%Spring2026
Classrooms to Communities Provincial Conference
The Classrooms to Communities Provincial Conference is going virtual this year, bringing educators together from every corner of the province and beyond. This is your chance to connect, learn, and grow leadership in place- and land-based learning with inspiring colleagues and community partners.
Stay tuned for details on registration and the program as we work to make this a truly inclusive and engaging experience!
Save the date & spread the word!
Take Me Outside Day: A Celebration of Outdoor Learning
Take Me Outside Day helps to raise awareness about outdoor learning by encouraging educators to take their learners outside. This FREE virtual event is an entire week full of activities, speakers, and prizes to encourage folks to head beyond the four walls of a classroom! With the help of our 100+ outdoor learning partners, there is something for all ages, grades, and subjects under the three central themes of Indigenous Perspectives & Knowledge, Environmental Education & Climate Change, and Health & Wellbeing.
PARTNER EVENT: 2025 Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference
2025 Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference
October 16-18, 2025
This conference will bring together 200 school system leaders and administrators at the world-renowned Banff Centre for 3 days of professional development, current research and growth around Outdoor Learning!
*Please note that Take Me Outside also hosts an annual Outdoor Learning Conference in May in Banff, AB, which focuses on professional development for educators and practitioners immersed in the education system as well as those trying to embed the outdoors as part of their teaching practice.
A conference schedule, along with keynote presenters and workshops, will be available by the end of March.
School system administrators and leaders are invited to attend the 2025 Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference at the world renowned Banff Centre from October 16-18, 2025!
The overarching theme for the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference is “Exploring Place and Pedagogy”. Conference key focus areas will include Indigenous Knowledge, Health & Wellbeing, Literacy & Numeracy, Systems Change and Environmental & Climate Change Education.
We will hear from experts in these fields through keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on workshops that specifically address school system issues. We hope that you are able to come and build community through inclusion, inspiration and ideas.
Meals included with conference ticket:
Dinner Thursday
Breakfast and Lunch Friday (Do your own dinner in Banff, Friday night)
Breakfast Saturday
PARTNER EVENT: HOUSTON – Fulton River Sockeye Salmon Run
Join Houston NatureKids to visit the world’s largest man-made spawning channel to witness the fall migration of thousands of spawning sockeye salmon and learn about their amazing journey from Fulton river, to the ocean and back again.
Meet at the Nature Centre 10am to carpool
10am – 2pm (Spawning channels are a 45 minute drive away so this will be a day trip and we will car pool)
Bring lunch, snacks and water, dress for the weather.
This is an easy, short walk so strollers and folks with mobility issues are welcome to join us.
To register email houston@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: HOUSTON – Buck Creek Falls Adventure
Join Houston NatureKids to hike this easy/intermediate trail to Buck Creek Falls and discover life along the creek.
Don’t forget to bring lunch, water and snacks.
Meet at the Nature Centre at 10:00 to carpool (The falls are 30 km out of town so we will go together).
Dress for the weather. Bring lunch water and snacks. Easy to intermediate hike. Not suitable for strollers or people with mobility constraints (although we will go slow and it is not far so we will walk to the slowest person).
To register email houston@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
August 27 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm PDT
SOUTH OKANAGAN – Creative in Nature
Join South Okanagan NatureKids for a fun afternoon of being creative in nature!
The sessions will focus on Nature Sketching/Journaling & Forest Bathing practices. All sessions will take place outdoors, with meet-up locations rotating according to the activities and weather. Our central meeting points include the Japanese Garden, Mountain Springs Nature Retreat, Penticton Art Gallery and local parks.
To join in reach out to Maggie at southokanagan@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
WILDROOTS – Curious Critters August 19 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm PDT
Curious Critters
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm (check-in at 3:45pm)
Location: Mundy Park, 629 Hillcrest St, Coquitlam, BC, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation.
Explore Micro Habitats within our Parks! This Workshop invites participants to discover the hidden worlds of small ecosystems within parks, such as under rocks, in tree bark, and small mammals. This hands-on experience teaches the importance of micro habitats in supporting biodiversity and encourages participants to observe and document the fascinating creatures and wildlife that thrive in these spaces.
Please bring water, a snack, and weather appropriate clothing.
Accessibility: Location is accessible by transit and car with a parking lot. Washrooms are also available. Trail is a mix of paved, loose gravel, and is stroller / wheelchair accessible. Please message me if you have questions or concerns.
