Belonging Outdoors: Nature-Based Early Learning - Gathering, listening, reflecting... together.

Intended For: All Early Learning and Care Professionals

Date: Apr 18, 2026

Time: 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Fee: FREE

Current Availability: 0

Description

We are excited to share a unique professional learning opportunity focused on outdoor environments and nature-based learning. This conference will be held entirely outdoors and will offer rich, hands-on experiences in collaboration with our Indigenous partners.

This experience is open to all early learning professionals who work in licensed child care centres, licensed home child care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres, who are interested in deepening their understanding of outdoor pedagogy, nature-based learning, and how to create meaningful, quality environments for children in natural spaces.

Building on the success of past conferences, this year’s gathering will offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, engage in reflective practice, and strengthen your connection to the land. Through a variety of sessions, you will have the opportunity to engage with nature in new ways, reflect on your own practice, and learn alongside Indigenous partners who will generously share knowledge, stories, and perspectives.

We are honoured to gather, listen, and reflect together on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, as well as the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat Peoples, where the Humber College Arboretum is situated. This land remains home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, and we acknowledge the enduring presence and stewardship of Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for these lands and waters.

Agenda

Please select one of the streams below.

Overview of the Day

8:00am - Registration (morning refreshment)

9:00am - Welcome & Opening Ceremony - T132 Courtyard

9:30 - 10:30 am- Session 1 (stream 1 & 2)

10:45 - 11:45 am- Session 2 ( stream 1 & 2)

11: 45- 12:45 am - Lunch

1:00- 2:00 pm - Session 3 (stream 1 & 2)

2:15- 2:45 pm- Session 4 (stream 1 & 2)

3:30- 4:30 pm - Closing

Timing	Name and Description	Location
8:00 am - 4:30 pm	Stream 1- Morning & Afternoon Learning Circles A. Not Just Another Walk in the Park: Walking Together through Playful Storytelling - Presented by: Elder Albert Marshall, Louise Zimanyi, Kristin Tyrer B. Indigenous Land-Based Programming - Presented by: Carly Graner ECE, Katrina Fossum, RECE, Kim Kirkley, RECE (NCCT Team) C. Wander and Wonder: Seasonal Pedagogy on the Land - Presented By: Maya-Rose Simon & Dr. Hopi Martin D. Kindling Curiosity: Children, Campfires, and Cups of Cedar Tea - Presented by: Lyndsay MacKay, BA, MA (ECS)
8:00 am - 4:30 pm	Stream 2 - Morning & Afternoon Learning Circles A. Reconnecting to Aki (Mother Earth) and Nibi (Water) - Presented by: Lynn Short B. Wander into Wonder: Embracing the Outdoors as a Classroom - Presented by: Shannon Murphy & Bora Kim C. Facilitating Forest Learning: Guiding Children Through Nature-Based Play and Discovery - Presented by: Giselle Mirabelli, MAEd. D. ECE Field Trip: Building ECE Community in Nature - Presented by: Michael Naumoff, BA

Location

Humber Arboretum (located behind Humber Polytechnic North Campus)
205 Humber College Blvd
Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7