TLDSB announces a new Outdoor Education and Indigenous Centre

Press Release

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has received approval from the Ministry of Education to build a large-scale Kindergarten to Grade 12 Outdoor Education and Indigenous Centre.

This initiative is in alignment with the TLDSB 2022-2027 Strategic Plan goals of supporting meaningful learning and success for all, and creating learning environments and experiences that foster equity, inclusion, and belonging.

“By utilizing the area’s natural environment as an enriching learning space, TLDSB is looking forward to providing a new location for learning opportunities and will be seeking support from local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders,” stated TLDSB director of education, Wes Hahn.

The 90+ acre property, located centrally within the school board in Minden, Ontario, will be home to a 3,000 square-foot facility, which will provide a day program with hands-on, curriculum-linked learning for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The facility is scheduled to open to TLDSB students and staff starting spring 2027.

The program’s goals include:

• Providing meaningful access to local green spaces and natural environments.
• Promoting environmental stewardship.
• Establishing a unique opportunity to link curriculum expectations in all grades.
• Supporting equitable opportunities and inclusion for all students.
• Encouraging mental and physical health benefits that stem from being in nature.
• Developing skills and strategies related to social-emotional learning and stress reduction.

We look forward to engaging students in land-based learning rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and using the land as a teacher to provide holistic, experiential education. This work is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“The Outdoor Education and Indigenous Centre in Minden is a meaningful investment in our students and our community,” said Laurie Scott, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario representing Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock. “This new centre will give students the opportunity to connect with nature, learn beyond the classroom, and develop exciting hands-on skills that will benefit them for years to come. This new centre is a strong investment into the future of Minden and those who call it home.”

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am confident that an Outdoor Education and Indigenous Centre will provide significant physical, social, and emotional benefit to students across TLDSB,” stated Chair of the Board, Colleen Wilcox. “This space will offer a unique opportunity to enhance the achievement of curricular expectations for all students.”

Students will have access to a wide range of activities, including:

• Leadership and teambuilding
• Environmental learning (orienteering, mapping, flora/fauna identification, and ecology)
• Physical education (skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking)
• Indigenous learning (teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers)
• Unique regional activities (collecting maple sap, studying animal tracks, and exploring the Canadian shield)

TLDSB has a long standing tradition of promoting and supporting outdoor education. This is the next step to ensuring all TLDSB students have the opportunity to enhance their learning through programming provided at the Centre.

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For media inquiries:

Carolynne Bull, manager of Communications Services
Email: Carolynne.Bull@tldsb.on.ca
Office: 1-888-526-5552 extension 21252
Cell: 705-394-8725

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