Aspen View grade 10 students experience land-based learning

By Brandie Majeau
Aspen View Public Schools is steadfast in its commitment to integrating
Indigenous ways of knowing and being into its curriculum, exemplified by the recent
2025 Land-Based Learning camp held at the end of September at Camp Wright in
Athabasca County. This immersive experience brought together Grade 10 students from
various schools within the division, allowing them to spend three enriching days and two
nights deeply engaged in traditional learning led by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and
dedicated school staff members.
Camp Wright, located near Colinton in Athabasca County, offers a uniquely
tranquil setting for educational programs. This camp definitely provides a beautiful
backdrop for outdoor activities but also to promotes personal growth and a connection
to nature. Facilities at Camp Wright include well-equipped cabins, communal spaces for
gatherings, and open areas suitable for various outdoor instructional activities, making it
an ideal location for experiential learning.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a range of engaging sessions
designed to share a genuine understanding of Indigenous culture. Activities included
traditional hand games that encouraged teamwork, communication, and strategic
thinking—a reflection of the cultural significance these games hold within Indigenous
communities. In addition, students learned the fundamentals of archery, an important
skill historically associated with Indigenous hunting practices, further gaining insights
into resource management and sustainability.
The camp also featured hands-on demonstrations of fish smoking, a time-
honoured process that teaches students about food preservation techniques and the
cultural importance of fishing. Canoeing activities provided students with practical
lessons on water navigation while promoting teamwork and trust amoung peers. While
foraging for medicinal plants allowed students to explore the rich botanical knowledge of
Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the relationship between natural resources and
traditional healing practices.
Creative expression was also a vital part of the curriculum, with sessions focused
on beading, where students crafted intricate designs while learning about the stories
and meanings embedded in this traditional art form. Furthermore, teachings surrounding

hunting practices emphasized the ethical considerations and respect required in utilizing
the land’s resources.
The successful execution of the Land-Based Learning camp underscores Aspen
View Public Schools’ dedication to honouring Indigenous heritage and knowledge
systems. By offering students these rich, hands-on experiences, the school division not
only promotes cultural awareness but also nurtures a sense of environmental
stewardship and community connection. As students left Camp Wright, they carried
within them a newfound appreciation for Indigenous traditions and a deeper
understanding of their place within the cycle of life and nature.