This post was written by Michael Paskevicius and the GO-GN Canada Hub team.
Introduction
As part of the GO-GN Canada Hub, a group of open educators from across the country had an opportunity to gather for a land based learning experience in Jasper, Alberta. The land based learning experience was facilitated by Nêhiyaw Darrion Letendre and Niitsitapi Knowledge Keeper Lance Scout. We came together on the traditional territories located in Treaty 6 and 8 as well as on the traditional lands of the Anishinabe, Aseniwuche Winewak, Dene-zaa, Nêhiyawak, Secwépemc, Stoney Nakoda, Mountain Métis and Métis.
The Journey
The group gathered at the airport in Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday, September 18, 2025. We travelled on a small bus to Hinton, where we quickly settled into our hotel accommodations, then jumped right back on the bus to continue on down the highway. When travelling in Canada, extended time on the highway is a right of passage!
We shared a wonderful meal together at a rustic restaurant overlooking the majestic Rocky Mountains. After dinner, our expert driver navigated a tricky mountain road to bring us to the beautiful Miette Hot Springs. After a long day of travelling, it was grounding and restorative to relax in the hot springs. Mist rose all around us as we quietly took in our surroundings. The drive back to Hinton was quiet.
Early the next morning, we jumped on the bus once again, this time heading to Jasper National Park’s Cultural Use Area. These lands are private, protected spaces for Indigenous partners to access for cultural activities such as gatherings, ceremonies, and other spiritual events. It was a great honour for our group to be welcomed there.
We were supported by two Indigenous hosts. Darrion Letendre is a Nehiyaw-Métis educator who specializes in land based learning. He serves as the Land Based Learning Specialist at NorQuest College. Elder Lance Scout is Siksika, white weasel tribe (Treaty 7). Lance also works at NorQuest College, holding several roles related to land based learning and cultural mentoring.
Lance and Darrion welcomed us to the land, and immediately invited us into a relational space. The group leads, Dr. Constance Blomgren and Dr. Agnieszka Palalas, respected traditional protocol by offering tobacco to our hosts along with a humble request for knowledge, help, and guidance on behalf of the group.
Our hosts kindly accepted their offering, and we began a day filled with beautiful, relational learning that included ceremonies, songs, quiet personal reflection, and collaborative activities such as setting up two massive prospector tents for some of us to sleep in.
Elder Lance and Helper Darrion guided us through the day with gentleness, humour, and deep spiritual knowledge. The experience was very powerful, providing us with first-hand experiences of how the land, indeed all of our relations, can teach us so much, if we’re willing to slow down, pay attention, and truly listen with open minds and hearts.
After a shared meal in the town of Jasper, some of us settled back into camp for the night, while others headed back to Hinton for the evening. The campers sat around a warm campfire, laughing, singing, and drumming until late into the evening. Early the next morning, over extra strong camp coffee, we engaged in some group brainstorming activities, packed up our campsite, and ended our time with a beautiful closing circle and dance. The sharing within the circle affirmed that each person had a unique spiritual experience.
We left with full hearts, and much to process. As we parted ways, we were reminded that the connections we formed in this sacred space, both individually and collectively, will carry us forward as we walk our paths. We arrived as colleagues, but we left as kin. We’re changed, humbled, and grateful for this unique and powerful Indigenous-led land based learning experience.
Individuals from the GO-GN Canada group will be sharing the personal impact of our land based learning experience in an open text that is currently under development. We are also continuing the learning through a virtual book study, the details of which will be shared in a separate blog post.
Participant Reflections
Below, participants from the experience provide short reflections on the experience and learning on and from the land.
We arrived as strangers, colleagues, open educators. We left as kin, connected through experience, ceremony, and our shared responsibilities to one another and to the land. How beautiful.
Dr. Jess O’Reilly, EdD
When you don’t know what to expect from a learning experience but you get the greatest teachers in the world and the best possible peers in the middle of one of the most stunning natural spaces in the world. Grateful does not begin to cover it. I’m committed to paying the love and the learning forward.
Jenni Hayman, EdD
Learning on traditionally sacred lands is a truly unique and awe inspiring experience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect meaningfully to the territory by learning about the rich culture and history of Indigenous people.
Michael Paskevicius, PhD
Land-based learning is an essential part of our education, especially at a time when people feel disconnected from both the places they live and one another. Through this learning, we deepen our connection to the land and create a greater sense of belonging. I’m bringing this forward in my positions as a mother, student, educator, and community member.
Emily Grady, MEd candidate
My first land-based learning experience still rests quietly within me. The beauty of the traditional lands that welcomed us, our generous hosts, and a gathering of supportive, inspiring people. We shared, learned, sang, and built not only our temporary home but also a deep bond – with each other and with the land. The drum’s beats linger, stirring reflection and commitment in what I do.
Joanne Kehoe, MEd, PhD student
I am grateful for, and forever changed by, the gifts of stories and connections that were shared during this experience.
Melissa Ashman, EdD
Participating in the land-based learning experience at Jasper National Park was grounding and transformative. Being on the land, guided by Lance and Darrion, invited a deeper understanding of relationality and openness beyond a western academic framework. It was a reminder that meaningful learning happens through presence, listening, and shared experiences.
Brandon Carson, MA, EdD Student
Dr. Raven showed me shiny things and this is what helped me focus. The river inspired me to be fluid and flexible and to note that the river has two banks. I learned fire is a spirit and must be approached with respect, humility and gratitude. Conversations with Elder, peers, mentors and experts helped me with ideas for my research topic and my academic journey as well as my open education practices in my teaching the HIST 375 Roots of Imperialism course for social work degree students at the Yellowhead Tribal College. The elder inspired me to have the students in my class say the prayer in the beginning and the ending. I have students who speak in many different Indigenous languages. This was a mindful and grounding practice. The experience taught me to listen and create a safe learning space and the following quote from a student in my class demonstrates the impact of Jasper, “Thank you for your support. It is not very common to have professors who truly care about students’ success, and I appreciate your commitment to helping us learn. In a world with many challenges, this kind of support is very important. We need more educators who encourage students and create a positive learning environment”.
Manisha Khetarpal, EdD student, Cohort 15.
My Jasper experience taught me that learning moves at the pace of trust. The land, the stories, and the small acts of care shaped how we travelled together. I followed others, learned from their patience, and discovered my own rhythm through moments that were joyful and moments that stretched me. Trust was not something we discussed. It was something the land asked of us and something we built with one another as we walked, listened, grouped, re-grouped and learned.
Gelareh Keshavarz MEd, EdD Student
Photo credits: GO-GN Canada Hub
