In Our Nature: Creative practices to decolonize pedagogies, connect with self and embrace authenticity

What are the natural places sacred to you? What lesson does that place have to share with the world? In this session, we will reflect on those sacred places through conversation, poetry and creative writing. Creating time in our busy lives to (re)connect with ourselves as an expression of the natural world helps us remember what has always been 'In Our Nature'. Participants will leave with practical resources and habits to support the revolution of the classroom into forest, field, tundra and lakeshore.

This workshop is informed by the current evidence and best practices in ecophilosophy, ecopsychology and place-responsive theory. Drawing from the works of Arne Naess, Joanna Macy, Robin Wall-Kimmerer and Heidi’s graduate research, the workshop is laid out in a rhythm of five activities: icebreaker game, opening gratitude circle, nature observation with EcoID poetry, breakout group inquiry and closing with a reflection circle with a commitment going forward.

Presenter:

Heidi Widmer was raised by Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain (Tunnel Mountain) in what is commonly referred to as Banff, Alberta. She recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communications with research focused on tending to teacher wellbeing through place-responsive practices. Heidi is a 2021 SSHRC grant recipient. Transitioning from an Olympic cross-country ski racing career into her new role as Environmental Educator for the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, Heidi creates K-12 curriculum-connected programs designed to reciprocate the gifts of this place.

Cost: Free

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/r1MNQ8nscjRkguNy5

This is part of the Maskwacis Cultural College Microlearning Series and is open to the public.
Contact Manisha Khetarpal by email  mkhetarpal@mccedu.ca or call toll free: 1 866 585 3925