Nanaimo Forest School Cooperative

From the middle of May into early June, we have had the opportunity to witness some truly amazing moments in our forest classroom. A mama hummingbird created her nest close by, along with a sweet little grey gnatcatcher who we also stumbled upon in the area.

The children have approached these discoveries with curiosity, gentleness, and a deep sense of wonder. They have been eager to learn what birds use to build their nests, what types of birds are around us, and how we can share the forest while respectfully giving space to our bird friends.

These moments remind us that the forest is always offering invitations to slow down, notice, and build relationships with the natural world around us. 🌿🐦

Learning to sit quietly with the plants and create space for dialogue on what it is the children are experiencing.

"My fern says hello friend"

"I can hear the birds"

- Look at where you are, what do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you feel?

Learning to pause and be present with nature 🌲🐦🦋☀️✨️

What happens when risky play is supported?

When moments like these are offered to a child it gives them an opportunity to build confidence, coordination in their bodies, learn to assess their surroundings, build up resilience in themselves, understand their bodies limits and learn to problem-solve.

Tree climbing creates space for children to flourish in whole body movements, mind, and imagination.
✨️🌲🌳✨️

Come on out and learn about the local plants in Bowen Park this Thursday 3pm–5pm afternoon plant walk along the Millstone River in Bowen Park with local plant knowledge keepers Nancy Turner and Snuneymuxw Elder C'tasi:a Geraldine Manson. See all details below :)

Our team wants to grow – WE ARE HIRING!
🌲​ 📯🌲​ 🔎​🌲 💚​ 🌲
To see what awaits the lucky person and what skills we are looking for check out our job description on indeed:

https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7d10e0a953486cb3&from=shareddesktop_copy

🌲​ 📯🌲​ 🔎​🌲 💚​ 🌲
Please feel free to share with your network.
Thank you.

Weaving ivy vines into baskets? – Guys, it's real!!
Come join the Ivy Pulling and CREATING ART out of it tomorrow (Saturday)– Get inspired what is possible when we come together, pull ivy and bring our creativity to it.

Produced by
Art Action Earwig 예술행동그룹 이어위그
Nanaimo Forest School Cooperative

Sponsored by City of Nanaimo Local Government Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada Cinevolution Media Arts

With support from
Snuneymuxw First Nation
SEED Neighborhood Cooperative
Vancouver Island Regional Library + Fans
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
CHYL 101.7 Radio

PULLING TO GATHER 🌲 🌍 🌲🎭 🌲🦆 🌲 This SATURDAY APRIL 25th. | Join us for another EARTH DAY celebration in BOWEN PARK near the duck pond! 🌲 🌍 🌲

11 am — 5 pm All Details below 👇🏽

Community participatory Eco ART creations and performances to honour the land that we live on by RESTORING FOREST ECOSYSTEMS through invasive species removal and making ART out of the pulled plant material!
Check us out at www.pullingtogather.space

SATURDAY
PROGRAM

11:00
Opening Ceremony - protocol by Snuneymuxw Elder C’tasi:a Geraldine Manson

11:15 am
Art Action Earwig's Placate-ring Performance. Special spirit gifting event with Snuneymuxw artist tsatassaya Tracey White

12:00 pm
Lunch - Miso Soup and more!

12:20 pm
Ivy pulling starts with 3 community groups led by lead artists Christi York, Sonnet Labbé, and Mitch Miyagawa

1 pm
Ivy pulling starts with the last community group led by lead artist Tania Amaral.

1 — 3 pm
Creation/collaboration with the lead artists and team members

3 — 4 pm
Witnessing first 3 groups' creations.

4 pm — 5 pm
Witnessing the last group's creation + Large dance circle with everyone!!!

LOCATION
near the Duck Pond > https://maps.app.goo.gl/EHXjAiUECwKuFc259
🙋🏽 🙋🏻‍♀️ 🙋🏾‍♂️

To PARTICIPATE in Art Creation/Collaboration with local artists on April 25th, sign up:
https://forms.gle/eW55YghVSf248sJD7
🙋🏽 🙋🏻‍♀️ 🙋🏾‍♂️

*To VOLUNTEER on April 25th, please fill out: https://forms.gle/eYrrN2GSybkwMkXS8

Follow Art Action Earwig for other EcoArt nuggets:
www.PullingToGather.space
Art Action Earwig 예술행동그룹 이어위그
https://www.facebook.com/ArtActionEarwig.space
https://www.instagram.com/art_action_earwig/

We acknowledge the SUPPORT of
Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada
City of Nanaimo Local Government
Cinevolution Media Arts

BIG THANK YOU to
Snuneymuxw First Nation
Vancouver Island Regional Library + Fans
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
CHLY 101.7 FM
SEED Neighborhood
Nanaimo Forest School Cooperative



Facebook Event – invite and bring your FRIENDS!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ek55WSvqF/

Come join the fun of art and eco restoration.

Nanaimo Forest School Community Services Cooperative is hiring!

Currently in search of compassionate, mindful, nature-loving educators to support morning programs in our spring term at Linley Valley. Come see what’s behind the veil in two of Nanaimo’s wildest parks as you support young students growing strong connections with water, salmonberry, moss and stone. Challenge yourself to get grounded while nourishing the wonder in every child.

We are looking for someone to work with us during Thursday and Friday mornings from May 5 — June 19, with opportunity for more shifts during our summer camp season for someone who is the right fit.

Nanaimo Forest School Community Services Cooperative has served mid-island families since 2016. We offer low teacher-to-child ratios, flexible hours, a supportive learning environment, competitive compensation, and room to grow with us and create a classroom culture that resonates with nature.

Wage start from $25-30.00/hr depending on experience, and one time $10 co-op membership fee

Qualifications

Current Community Care First Aid or equivalent
Current Criminal Record Check
Holds an ECE Certificate or a BEd in teaching, or a combination of education and experience
Experience or certification working and playing outdoors in all weather
Holistic, intersectional awareness of the complex, abundant relationships that connect humans and nature
Experience or willingness to work on a team
Interest in or basic knowledge about local plants and ecosystems
Experience working with groups of children
Willingness to suit up in outdoor gear and get down and dirty in parks, forests and fields
Reliable transportation
Must carry a phone for emergencies

Please send a detailed resume and thoughtful cover letter to [email protected]