Professional development retreats
for educators

Are you an educator interested in learning more about Indigenous education, culture and ways of knowing?

Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech:
Walking with The Squamish

two retreats in 2024:

*April 24-25, 2024: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATORS

*October 25-26, 2024: K-12 EDUCATORS (coinciding with a province-wide pro-d day)

  • Interactive and engaging seminars in Squamish Nation history, language, ethnobotany, culture, stories and stewardship in a welcoming, encouraging outdoor-education setting

  • SPRING RETREAT: professional development retreat for post-secondary educators.

  • FALL RETREAT: professional development retreat for educators of all backgrounds and grade levels (Kindergarten through Secondary)

Hosts:

Longstanding partners the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, the David Suzuki Foundation, Sea to Sky Outdoor School and Camp Fircom. 

*October Retreat Registration opens on August 27, 2024

Why this Pro-D Retreat?

  • You’ll leave the camp with a deeply enriched understanding of the Squamish people and the place they’ve stewarded for thousands of years.  

  • Through conversations with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh educators and leaders, as well as a community of committed practitioners already creating changes, you’ll deepen your understanding of why change is necessary within the classroom and build your own capacity to engage effectively in indigenization, decolonization, justice and inclusion. 

  • You’ll take part in sessions and workshops led by Squamish knowledge keepers, educators and others.  

  • You will strengthen your networks by building community with educators across the Lower Mainland and beyond who have an interest in bringing Indigenization, decolonization and justice into K to post-secondary classrooms.

  • You’ll connect and network with other educators with an interest in bringing Indigenous-led education into classrooms and lecture halls.  

  • And you’ll experience all this on gorgeous Chá7elkwnech (a.k.a. Gambier Island), a 20-minute boat ride from Horseshoe Bay.  

Camp Fircom is a wonderful facility used for summer camps, retreats, weddings, outdoor education programs and a wide variety of rental groups. It provides a comfortable place to stay with excellent food — all included in your registration fee.  

Note:  You may be eligible for pro-d funds to help offset camp fees. Contact your district pro-d officer for details  

Since 2015, the David Suzuki Foundation, Ayas Menmen, the Squamish Nation, and Camp Fircom  have worked together to offer camps on conservation, indigenization and justice, on beautiful Chá7elkwnech (Gambier Island) in British Columbia’s Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound).  

Schedule will be sent out prior to your arrival.
Questions? Contact Us

More Details:

Post-Secondary Spring Retreat: Wednesday, April 24 to Thursday, April 25, 2024

Elementary/Secondary Fall Retreat: Friday, October 25th to Saturday, October 26th, 2024

COST:

Price includes return water taxi from Horseshoe Bay, all meals and snacks, accommodation, all facilitator fees and programming. MORE INFO ON ACCOMMODATIONS >

What to Bring:

  • Sleeping bag or duvet, pillow case & towel (fitted sheet & pillow will be provided)

  • clothing for all types of weather

  • sturdy, waterproof footwear

  • toiletries (ear plugs for shared sleeping quarters are wise!)

  • water bottle & insulated coffee/tea mug

FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES >


Getting here - Spring Retreat:

  • April 24: Check-in at Horseshoe Bay: TBC (approx: 8am)

  • April 25: Arrive back to Horseshoe Bay: TBC (approx: 5pm)

Check in will take place at the Public Dock in Horseshoe Bay Village. Please arrive early to find parking and meet us 15 minutes prior to departure time.

GROUND & SITE MAP >

Cancellation Policy:

Once payment has been made, there is a $100 cancellation fee up until 30 days prior to the start of the retreat. With fewer than 30 days notice, there are no refunds. If there is a medical emergency, a positive COVID-19 test, or illness with a doctor’s note with less than 30 days notice, then a camp credit minus a $100 cancellation fee will be applied to the account, to be used within one year towards any camp, retreat or accommodation rental.

Where is Fircom?

Camp Fircom is just 60 minutes via public transit from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, and then a short 20-minute water taxi ride to the camp on beautiful Halkett Bay, Gambier Island. This Professional Development Retreat will be taking place on the unceded, traditional, and ancestral lands of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.