Exploring Place from an Aboriginal Perspective: Considerations for Outdoor and Environmental Education

Overview & Synopsis

This article reports on a recent study about Outward Bound Canada's Giwaykiwin program for Aboriginal youth. A key finding that emerged from the study was the need to design contemporary Aboriginal education programs based on a recognition of the evolution of Indigenous cultures and languages in close relationship with specific geographical areas. The implications of these findings are presented for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educators interested in incorporating an Aboriginal understanding of place in their practice. Recommendations are also provided for grounding outdoor and environmental education programs in local Indigenous traditions.