Earlier this week, representatives from Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, several Alberta First Nations, SARVAC, and Holistic Emergency Preparedness gathered in Edmonton — on the traditional territory of First Nations and Métis, and covered under Treaty 6 — for a successful Engagement Session and Outdoor Educator Training.
Meaningful discussions focused on adapting AdventureSmart to reflect traditional knowledge and community-identified prevention needs — an important step in supporting safer experiences on the land, water, and ice. This session forms part of the SARNIF Initiative in Action: Working Together — Building Relationships to Increase SAR Prevention Programming in Remote and Indigenous Communities.
Our team is deeply grateful for the teachings shared by the First Nations representatives who participated, as well as for the tremendous enthusiasm for the AdventureSmart programs — including powerful conversations about how training like the Survive Outside program can help support youth in reconnecting with the land.
The day opened with a prayer and smudging led by Elder Ron Littlechild, followed by collaborative dialogue centered on holistic, community-driven prevention approaches. The afternoon concluded with 13 participants earning their Survive Outside Outdoor Educator certification — congratulations to all!
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in the Working Together to Stay Safe on the Land: Indigenous Community Engagement Project — strengthening relationships and co-designing SAR prevention programming to support safer participation in outdoor activities.