RSVP here
*Spaces is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. All confirmed registrants will receive an email confirmation prior to the event.
PARTNER EVENT: Collaborative High School Action and Mentorship Program (CHAMP)
Program kick-off
Collaborative High School Action and Mentorship Program (CHAMP)
Metro Vancouver’s Collaborative High School Action & Mentorship Program equips high school youth (grade 10 to 12) with the knowledge, skills, inspiration, and support to influence sustainability in their school communities and beyond. Through skill-based learning, community building, and rich learning experiences, participants from across Metro Vancouver will:
Learn more about regional sustainability issues and climate action
Meet and be mentored by students and community leaders of all ages who share a passion for sustainability
Exchange ideas, strategies, and tools for action
Receive support on a collaborative action project
Develop leadership and communication skills
Be part of a fun and dynamic group
Additional benefits (upon request):
Volunteer service hours
A certificate of participation
Reference letter
CHAMP 2025 is open to students entering grade 10 to 12 in September 2025 (if you are entering grade 9 and interested in this program please reach out to us!).
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
SALMON ARM – Bat Walk August 9 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT
Come join a local bat ambassador, Mary Ellen Grant, to learn about bat detectors and see what species live at South Canoe trails. Short night walk.
August 9th, 2025 @8pm
South Canoe Trail Head
Bring flashlights and dress for the weather.
For more information email salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
WILDROOTS – Discover Cypress Provincial Park July 31 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am PDT
Discover Cypress Provincial Park
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am (check-in at 9:45am)
Location: Cypress Provincial Park, on the unceded territories of the hən̓̓qəmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Join us for a special guided nature walk around Yew Lake with Discover Parks Ambassadors at Cypress Provincial Park. Please bring water, a snack, and weather appropriate clothing. Accessibility information is available here. If you require assistance, please let me know!
RSVP here
*Spaces are limited. All confirmed registrants will receive an email confirmation prior to the event.
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
SOUTH OKANAGAN – Creative in Nature July 30 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm PDT
Join South Okanagan NatureKids for a fun afternoon of being creative in nature!
The sessions will focus on Nature Sketching/Journaling & Forest Bathing practices. All sessions will take place outdoors, with meet-up locations rotating according to the activities and weather. Our central meeting points include the Japanese Garden, Mountain Springs Nature Retreat, Penticton Art Gallery and local parks.
To join in reach out to Maggie at southokanagan@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
MERRITT – BioBlitz Picnic 10:00 am - 11:30 am
HOUSTON – Bears & Berries 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
July 20 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm PDT
COMOX – Nymph Falls Scavenger Hunt
Join NatureKids BC and the Courtenay Youth Climate Corp Crew members for a fun afternoon in nature!
We will meet at the Nymph Falls parking lot and set out to identify as many plants as we can using Seek. Each plant your group finds is worth one point, with plants on the scavenger hunt ID sheet being worth 2 points. There will be opportunities to learn, ask questions about the plants, and even earn some bonus points! The winning family will leave with a mystery native plant to care for at home.
Feel free to bring plant ID books and any snacks you might want while you’re out. Make sure you check the weather before leaving and dress accordingly. The walk will be a short loop on Midline and River Trail. We will not be going down to the falls, however, families are free to stay after the event and enjoy the park however they like.
PARTNER EVENT: MERRITT – Weed Pull & BBQ
Join Merritt NatureKids for a weed pull and BBQ at Marquart Lake.
For questions about this explorer day reach out to merritt@naturekidsbc.ca
National Indigenous Peoples Day
In recognition of National Indigenous History Month (June) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) here are 30 recommended resources and learning opportunities.
These are offered on the recommendation of Indigenous staff, advisors and partners, and are all developed and made available by Indigenous authors, educators and organizations.
Introductory Indigenous Language Online Courses for Adults
Kanyen’keha (Mohawk) Introductory Language Course
Skarù·ręʔ (Tuscarora) Introductory Language Course
Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaw) Introductory Language Course
Indigenous Learning Online Courses for Adults
4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning – read the reviews! Super early bird closes June 30.
