When Kana looks back on her high school years, some of her most memorable moments came from her time with Outward Bound Canada (OBC). As an Indigenous student growing up in urban Vancouver, she often felt disconnected from her culture. Spending time outdoors gave her a new perspective on both life and herself.
“My name is Kana. My pronouns are she/her. I went to high school in Vancouver at a school called Total Education. I first heard about Outward Bound through my school. They offered opportunities like day trips to connect with nature, which really interested me. I spoke with our school’s Indigenous advisor, Malcolm, who helped me get connected with the program.”
For Kana, who identifies as both Black and Indigenous, the program offered something deeper than just adventure. “For most of my life, I was only really aware of my Black side. But as I got older, especially into my late teens, I started figuring out more about my indigenous heritage. And getting to do an Outward Bound course helped me feel much more connected to it than I would otherwise.”
Canoes, Culture and Confidence
Kana’s senior year of high school was shaped by a series of OBC adventures offered through their School & Group Programs. Her cohort began with the basics of outdoor education and gradually progressed to more challenging experiences. Starting in the fall 2024, she joined a trip almost every month until graduation. There were day hikes, overnight camping trips, and canoe journeys along the rugged BC coastline.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program was the time spent canoeing. “I’m from the Taíno nation and my people were known as the canoe people. In fact, the word ‘canoe’ descends from my nation’s word for it, which is pretty cool because we did a lot of canoeing around islands on the coast,” Kana shares. “So, I felt like I could really connect to that side of myself when I was canoeing.”
The Taíno—Indigenous Arawakan-speaking peoples of the Caribbean—were expert navigators. Their word for canoe, canaoua or kanowa, became the Spanish word canoa and eventually the English “canoe.” That history came alive for Kana as she paddled along the coast.
But canoeing was not always easy. At first, Kana worried about tipping over or struggling to balance. “Even just stepping into the canoe for the first time felt a bit nerve-wracking because it shakes at first. Over time, you get used to it. Thankfully, I never tipped over, though a friend of mine did when we were approaching the shore of one of the beaches.”
Despite her nerves, canoeing taught Kana about determination and trust, and working in sync with her paddling partners built friendships and strengthened her confidence.
Carving Meaningful Memories
Another highlight was the paddle carving experience. On the West Coast, OBC works with Indigenous carving masters so they can pass on traditional knowledge and skills to Indigenous youth.
“I spent days sanding and finishing up my paddle which made me feel pretty proud because I put a lot of dedication and effort into it. I really wanted to see it finished,” Kana says.
She was the first participant in the program to complete a paddle, but instead of keeping it, Kana gifted the paddle to her school. “I gifted it to Total Education because I have a lot of gratitude and appreciation for that school, and how it shaped my high school experience. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it.”
That paddle now lives at Total Education, a symbol of Kana’s growth and a reminder to future students of what’s possible when you challenge yourself outdoors.
Lasting Lessons
Looking back, Kana says Outward Bound Canada gave her more than just outdoor skills: it helped her build resilience, discover her motivation, and strengthen her sense of self.
“I learned how determined I can be. When I set my mind to something I feel like I can achieve it,” she says. “Sometimes I find it hard to find the motivation to complete things. But with Outward Bound—especially with the canoeing and making the canoe paddle—I felt motivated by the challenge itself because I was doing something that was important to me. When I finished, it gave me a real sense of accomplishment and raised my self-esteem in terms of what I can do.”
The program also deepened her connection to land and culture. “Canoeing made me feel more connected with my creator and my gods because my people did a lot of canoeing. It’s been more difficult for me to feel connected to my culture now that I live in Kelowna, which is pretty far from the sea. I’ll always be really grateful for my Outward Bound experience because I felt more like myself and my culture when I was doing it.”
Carrying It Forward
Today, Kana studies psychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). Thanks to her OBC experience, she now feels more comfortable engaging with Indigenous programs and services on campus. “It’s been a big reason why I’ve been able to really connect with other Indigenous programs here at UBCO. I have an advisor, and there are specific student spaces that have been really helpful during my time here. Outward Bound has been the beginning of me feeling more comfortable in these spaces.”
The impact is something she carries forward in her life and hopes others can experience. “I think for any kid, especially Indigenous kids—those of us who feel more separated from our culture in urban settings—we could really benefit from experiences like this. Every human being should have a connection to nature, but especially us when we’re on our land, but often just in the city.”
Why Supporting OBC Matters
For Kana, it’s clear: Outward Bound Canada changes lives.
“I would say that if you want to see the youth of Indigenous communities thriving, gaining essential skills, and building connections with our communities, then support Outward Bound Canada. The programs really do change lives and give Indigenous kids a better understanding of their true potential.”
If given the chance, Kana says she’d do it all again. “If I could go back hundreds of times, there’s never a time where I’d decide not to go on an Outward Bound Canada course.”
