Dive into Adventure at our Ocean-based Learning Program

Our ocean-based learning program is designed for ocean-loving, marine-minded, adventure-seeking Indigenous youth aged 15-18. Participants enjoy fun-filled days exploring coastal waters and soaking up STEAM activities while kayaking, snorkelling, and adventuring around beautiful marine environments in Atlantic Canada.

What You’ll Experience

This program is a hands-on, immersive experience with field trips, labs, and workshops that explore the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Ocean, and the crucial role marine ecosystems play in our planet’s future. Alongside STEAM-based learning, we learn from Indigenous teachings and gain a deeper appreciation for our interconnected world.

This program offers a unique opportunity to

  • Explore the biodiversity of the Atlantic Ocean through hands-on field trips and boat adventures.
  • Participate in interactive workshops at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, on the land, and in the water.
  • Learn from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers about the cultural importance of our waters and the life they sustain.
  • Develop STEAM skills in marine biology, environmental science, and more.
  • Enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, and exploring eelgrass meadows along beautiful coastlines.

Stay tuned for 2025 dates!

Youth in kayaks at Ulnooweg's ocean-based learning program
Person showing youth how to sew medicine pouch

Blending Indigenous Knowledge with Marine Science

Embracing the concept of Etuaptmumk (“two-eyed seeing”), our ocean-based learning program encourages youth to learn from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers as well as industry experts like marine scientists, conservationists, and more.

Highlights From Summer 2024 Program

What incredible 10 days of ocean adventures with these incredible youth!

We started our trip with 6 days in Qonaskamkuk (St. Andrews, NB) at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. Through workshops, beach walks, field trips, and boat trips, we learned so much about the sea life that inhabits our shores. Wabanaki artist Justin Sappier shared Peskotomuhkati stories of the land, and Wolastoqiyik community member Ramona Nicholas taught us how to make medicine pouches.

For the last half of our trip, we headed to Pijinuiskaq (LaHave, NS) where we marvelled at the petroglyphs at Kejimkujik and learned about Mi’kmaw history. Blessed with blue skies, we snorkelled through eelgrass meadows with CERI and CMM at Thomas Raddall Provincial Park and Clifford Paul joined us that night for storytelling by the fire. On our last full day we sea kayaked around the Cape LaHave islands with Cape LaHave Adventures and CPAWS NS and saw bioluminescent algae!

Wela’lin to our wonderful crew of youth, guests, staff members, and everyone who made this year’s program such a blast!

Group of youth sea kayaking
Group of youth wearing wetsuits
Youth trying on floater suits
Person holding fox pelt
Group of youth and camp guest smiling and being silly
Youth stand in front of aquarium entrance
Youth in lab looking through microscope
Youth exploring tidal beach
Group of youth holding sea creatures
Group photo of camp participants

Frequently Asked Questions

All expenses during the program—including travel, meals, and accommodations—are covered. Depending on resources available, we may be able to support in costs associated with getting youth to and from pick-up locations.

This program is open to Indigenous youth aged 15-18 who are living in Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and PEI.

In our registration form you will be asked to identify which community you are from (your home community can be based outside of Atlantic Canada, but you must be living in Atlantic Canada).

Our goal is to make this opportunity available to Indigenous youth across Atlantic Canada. Depending on resources available, we may be able to support in costs associated with getting youth to and from pick-up locations.