The United Spirit Nature Network (USNN) marked a transformative milestone by participating in the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference in Banff, Alberta. Over three days, more than 500 environmental educators, Indigenous leaders, researchers, and nonprofit practitioners gathered to explore innovative approaches to nature-based learning and climate resilience. Among the highlights was USNN’s national debut of its groundbreaking initiative: Nature Through Our Senses.
Presented by Executive Director Dr. Sama AlMaarofi, this sensory-based environmental education program—rooted in Indigenous knowledge and early learning principles—was delivered for the first time at a national forum. Backed by a grant from Wildlife Habitat Canada, this milestone not only signified USNN’s first funded initiative but also opened the door to meaningful partnerships and national recognition.
Elevating Environmental Education Through Sensory Engagement
USNN’s workshop, Nature Through Our Senses, introduced educators to the power of multi-sensory approaches in fostering ecological literacy among children. The session was designed to help educators better understand how sensory preferences evolve across age groups, and how they can be leveraged to inspire deeper environmental awareness and stewardship.
Key components of the workshop included:
- A newly developed technical manual with practical sensory-based activities for classroom and outdoor use.
- Live demonstrations showing how sensory engagement supports both early childhood development and youth learning.
- Real-world examples and exercises addressing how hyperactive or inhibited senses can be balanced to boost curiosity and connection with nature.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. With 36 participants in attendance, the session fostered active dialogue, story-sharing, and meaningful reflection from educators across Canada.
Strategic Insights from National Thought Leaders
Throughout the conference, USNN drew inspiration from keynote and workshop sessions that covered:
- Indigenous Land-Based Learning – A powerful distinction was made between outdoor learning and Indigenous land-based education, with a focus on ancestral connection, cultural context, and reciprocal relationships with the land.
- Climate Action in Education – Dr. Ellen Field delivered a compelling call for every school to implement a climate action plan, an idea USNN plans to pilot in New Brunswick.
- Holistic Educator Wellness – Groundbreaking sessions reminded participants that the wellness of facilitators and educators is just as critical as student success.
- Inclusive Program Design – A TED-style panel emphasized the importance of student-led learning, accessibility, and youth representation in environmental education.
Advancing Climate Resilience and Holistic Wellness
A strong theme across the conference was the integration of climate action into educational frameworks. Inspired by thought leaders like Dr. Ellen Field and Dr. Sabine Thomas, USNN is now committed to launching a Climate Action Planning Project for schools and embedding educator wellness into its leadership model.
USNN’s participation also underscored the critical distinction between outdoor learning and Indigenous land-based education. This vital reflection, shared by respected Indigenous voices, continues to shape USNN’s culturally informed approach to programming.
A Path Forward for USNN and Outdoor Learning in Canada
The experience reaffirmed the growing need for environmental education that is inclusive, culturally grounded, and emotionally resonant. USNN is now exploring several new initiatives inspired by the conference, including:
- A Climate Action Planning Toolkit for New Brunswick schools
- Development of a year-round family nature calendar that incorporates journaling and sensory play
- Expanded delivery of sensory-based training for educators, including Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)
- Collaboration with Indigenous organizations to respectfully integrate land-based learning into local programs
“This conference was more than an event—it was a milestone in my journey as a community builder, educator, and advocate.”
— Dr. Sama AlMaarofi, Executive Director, USNN
Download the Full Conference Participation Report
The 36-page report captures the energy, insights, and connections that shaped USNN’s national debut. Learn how sensory education, climate action, Indigenous knowledge, and community wellness are intersecting to reimagine the future of environmental education.
