Land-Based & Indigenous Education in UGDSB

Biindigen, Wa'tkwanonhwerá:ton', Welcome

Welcome to the Land-Based and Indigenous Education website. Here you will find information on our programs, a registration form, and curriculum-linked pre and post activities for your trip. Programs that are offered across multiple grades are adaptable and will meet the specific curriculum needs of your students.

A note on programming

It is important to note that not every single program will integrate Indigenous content at Island Lake. As we work with community partners, the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education Council for UGDSB and the Indigenous Education Department, our programming will grow to embed Indigenous content in all of our offerings. We will host Indigenous community partners through residencies throughout the year to bring in diverse and distinct Indigenous voices and lived experiences.

Each program will clearly indicate which workshops have been developed with Indigenous Peoples.

Registration F.A.Q.

Registration for the fall session (September, October, November & December) is now full.

The winter session will include dates in January, February and March will open on October 29 at 8:00 AM.

The spring session includes dates in April, May, and June and will open on February 11 at 8:00 AM.

We do our best to ensure equity of access for all schools.

REGISTRATION F.A.Q.

How does the registration process work?

Registration requests are submitted via Google Form on the registration page of this website. Priority for registration, including for residencies, will be given to classes with self-identified Indigenous students. Teachers can check with their administrator(s) or look on CLEVR to find this information. Please be reminded that self-identification is confidential and must never be shared. This information is to support your programming, not for anyone else in the class or school to know.

Will the cost of transportation be covered?

In an attempt to remove barriers to accessing these programs, we are able to provide funding for transportation for schools for 2 - 3 trips per academic year, depending on the size of your school. The cost of transportation for any additional trips will be the responsibility of the attending school.

What dates are available?

You can see what dates are open for registration on the Land-Based and Indigenous Education calendar (linked below). Dates marked "OPEN" are available for registration. I update the calendar as I process registrations. Please choose from the list of available dates when you complete your registration request. Keep in mind that I often receive numerous registration requests over the course of a day and so dates that are available on the calendar now may actually be spoken for by the time I get to your registration. The more possible dates you provide me with on your registration form, the more likely I'll be able to book a date for your class. You will receive an email response once your registration is confirmed.

How many classes can we send on the same day?

Schools can choose to send one class for a full day of programming (both AM and PM program) or can split the day between two classes, with one class participating in programming in the AM and one in the PM. If a school sends two classes on the same day, classroom teachers will need to lead their own programming for the half of the day that they're not in the program with Jenn.

Can we include a cookout lunch?

Yes! One class at a time can have a cookout at the fire pit in front of the Akinomaagayegaamikoong building. Teachers are responsible for bringing their own food. We will provide the roasting sticks for you, will manage the fire, and will explain the safety expectations to your class at lunchtime. Teachers and Akinomaagayegaamikoong staff work together to ensure the cookouts are a safe and fun experience for students.

More questions? Feel free to email Jenn Bailey (jbailey@ugcloud.ca)

Akinomaagayegaamikoong

"Place of Learning"

In September 2024, the UGDSB approved the name change of the Outdoor Education Centre to Akinomaagayegaamkoong in order to reflect the shift in programming to land-based and Indigenous education. The name was suggested by Naokwegijig (Tim McGreggor), Anishnaabe from Whitefish River. Click the audio file below to hear Tim pronounce Mnis Zaagi'gan Akinomaagayegaamikoong (Island Lake Place of Learning).

The sign that marks the entrance to the Akinomaagayegaamikoong building was constructed by Kelsey Powless, Mohawk Snipe clan from Six Nations of the Grand River.

Mnis Zaagi'gan Akinomaagayegaamikoong.mp3

Door Murals by Morningstar

In September 2025, Alanah Jewel (Morningstar), Oneida Nation of the Thames, Bear Clan, painted these incredible murals on the front doors of the Akinomaagaamikoong building. Alanah is an illustrator, painter and muralist who is inspired "by the land, vivid dreams and rich culture." She is passionate about promoting Indigenous art and culture in urban areas. (source: https://morningstardesigns.ca/). Each species of animal depicted in these murals can be found at Island Lake Conservation Area.

Meet the Staff at Akinomaagayegaamikoong

Jennifer Bailey, BA, MA, BEd. (she/her), has worked in the Upper Grand District School Board for the past fifteen years, teaching in Primary, Junior and Intermediate divisions and has experience with both Indigenous Education and Outdoor Education. As a settler on Indigenous land, she works in partnership with Indigenous educators, Knowledge Keepers and Elders in order to develop programming that is both culturally appropriate and vetted by community. She is passionate about getting students outdoors, connecting them with the natural world of which we are part, and helping them to become better treaty partners by learning about their responsibilities to this land and to our treaty partners, who have cared for this land since time immemorial.

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