Reconciliation Books for Adults
52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing
Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance
Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory
Indigenous Plant Knowledge Books for Adults
Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness
Medicines to Help Us: Traditional Métis Plant Use
Revered Roots: Ancestral Teachings and Wisdom of Wild, Edible, and Medicinal Plants
Resources for Educators
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation Teacher Set
Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies: An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education
Heartbeat of the Earth: A Handbook on Connecting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings
Virtual Workshops for Educators
August 6: Creative Writing with Richard Van Camp
August 20: Drawing in Nature with Leah Marie Dorion
August 27: Drumming for Well-being with Bill Helin
Resources en Français
Curiosité naturelle, 2e édition: Ressource pour l’enseignante ou l’enseignant
Livres Taanishi: Michif et Français
Books for Secondary/Post-Secondary Learners
The Journey Forward: 2 Novellas on Reconciliation for Youth
Groundswell: Indigenous Knowledge and a Call to Action for Climate Change
Books for Intermediate/Middle School Learners
Orange Shirt Day: Books & Educational Resource Package
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation
Strong Stories: Bundle of 48 Indigenous Books
Books for Primary/Early Years Learners
Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom
Walking Together: Two-Eyed Seeing Children’s Book
View ALL Indigenous Learning Resources
As always, 100% of proceeds from the Outdoor Learning School & Store goes back into supporting non-profit initiatives, including Indigenous Learning initiatives.
Girls and STEAM
On Thursday, June 5 at 11 AM, join the Girls and STEAM Team as we celebrate World Environment Day! Joining us will be fantastic speakers who are working within STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Design, and Math) to help the natural world around us (Speaker details to be announced!).
In this 45-minute journey that can be viewed online at home or in a classroom, participants will hear from leaders followed by a Q&A session where your most burning questions can be answered!
While best suited for participants in grade 6 and older, all ages and genders are welcome to experience these wonderful women in STEAM!
Though the terms "women" and "girls" are used in our event, Girls and STEAM refers to participants and presenters who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender questioning.
The event will also be live-streamed at Centre Stage at Science World, included with general admission.
New Indigenous Learning Resources for the Elementary Years
FREE 60 min Virtual Workshop on Tuesday, June 3 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time
With Indigenous Authors, Artists and Educators Leona Prince, Leah Marie Dorion, Myah Birrell and Launa Purcell
Join three fantastic Indigenous educators as they share about Indigenous Learning Resources suitable for elementary-aged learners. From connecting to story, understanding and appreciating cultural teachings to deepening curiosity and nature connection through an Indigenous inquiry lens, this workshop will give you lots of Monday-ready takeaways to embed in your learning setting.
Launa Purcell is a member of Xa’xtsa First Nation. She is an Indigenous Educator with a focus on outdoor education. Launa teaches yoga and mindfulness in addition to Indigenous outdoor camps. Launa is the proud mother of two adult children. She has published 2 books on Indigenous teachings and connection to the land, including Heartbeat of the Earth and Whispers of the Earth.
Leona Prince is from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en and belongs to the Lhts’umusyoo (Beaver) Clan. Leona is an award-winning educator and is currently the Director of Instruction of Indigenous Education for School District 91 (Nechako Lakes). She has authored Be a Good Ancestor and A Dance Through the Seasons.
Leah Marie Dorion is a Métis artist, author, curriculum developer, lecturer and researcher. She has taught Métis History and Native Studies for the First Nations University of Canada, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a visual artist and an instructor at the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program. Her artwork celebrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous women and families. Leah is also a published children’s book author and illustrator – her Métis ‘Connecting to the Land’ Book Bundle provides 10 excellent learning resources for kids to explore Métis knowledge, culture and history connected to the land. It includes translations into Michif, and offers incredibly vibrant illustrations giving insight into Métis life.
Myah Birrell (she/her) is of Algonquin of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Canadian ancestry. She is an educator (OCT) and a graduate of the Masters of Arts in Child Study and Education program through OISE at University of Toronto. Myah has an undergraduate degree in Critical Gender Studies and is focused on creating classroom spaces that are anti-oppressive and justice focused. Myah is currently employed at Kapapamahchakwew – Wandering Spirit School in the TDSB teaching grade 6/7 as well as the current Program Coordinator at Natural Curiosity. Myah is always thinking about ways that we can decolonize education through weaving Indigenous ways of knowing and being into all curriculum.
We invite you to spend time with these excellent Indigenous resources for Elementary age:
Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom by Launa Purcell
Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Prince
A Dance through the Seasons by Leona Prince
Métis ‘Connecting to the Land’ Children’s Book Bundle by Leah Marie Dorion
And we also invite you to explore these excellent teacher resources:
PARTNER EVENT: MERRITT – Tree Planting
Join Merritt NatureKids for a morning of tree planting at Harmon Lake.
