A Traditional Squamish Welcome

Since time immemorial, the land on which our conference venue sits has been inhabited by the Squamish People. And in just one week, 100+ experiential educators will gather together on this rich, cultural Coast Salish Traditional Territory.

We are therefore honoured and grateful to invite Latashkinem, a descendant of the Skxwu7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation), to offer a traditional welcome on Friday evening of the 24th annual AEE NW Conference.

The welcoming is to acknowledge the people who have traveled far to participate in this event and thank them for honouring the invitation to be here.

As an employee of the Ayas Men Men Children and Family Services in Squamish, Latashkinem provides cultural programs that help develop a sense of belonging to foster the youth’s distinct identity. He has explored many of the  “Snewayelh” training grounds traversing the mountains and upholding the beliefs of the Skwxu7mesh People.

We are thrilled to have Latashkinem join us for the entire weekend, contributing to our community of service and passion for experiential education.

If you haven’t yet registered, now’s the time! Secure your spot at the 2012 AEE NW Conference in Squamish, BC, Canada! Register here.

Getting to know the Playnote: Jeff Willis

Jeff Willis, the 2012 AEE NW Conference Playnote, is the founder and principal consultant for Creative Toolbox. He specializes in helping organizations and people to think out of the box, work more collaboratively together and build a sense of appreciation for the assets we already possess.

We’ve asked Jeff to answer 18 questions inspired by the Proust Questionnaire in attempt to reveal his true nature and to find out what we can expect from his playnote on Friday, April 13.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Cheddar cheese (very old) on a French baguette with fresh butter, enjoyed on a very long holiday stint. It’s sunny outside, and the smell of fresh fair trade dark-roasted coffee in front of me along with a newspaper… Wait! I am also in a foreign country and my family is about to arrive to start our daily adventure. The moment between individual bliss and the gratitude of a family adventure.

What does your ideal day look like?

Waking my daughter each morning by singing “Wakie Wakie, Eggs and Bakie! Good morning, Sunshine!” From there I am open to whatever happens so long as it’s a step forward in making life a better place. At the end of the day, giving my wife and daughter a kiss before bed.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Scotch. That’s it. Think Anchor Man (the movie) and Ron Burgundy’s “Scotchie Scotch”.

What possession would you be heartbroken if you lost?

My family is not my possession so I would say my house. I’ve had to work very hard to purchase it.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I have a long torso. And short legs. So I run like a chicken… Nah! I wouldn’t change a thing. This question feels like one of those trick questions…

What childhood fear has followed you into adulthood?

Snakes. Big ones. I’ve had two encounters where I have nearly stepped on poisonous snakes. They just scare me.

Do you take comfort in darkness or light?

Light, of course, as it allows me to have the best view of my surroundings. Don’t vampires come out at night? Come on, people!

Do you remember your dreams?

Certainly, I do, for most dreams. The ones I cannot and should not talk about, I soon forget.

How do you collect snippets of observations and ideas that come to you unexpectedly?

I repeat the idea/comment/experience in my mind so I don’t forget. I do my best to follow up with the person right away if they are involved with the idea. Finally, I like to write it down and eventually incorporate the idea into a life experience.

What emotions do you experience when you begin a new project?

Conviction, determination, 100% focus and 150% super high-level of energy. I am an “all in” type of person.

What is your favourite way to avoid work?

Not show up. (I can afford to not show up as I work a lot of over time in the first place.) I love to watch movies or go for bike rides. Typically, I avoid work by planning an experience or vacation. 

Does being in love propel or postpone your work?

Hmm… I would say my wife and daughter keep me balanced and focused but they also help propel my work. So yes.

How do you work under pressure?

Unfortunately I work extremely well under pressure and I wish I didn’t.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I really don’t have one. I do respect Steve Jobs, Robin Williams and Pierre Trudeau.

If you were reincarnated as a person or thing, who or what would you be?

I would be a sailboat. To have the opportunity to travel and see the world by sea is something remarkable. I have a love for the sea and one of my bucket list items is to learn how to sail.

What is your most memorable EE-related project or program?

