Land-based Learning

The Land-Based Learning Camp returned to Aspen View Public Schools in the fall of 2024. Grade 10 students from throughout the division spent two nights and parts of three days at Camp Wright on Narrow Lake in Athabasca County, participating in Aspen View’s Indigenous Land Based program. The program was developed to introduce staff and students to an Indigenous paradigm of learning in which they live fully and consciously. It is predicated upon a holistic lifestyle approach, utilizing four quadrants to acquire knowledge: physical, spiritual, cognitive and emotional.  Students used the ‘land as text’ as a means for experiential education. Led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers and assisted by school staff members, students authentically experienced Indigenous ways of knowing and being, including Cree language, Indigenous hand games, hunting teachings, outdoor cooking and more!