For questions about this explorer day reach out to merritt@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: MISSION – Litter Busters
We will be helping to clean up this beautiful park alongside our mentor from the Mission Environmental Stewardship Society.
PARTNER EVENT: HOUSTON – BioBlitz
Join Houston NatureKids on Houston’s Annual Birdblitz with a guided “How to bird” walk around the Duck Pond in Houston.
To register email houston@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: SALMON ARM – Birding for Families
Join Salmon Arm NatureKids for a morning walk on the wharf with local nature experts. Bring your family and learn about Western Grebes and other waterfowl. We’ll have spotting scopes to help children and adults get great views of common birds.
No registration is required. Please meet us at 9:00 am at the SABNES Nature House parking lot at the Salmon Arm Wharf
For questions about this explorer day reach out to salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference
2025 Outdoor Learning Conference
Once again, we will gather together at the world-renowned Banff Centre for 3 days of professional development, idea-sharing and growth around Outdoor Learning!
You are invited to attend the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference at the world renowned Banff Centre from May 8-10th, 2025!
The overarching theme for the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference is “Place and Pedagogy: Where Learning Happens”. This year’s Conference will continue to focus on Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Health & Wellbeing, and Environmental & Climate Change Education.
We will hear from experts in these fields through keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on, educational workshops. Take Me Outside, The Canadian Network for Environmental Education, Global Environmental and Outdoor Education Council, and the Outdoor Learning School & Store are proud to host this conference and hope that you are able to come and build community through inclusion, inspiration and ideas.
Meals included with conference ticket:
Dinner Thursday
Breakfast and Lunch Friday (Do your own dinner in Banff, Friday night)
Breakfast Saturday
PARTNER EVENT: Nature Kids BC Explorer Days
SALMON ARM – Birding for Families 9:00 am - 11:00 am
DELTA – Stream Health Check 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
PARTNER EVENT: STEAM Teachers Cafe
If you are looking for opportunities to enrich your classroom teaching with unique STEAM experiences, look no further than our STEAM Teachers Café! These fun, interactive professional development events will take place at Science World throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Invasive Species and Biodiversity with ISCBC
Outdoor Learning Certification Program
Become a certified outdoor learning educator with this 30-hour course
From Kindergarten to Grade 12, educators can have a profound impact on learning and development with students outside of the classroom. This online certification course is delivered by Take Me Outside and the Charitable Non-Profit Outdoor Learning Store.
The course includes:
30 hrs of Self-paced Learning through 10 Online Learning Modules
3 Live Workshops (recorded if you can’t make it live)
Hands on activities for you and your class as you learn
Outdoor Learning Certificate (upon completion)
$10 Coupon for the Outdoor Learning Store
Discounts at the Take Me Outside Apparel Store
PARTNER EVENT: WESTSHORE – Nesting Birds
Come join us and Rocky Point Bird Observatory at Esquimalt Lagoon to learn about nesting birds.
WHEN: Wednesday April 30 @ 9-11am.
WHERE: Esquimalt Lagoon/Hatley Castle @ The Blue Heron House (dock at the bottom).
Walking down via Charlie’s Trail.
To register email westshore@naturekidsbc.ca
PARTNER EVENT: WILDROOTS – Buzzing for Bees
How many bees are there in BC? Explore bee diversity and the role of pollinators in maintaining a healthy balance in our ecosystems. Students will learn to identify a variety of pollinators that visit the garden through a hands-on activity. This field trip takes place at Strathcona Community Gardens, on the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Local Chapter Leadership Clinic 2025
3:00pm Mountain Time, Friday, April 25 – 1pm Mountain Time, Sunday, April 27
We look forward to gathering with you in this spectacular location, with an amazing group of educators!
The primary objective of the Leadership Clinic is to give participants a warm, welcoming, inspiring & safe space to learn, share, connect & rejuvenate. The secondary objective is to give Local Chapter Teams some time to build relationships, and start to make plans to support outdoor and environmental learning in their school district in the coming year.
Registration is open to EEPSA Local Chapter Team members who have been appointed by their local chapter. We are encourage all local chapters to invite a member of their school districts Aboriginal/Indigenous Education Team to further support connections between Environmental Education and Indigenous Knowledge.
Please note: all participants must be current EEPSA members, and those from the Columbia Basin must also be CBEEN members.

