“Land-based programming aligns with a variety of national and international frameworks. It provides benefits such as building community connectedness and resilience, improving mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, advancing reconciliation by decolonizing educational institutions, and improving understanding of course content for students, among others.” (Cherpako, 2019). 

Land-based learning is an educational approach that emphasizes the importance of learning from and on the land. It involves connecting with the natural world, learning from traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices, and developing a deeper understanding of the relationships between people, the land, and other living beings.

Land-based learning can take many different forms, depending on the specific cultural context and the goals of the education. Some common examples of land-based learning include:

  1. Traditional ecological knowledge: Indigenous peoples have developed intricate understandings of the land, including knowledge about the relationships between different species, the cycles of the seasons, and the use of plants and animals for food, medicine, and other purposes.
  2. Language revitalization: Many Indigenous languages are tied closely to the land and environment, with specific words and concepts that are used to describe natural phenomena. Land-based learning can help to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages by incorporating traditional vocabulary and grammar into educational activities.
  3. Cultural practices: Land-based learning can include traditional cultural practices such as hunting, fishing, and harvesting wild plants. These practices are often deeply connected to Indigenous spirituality and can provide a powerful way to connect with ancestral traditions.
  4. Environmental education: Land-based learning can also incorporate modern environmental education concepts such as sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Indigenous knowledge can provide valuable insights and perspectives on these issues, as well as practical solutions for addressing environmental challenges.

Overall, land-based learning is an important way to promote Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, support language revitalization, and foster environmental stewardship.

Land-based learning is increasingly being recognized as a valuable educational approach, both for Indigenous communities and for broader society. It can help to promote cultural understanding and reconciliation, as well as foster a greater sense of connection and responsibility to the natural world.