Experiential learning is an inquiry-based pedagogical approach to learning that provides students with opportunities to co-construct their learning through hands-on learning experiences. Each experiential learning project supports students’ pathways to success - knowing themselves, exploring opportunities, making decisions and setting goals for the future.

Promoting student success and pathways planning through modernized and experiential learning experiences supports student participation, reflection and application that influence their future career goals and ambitions.

Superior North Catholic District School Board has integrated Indigenous Experiential Learning into school learning. These experiences offer valuable opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Through cultural activities facilitated by Indigenous Elders and community members, students have engaged in storytelling, traditional crafts, and drumming while singing traditional Anishinaabemowin songs and fostering a profound connection to Indigenous heritage.

Taking the students on the land provides hands-on learning experiences about the environment, traditional land use practices, and the significance of natural resources. Our students had the pleasure of receiving bear grease teachings and making the traditional medicine, cedar bath to cleanse and heal, and water walks where they learned of ceremonial water teachings, prayed for the water and walked proudly to honour all the waters. Our schools collaborated with our First Nation communities and the Anishinaabemowin Boodawe Committee to incorporate Anishinaabemowin, history and perspectives while exploring the trails and learning about rabbit snaring. Rabbit snaring can offer kids valuable lessons in outdoor education, self-sufficiency, and cultural understanding. It teaches them about animal behaviour, tracking, and ethical hunting practices while fostering a deeper connection to the land. Through this activity, children develop responsibility, respect for wildlife, and environmental stewardship. The students reinforced their learning by speaking the language while doing the activity. The students also said they felt happy, engaged and motivated while being in the bush.

Ribbon skirts and shirts for students can serve multiple purposes within educational settings. The teaching and making of the skirts and shirts promote cultural appreciation and awareness and foster a sense of pride and identity among our students. Additionally, the skirts and shirts can be worn during cultural events or ceremonies, allowing students to showcase their cultural heritage and talents. Integrating ribbon skirts and shirts into student attire can enrich the educational experience, celebrate diversity, and promote cultural understanding and unity within the school community.

By weaving Indigenous content throughout the curriculum, schools enrich students' education and contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions, and knowledge systems.