Starting Fireside Adventures has been an 8-year dream. It’s a combination of my Outward Bound experience, my background in child and youth work, and my summer camp days. It truly has been an awesome experience building a program from scratch and giving so many kids the opportunity to explore, discover and learn.

What is your favourite part about working in experiential education?

Knowing I can be a leader, facilitator and learner – all at the same time. To be honest, my favourite part is really the people I meet each day who share the same interest and passion for EE.

Tell us one thing you cannot prove but believe to be true.

Quebec City will get their NHL hockey team back. Trust me – Canada will get more hockey teams.

On Friday, April 13, prepare yourself for a full-on, satirical and adventure-filled experience with The Canadian Bacon Play, including games such as Beaver Tail Tag and Moose on the Loose! It’s sure to be one of the most engaging, talked about and remembered sessions of the conference!

To register for the 2012 AEE NW Regional Conference, follow this link: http://www.aee.org/conference/register/id/54/

The Keynote: Refresh us with inspiration

And what a task it is. But we’ve got just the person for you. This year, we sought someone who has found their edge in experiential education. This year, your keynote speaker is Julian Norris.

Julian Norris has an eclectic background in ecopsychology, community development and outdoor education. Born in the UK, Julian came to North America in his late teens and lived and worked on a reservation in South Dakota. Here he had his “world turned upside down” by people living on the land; “wonderful elders and medicine people” who he describes as “incredible teachers.” He went on to study anthropology with a focus in traditional healing and in the late 1980s, his graduate research brought him to Canada for a long weekend. That weekend, as he says in this Park Radio podcast, “has now turned into 20 years!”

With a love for inter-cultural understanding and the Canadian Rocky Mountain wilderness, Julian has established himself as a leader in experiential education. He has extensive experience as a facilitator working with at-risk youth and existentially-challenged adults. In 1994, Julian co-founded Ghost River Rediscovery, a cultural outdoor education program based on Aboriginal traditions and values.

Today, Julian is the current Director of Innovation and Development at Outward Bound Canada where he oversees programs throughout Western Canada. He is also the researcher-in-residence at The Banff Centre where he examines the practical use of nature-based experiential education to support organizational and social change outcomes.

According to Cross River Wilderness Centre, Julian has “a subtle trickster and playful attitude that can captivate even the toughest of audiences.” And not only that: his doctorate research has the potential to heavily impact the world of environmental education!

We can’t wait to hear Julian’s keynote presentation this April! What are you looking forward to at the conference?

You say keynote, we say playnote

If you’ve attended a conference before, you likely know the drill:

You arrive. You get your name tag. You sit in a chair and face a stage surrounded by fellow attendees. You’re addressed by a well-articulated, thoughtful speaker. This speaker motivates from the heart and you feed off the energy. Your excitement peaks and you wish, oh wish, to talk about it with your neighbours but you’re being rushed off to a tour or workshop.

There’s no chance to burn that inspired energy. You’ve got to tuck it away with hopes to hash it out later.

But not at this conference. No way. At the AEE NW Regional Conference, we know our audience. We know they need an activity to burn that energy.

So enters the playnote.

Rather than a lecture or monologue, a playnote engages conference attendees through active learning and adventure-based activities to create an entertaining and meaningful message. Playnotes are often offered in combination with a keynote presentation to drive home the conference’s theme.

In past years, AEE NW has presented playnotes by Erik Marter of Synergo and by the team at Passages Northwest (now part of YMCA Leadership). This year, we’re excited to have Jeff Willis of Creative Toolbox to help in FINDING YOUR EDGE in experiential education!

Jeff will present his playnote, The Canadian Bacon Play, on Friday, April 13. Expect a full-on, satirical and adventure-filled experience of why Canadians love their bacon and style of play – Beaver Tail Tag and Moose on the Loose games! It’s sure to be one of the most engaging, talked about and remembered sessions of the conference, so be sure to arrive on time!

For information about playnote sessions, visit Creative Toolbox: http://creativetoolbox.ca/ct/workshops/playnote-and-keynote/ 

To register for the 2012 AEE NW Regional Conference, follow this link: http://www.aee.org/conference/register/id/54/