Let’s Talk Outdoors

Dr. Janet McVittie is a recently retired Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and a 2021 Bernie Melanson Award Winner for lifetime achievement in education. Join us as we discuss place-based education, Janet’s work with pre-service teachers, and Janet’s thoughts about what would make the world a better place.

June is the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association's Parks and Rec Month. To celebrate outdoor enjoyment in our province, we asked our board and staff about their favourite memories from Saskatchewan parks. Younger family members got involved too and the result is a four season celebration of recreation in Saskatchewan. This special bonus episode contains stories about hiking, skiing, school trips, hidden fishing camps, and unicorns (!). We also talk about some of the outdoor mistakes we have made, proving that the best memories weren't always the smoothest in the moment.

Today Heather & Mike chat with Ric Driediger. Ric is a canoe enthusiast who is an expert of the Churchill River. He is the owner and operator of Churchill River Canoe Outfitters, where paddlers from all around North America travel out of their way to tell stories around Ric’s campfire. Ric recently released a book: “Paddling Northern Saskatchewan: A Guide to 80 Canoe Routes.”

In this episode, we’re talking paddling, relationships, and why Kraft Dinner is not the ideal choice for your next long adventure.

Find out more about Ric at https://www.churchillrivercanoe.com/

Heather and Derek join Saskatchewanian Michelle Wohlberg to talk about her experience as a contestant on season 6 of History Channel's, Alone. She shares her experience spending 48 days alone in the bush in the sub arctic. We dig into what it's really like to be alone that long, skills to survive, and the difference between what actually happened, and what ends up on TV, and how to get started getting outside.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram @michelleannewohlberg

Join Leah and Derek as they chat with Rebecca Basset from Back40 Wilderness First Aid. We chat about advice for taking your family out adventuring, leading groups of students, and going out with friends. Gear and first aid ideas, along with lots of actionable advice on how to make sure you're prepared for what might come your way. 

Connect with Rebecca online:

https://www.back40training.com/

https://www.instagram.com/back40training/

https://www.facebook.com/back40training

If you have ever been to a bookstore in Saskatchewan, you have probably seen the travel books written by writers Robin and Arlene Karpan. They are the award-winning writers behind The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List. In this episode, Robin and Arlene talk about their lifelong work as travel writers, photographers, and book publishers, while focusing on their own Saskatchewan adventures and their love for the Athabasca Sand Dunes.

Join Leah & Derek as they chat with Land-Based Learning teacher and new musher Garrick Schmidt about what it's like running land-based programming during the pandemic. Garrick also shares advice about getting started, and talks about his experiences running dogs and how he got started with dog sledding! 

Ashlyn George is the award-winning adventurer and writer behind The Lost Girl's Guide to Finding the World blog. She is the go-to travel expert in Saskatchewan but is no stranger to trips abroad. Having travelled solo through more than 60 countries on all 7 continents, she's a passionate storyteller in pursuit of excitement, learning and discovery. When not on the road, you can find her adventuring in own her backyard as well as online @thelostgirlsguide. Join Heather and Mike as they talk about Ashlyn’s world travels, what brought her back to SK, and what kind of activities she recommends for this winter.

Leah & Derek sit down with Kevin Lewis about Land-Based Learning, stories from the boreal forest, making birch bark canoes, connections between Cree language and the land, and where and how you might look to get started for yourself. Kevin is both knowledgeable and entertaining as he weaves together teachings and stories in this episode.

Check out some resources Kevin recommends in the episode for more information on Land-Based Learning:

https://kaniyasihkculturecamps.com

Heather and Derek catch up with Jeff Moore. Because of his own nature-immersed childhood, Jeff has a lot of recommendations for parents and families about getting outdoors and fostering a love for nature. Join us for ideas for getting started with getting outdoors, and some great words of wisdom from Jeff for all parents.