By Chadd Cawson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Indigenous Resources Workshop to highlight benefits of outdoor learning
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) has been offering an outdoor learning spring virtual workshop series this year and will host its next one on June 9 at 5 p.m. MT. The one-hour segment will be led by Indigenous Advisor for CBEEN’s Outdoor Learning Store Jenna Jasek. Jasek, who is also the District Vice Principal of Indigenous Learning and Equity for Rocky Mountain School District No. 6, will share her perspectives on some of her favourite Indigenous learning resources.
“This would be a great workshop for anyone interested in Indigenous resources for education or land-based knowledge and Indigenous perspectives,” says Jasek. “It would be beneficial to anyone interested in bringing Indigenous perspectives to their learning.”
As Jasek learns more about her own culture’s traditions, she aims to pass that on and strives to provide opportunities to all students who want to explore, learn, and immerse themselves in the outdoors, and outdoor education.
This is Jasek’s first time offering this type of workshop and already over 1000 people have registered.
All those who register will receive a discount code by email to access the Indigenous Learning Resources available on The Outdoor Learning Store. CBEEN’s Outdoor Learning Team knows that Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are foundational to outdoor learning. Their partnerships with Indigenous organizations and advisors have been key to the success of their operations, showcased through the consistently expanding Indigenous Learning Resources they have available.
Through the recommendation of The Outdoor Learning Store’s Indigenous Partners and Advisors, 10 excellent Indigenous resources have been compiled to support teaching and learning as part of National Indigenous History Month.
The workshop gives educators a chance to embrace National Indigenous Month through educational resources surrounding the traditional culture.
“I hope through this workshop people will gain a greater understanding of how many authentic Indigenous resources are in circulation,” says Jasek. “How one can incorporate more Indigenous ways of knowing into your own life, and how important it is to know the land we all live on.”
All resources ordered are shipped out within a week, and all the proceeds go back to supporting outdoor learning non-profit initiatives. To find out more about this initiative or to find out information regarding Jasek’s workshop, visit outdoorlearningstore.com.
