Professional development retreats
for educators
Are you an educator interested in learning more about Indigenous education, culture and ways of knowing?
Walking with The Squamish
Professional Development Retreats for Educators
two retreats in 2025:
*Thurs-Fri April 10-11, 2025: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATORS
*Fri-Sat October 24-25, 2025: 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. REGISTRATION OPENS FEB 1, 2025
FALL RETREAT: professional development retreat for educators of all backgrounds and grade levels (Kindergarten through Secondary) REGISTRATION OPENS AUG 27, 2025
Hosts:
Longstanding partners the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, Sea to Sky Outdoor School , the David Suzuki Foundation and Camp Fircom.
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: Thursday, April 10th to Friday, April 11th, 2025
Elementary/Secondary Fall Retreat: Friday, October 24th to Saturday, October 25th, 2025
COST:
CRAIGCROFT LODGE: $ TBD (room shared with one other person)
CABIN: $ TBD (shared with up to 7 other people)
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
Getting here: Spring Retreat
April 10, 2025: Check-in at Horseshoe Bay: TBA (approximately 8am)
April 11, 2025: Arrive back to Horseshoe Bay: TBA (approximately 5pm)
Check in will take place at the Public Dock in Horseshoe Bay Village. Please arrive early to find parking.
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.
