Wolves, Ptarmigan and Lake Trout: critical elements of a northern Canadian place-conscious pedagogy

Morten Asfeldt

This presentation will examine remote wilderness travel and the study and writing of personal narratives as a means for understanding and developing relationships with landscape. This interdisciplinary approach has been successfully used in the Canadian sub-arctic for a number of years to promote a greater understanding and awareness of the landscape that we travel through as well as enhancing students’ understanding of Canada as a northern nation. In addition, while these experiences take place in remote regions of Canada during the cold and dark of winter, students are encouraged to explore broader global and environmental implications of their current lifestyles. A frequent outcome is a desire by students to live a simpler life that is more directly linked to essential elements of their daily lives such as water, food and heat. Practices that do not, a first glance, align themselves with current Leave No Trace ideals are a controversial aspect of these learning experiences and will be explored (i.e.: hunting, fishing and trapping).

Morten Asfeldt
Associate Professor of Physical Education
Augustana Campus
University of Alberta
Camorse, AB.
CANADA
T4V-2R3

Phone: 780-679-1158
Email: morten.asfeldt@ualberta.ca