Learning from Place: Connecting Curriculum, Community & Environment - October 2026

Join us for an immersive, hands-on professional learning retreat in Tofino and Ucluelet, the traditional territories of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation). This retreat will bring educators together for an immersive experience grounded in place-based learning. The retreat will combine field experiences, hands-on learning, discussion, reflection, and practical classroom application, drawing on the knowledge of the people who live, work, teach, and steward these lands and water. Sessions will connect local experiences to curriculum and competencies so that educators can return to their schools with ideas, resources, relationships, and approaches they can adapt to their own classrooms and communities.

Learning goals:

• Explore ways to connect local environments, community expertise, Indigenous and local knowledge, science, and culture with classroom learning.
• Build confidence in designing learning experiences that move beyond the classroom and connect students with real places, people, and questions.
• Develop practical ideas and resources that can be adapted to classrooms and different grade levels.
• Explore ready-to-use curricular resources that can support place-based learning.
• Connect with educators and practitioners who are interested in meaningful, place-based learning.
• Reflect on how learning can support stewardship, sustainability, curiosity, and stronger connections to place.
• Leave with ideas, tools, and inspiration to try something new in your own classroom.

Schedule: 

Thursday, October 22nd evening – registration 

Friday, October 23rd workshops, field experiences, networking dinner 

Saturday, October 24th morning – workshops & field experiences & wrap-up 

Saturday afternoon is yours to spend further exploring the region. 

Venues:

Activities will take place throughout the region, at sites such as Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens & čukʷaa haʔuk Café1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, and more!

Coming soon! Sign-up for our interest list to receive notification once registration is available. 

Interest List - Educator Professional Development Retreat, Tofino/Ucluelet – Fill out form