This hands-on workshop explores how maker education can strengthen connections between classrooms and communities while fostering sustainability, resilience, creativity, and local self-sufficiency. Hosted at the Maker Station, the session will immerse educators in maker-centred activities integrating design thinking, repair culture, problem-solving, and community collaboration.

Participants will explore tools and technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, electronics, and repair-focused projects. They will leave with adaptable project ideas, classroom strategies, and a deeper understanding of how maker education can contribute to sustainable and resilient communities.

Belinda Larisch is a founding director of the Maker Collective and a keen maker who strives to foster community engagement and sustainable living. Ian Simpson is a founding director, expert fabricator, and enthusiastic community knowledge-sharer.

Program description, presenter biography, and final schedule are to be confirmed.

Activity format, presenter biography, and final schedule are to be confirmed.

Educators are invited to join this immersive session introducing canoeing as a place-based approach to outdoor learning. The experience begins with dryland and on-water safety protocols, followed by basic Level 1 paddling skills and activities such as fishing, mapping, birding, plant and animal identification, food and medicinal plant foraging, and tarp shelter building.

Participants will also learn how to access community resources and mentorship through SD57 outdoor educators, Indigenous Education resources, district canoe programs, and RCABC training.

Meet leaders at the Forests for the World parking lot at 8:30 AM to transport SD57 canoes to Shane Lake. Four one-hour rotations alternate between on-water and dryland learning. Participants should bring clothing suitable for cold, wet, or sunny conditions, including a change of clothes.

Rennae Pillipow is an SD57 outdoor recreation and science educator and an RCABC Lakewater Canoe Instructor Trainer. Hart Banack is a UNBC professor and outdoor educator focused on local, place-based experiences. Philip Mullins is a UNBC professor whose work examines human–nature relationships through outdoor practices.

Participants will rotate through three interactive stations over approximately three hours. They will tour the Bear’s Den and learn how the school integrates Indigenous programming throughout the year, explore displays and demonstrations from land-based programs such as Camp Ispa, and visit the firepit and smokehouse to learn about cultural practices, food security, environmental stewardship, and life skills.

Vince is an Elder, storyteller, cultural advisor, and practitioner. Treena is an Indigenous Education Worker and cultural practitioner with SD57. Marianne is an SD57 teacher, outdoor enthusiast, and experienced facilitator of student camping and land-based learning.

Detailed itinerary, participant requirements, and presenter biography are to be confirmed.

The morning begins with an introduction to the role of fast fashion in climate change, economic disruption in developing countries, and ecosystem destruction. Participants will then visit the Salvation Army to see how donations are processed and help with sorting.

In the afternoon, participants will learn how to turn old T-shirts into yarn and use it to create macramé plant holders or wall hangings.

• One or two old T-shirts
• One stick for the macramé project

Fabric scissors will be provided.