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Welcome to the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference
Venue: Kinnear Patio Firepit 1 clear filter
Thursday, May 7
 

3:15pm MDT

Bringing Back the Community Walk
Thursday May 7, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
See the world outside of the school doors in an entirely new way, and see the excited faces of young children light up when they identify a look for item. I see roots!, I see circles on the wheels of cars!, I see lines going this way and lines going that way on the sidewalk!. Get ready to SEE!

1 Take a guided walk with the facilitator, drawing attention to different engagement opportunities that incorporate a multitude of look for items

2 Discuss what was seen on the walk and brainstorm learning possibilities that are student-responsive to the interests of the class.

3 Introduce natural, unspecified materials that can be gathered and brought back to the classroom for further learning or used in situ

Using the guiding aspects of the Walking Curriculum, participants will be able to engage young learners during walks with purpose. Work with the facilitator to be student-responsive, incorporate unspecified materials (especially from nature!), and target learning outcomes.
Speakers
avatar for Janice Hagan

Janice Hagan

Teacher, Calgary Catholic School Division
Janice Hagan has extensive experience teaching and leading K–6 education in diverse settings, ranging from public to international schools. Her career has taken her into classrooms and leadership roles that span cultures, communities, and educational systems, giving her a unique... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Kinnear Patio Firepit 1

8:30pm MDT

Indigenous Storytelling
Thursday May 7, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm MDT
Join for Indigenous stories and a chance to connect with new or old friends.
Speakers
avatar for Launa Purcell

Launa Purcell

Co-Director, Rise Up Indigenous Wellness
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... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm MDT
Kinnear Patio Firepit 1
 
Friday, May 8
 

11:00am MDT

Traditional Games in the Classroom
Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
This is a hands on interactive workshop on how to incorporate Indigenous Games in the Classroom. Some concepts like numeracy, core strength, balance and eye hand coordination will be covered. It will be a fast paced presentation as there are so much to cover and learn from.
Speakers
avatar for Lamarr Oksasikewiyin

Lamarr Oksasikewiyin

Councilor, Sweetgrass First Nation
Lamarr is originally from Sweetgrass First Nation and has been in the education career since graduating from U of S. He has presented on Traditional Games since 2007 all over canada as well as in New Zealand in 2025. He also does land based learning in his middle grade classroom... Read More →
Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Kinnear Patio Firepit 1

2:00pm MDT

Discussing Disability Outdoors – A SPROUTable World Café
Friday May 8, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
"This reflective, hands-on session will use a World Café approach to discuss barriers and facilitators for children with disabilities in outdoor play. The World Café method leverages cafe-style conversations, by placing equal value on the knowledge/expertise of all members as equitable engagement. The Sending Preschoolers with disabilities Outside Project (SPROUT-able) conducted by the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play, uses this method of discussion for educators, policy makers, researchers, administrators, etc., to develop relevant, actionable plans for accessible outdoor childcare spaces.


Through reflective discussions on the social and physical environments of childcare spaces, participants will leave equipped with a new strategy to intentionally discuss accessible outdoor play and learning for children with disabilities. The World Café offers a practical tool to develop creative ways to improve accessibility in your outdoor play areas and identify key barriers to access."
Speakers
avatar for Alessia Capone

Alessia Capone

PhD Candidate, University of Toronto; Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play
My name is Alessia Capone, I am a first-generation settler and guest on this land. My home and current workplace are in what is now called Toronto, the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. I began my post-secondary... Read More →
avatar for Amy JoSmith

Amy JoSmith

Registered Early Childhood Educator/Resource Consultant, Children’s Inclusion Support Services, Canadian Center for Outdoor Play
I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a Resource Consultant with Children’s Inclusion Support Services in Ottawa, Ontario. I am currently working as part of the Sprout –able (Sending Pre-schoolers with disabilities Outside) project team with the Canadian Center for Outdoor... Read More →
Friday May 8, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Kinnear Patio Firepit 1
 
Saturday, May 9
 

9:45am MDT

DEI in the Outdoors Collaborative Learning Panel
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Speakers
IH

Izzeddin Hawamda

Faculty Fellow, Canadian Mennonite University
Dr. Izzeddin Hawamda-عزالدين حوامده was born and raised in a rural village just outside of Nablus in the West Bank, Palestine. He currently serves as the Anti-Racist Education Professional Learning Initiative Coordinator with Louis Riel, River East Transcona, and Winnipeg... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Wilson

Patricia Wilson

Founder, Diverse Nature Collective
Patricia Wilson is an environmentalist, community leader and social justice advocate who is passionate about diversifying the environmental field and advocates for proper representation and inclusivity in this sector. In 2021 Patricia founded Diverse Nature Collective (DNC) - a grassroots... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Kinnear Patio Firepit 1
 


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