Aboriginal Programs An Innovative Outward Bound Program for Aboriginal People Bringing together one Heart, one Mind, one Spirit, one Nation
Our Aboriginal courses combine the philosophy of Outward Bound with the values and teachings reflected in the Aboriginal community. Since 1985, Outward Bound Canada has worked with Aboriginal people and organizations to help develop these inspiring and valuable programs.
An Overview Our courses bring together Aboriginal people of all ages from all regions. On these challenging and exciting wilderness courses, Aboriginal culture and experience is honoured and valued. Through challenge, adventure and the sharing of personal experiences, participants learn they are capable of more than they ever thought possible. Personal growth and confidence are nurtured in a supportive, safe and culturally appropriate environment. Participants bring new leadership, teamwork and outdoor skills home to their communities.
Activities Our courses are wilderness based and include canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking and campcraft, and, in the winter, dogsledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, shelter building and winter camping skills. Cultural components include teachings and ceremonies by local Elders, traditional crafts and service projects in Aboriginal communities.
Participants Participants come from across North America. They range in age from 15 to 55+ and include youth, adults, community leaders and educators. Participants come from on and off reserve and include youth who live in foster homes or have been adopted into non-Aboriginal homes.
Your Instructors Our courses are primarily staffed by Aboriginal instructors who provide valuable outdoor leadership from an Aboriginal perspective. Our Aboriginal staff are powerful role models for our participants. In addition to first-rate wilderness and safety management skills they have a specific commitment to working with individuals and organizations from Aboriginal communities.
Equipment and Food Participants don't have to invest in expensive outdoor gear to go on an Outward Bound course. The school provides all the required outdoor gear such as tents, packs, sleeping bags, raincoats, boots and other specialized items. We also provide healthy and satisfying food; this includes three meals a day as well as nutritious snacks.
Health and Fitness People of all shapes and sizes have successfully completed Outward Bound courses. Participants require basic physical and emotional health, but don't need to be athletes. All participants will be required to complete a detailed medical history form prior to the start of the course.
Outward Bound Canada is successfully developing programs by contract with First Nations communities within traditional territories across Canada.
NEW Aboriginal Youth Asset Building Adventure Journey to self-reliance 21 day programs for ages 15-16 & 17-18 High school credit available Calgary, AB
'These mountains are our sacred places' Chief John Snow, Nakoda Nation
Currently we are offering two Mountain Spirit courses. Mountain Spirit Adventure is a 21 day program designed for ages 15-16 offered in July. Mountain Spirit Discovery is a 21 day program designed for ages 17-18 offered in August. Both programs are co-ed.
Mountain Spirit Aboriginal Youth Asset Building Adventures are extraordinary and potentially life-changing journeys into the wild heart of the Rocky Mountains. The courses support Aboriginal youth to face and climb beyond the challenges in their lives and to discover their true gifts. Drawing on those inner strengths, together with the strengths found in community, culture and the land, participants may find a deeper purpose in their lives and cultivate genuine leadership qualities that will last a lifetime.
Designed and led by Aboriginal instructors, Mountain Spirit programs combine the elements of a classic Outward Bound course with traditional Aboriginal cultural values and teachings. The course also uses an asset-building approach, which is an old idea for a new time. Asset-building means that instead of focusing on or treating what’s going wrong, we systematically build on existing strengths and abilities to help young people achieve their potential.
'Look to the mountain! In every place where mountains occur, they have been venerated as the place of vision and orientation' Gregory Cajete, Tewa Scholar
No two Mountain Spirit courses are exactly the same, but some elements are common to all. After a period of preparation, participants will travel in a small group into the wilderness where they will be on foot, carrying their food and equipment on their back, for most of the rest of the course. They will learn to become self-reliant and comfortable on the land. They will ascend mountains, cross rivers, rock climb, and traverse alpine snowfields. They will reflect on their lives and their dreams. They will learn mountain travel and leadership skills under the guidance of highly experienced professionals. They will have opportunity to undertake a solo lasting up to three days, an experience which is not only the heart of the Outward Bound program, but which has important significance in many Aboriginal cultures.
Mountain Spirit courses also include an important cultural component. Local Elders from the Nations in whose territories we travel will share teachings and advice with participants and there may be the opportunity to participate in traditional ceremonies. And participants will undertake a community service project in those same communities, thereby having an opportunity to give something back. And our outstanding Aboriginal instructors will role-model what it means to remain true to yourself and your roots as you reach for your dreams.
Mountain Spirit courses can also be developed in partnership with communities or organizations serving Aboriginal youth. For more information please contact Julian Norris at julian_norris@outwardbound.ca
Activities: Animal Management, Backpacking, Campcraft, Community Service, High School Credit, Minimal Impact Camping, Navigation, Rock Climbing, Self-Care & Group Management, Solo Experience, Wilderness Travel Skills
