2024 Field Experiences
Saturday, August 10, 2024
We are excited to offer these field experiences on Saturday, August 10. These excursions will leave from and return to Pearson College. They are included in the full conference registration fee at no extra cost. However, participation in the SṈIDȻEȽ Experience is limited to the first 40 people who register for the full conference. Other field experiences at Pearson College will be available on Saturday for those who are unable to participate in this trip.
Experience the Wonders of SṈIDȻEȽ, The Place of the Blue Grouse
SṈIDȻEȽ (known also as Tod Inlet, a BC Provincial Park) has been a very special place to the SENCOTEN speaking People since time immemorial. Some of the members of NAME have been working with the local First Nations over the last 25 years to restore and protect this highly valued ecological and cultural place. With the guidance of local knowledge-keepers, we will bear witness to the history, culture and ecology of this unique inlet and the surrounding Douglas Fir Forest.
This beautiful woodland and estuary provide a powerful outdoor classroom setting to work together for positive change. Join us in a “hands-on, feet-wet” approach as we explore the local watershed, learn about traditional uses of local plants and appreciate the power of storytelling and art in grounding our learning in place. The day will include many opportunities for experiential learning from both Indigenous and western ways of knowing and for sharing our collective knowledge and wisdom as we look to the future.
The field trip includes transportation and a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Buses will leave Pearson College at 8:30 am and return at approximately 3:30 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:00 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the bus.
Accessibility requirements: The estuary is accessed via an easy walk along a low grade, slightly rocky path that takes 15-20 minutes at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues will be accommodated with vehicle transport directly to the estuary site.
Explore Pedder Bay and Pearson College Trails
We will be exploring the beautiful trails around Pearson College and Pedder Bay. This field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. More information and details will be posted as they are finalized.
