exploring place from an aboriginal perspective: considerations for outdoor and environmental education

abstract

this article reports on a recent study about outward bound canada's giwaykiwin program for aboriginal youth. a key finding that emerged from the study was the need to design contemporary aboriginal education programs based on a recognition of the evolution of indigenous cultures and languages in close relationship with specific geographical areas. the implications of these findings are presented for both aboriginal and non-aboriginal educators interested in incorporating an aboriginal understanding of place in their practice. recommendations are also provided for grounding outdoor and environmental education programs in local indigenous traditions.