Black Spruce Education

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝘁𝘂́𝗱ǝ 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽 🛶🔥

A 7-day river adventure. 130 km. New skills, new friends, and stories you’ll be telling all year.

Starting in 𝗗𝗲́𝗹𝗶̨𝗻𝗲̨, participants will get trip-ready by learning the basics of food packing, gear prep, and canoe skills before launching from the docks at 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲. From there, the group will paddle down the 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝘁𝘂́𝗱ǝ (𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿) toward the 𝗗ǝ𝗵𝗰𝗵𝗼 (𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿) and 𝗧𝘂𝗹ı́𝘁’𝗮.

Along the way, participants will travel through incredible northern landscapes, build confidence on the water, and take part in cultural programming with 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱!

This program is designed for Sahtu youth to learn introductory canoe-tripping skills in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.. perfect for building independence, teamwork, and connection to the land!

📅 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟭–𝟭𝟴
👥 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀: 13–14
🛶 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: 8

Spots are limited, register now at https://blackspruceeducation.com/all-boys-great-bear-lake-2026/ or use the QR code!

𝗦𝗮𝗵𝘁𝘂́ 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 🛶🌊

Big lake. Big canoe. Big memories.

From 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟵–𝟭𝟱, participants ages 𝟭𝟬–𝟭𝟮 will travel 𝟲𝟬 𝗸𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗲𝗹𝗮́𝘄𝗮́ (𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗲) from 𝗧𝘀𝗶́𝗮 (𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘆) to 𝗗𝗲́𝗹ı̨𝗻𝗲̨, paddling on one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

Before heading out, youth will learn from 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝘁𝘂́𝗼𝘁’𝗶̨𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 in 𝗗𝗲́𝗹ı̨𝗻𝗲̨. Along the way, they’ll build real on-the-land skills: travelling safely on big water, setting up camp, cooking outdoors, and taking part of activities to help foster a healthy well-being.

Participants may also have the chance to catch and eat 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝗯𝗮 (𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁), spot wildlife like 𝗧ǫ𝗱𝘇ı (𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗼𝘂) and 𝗴𝗼𝗸𝘄’𝗶 𝗲𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗲́ (𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗸𝗼𝘅).

This intro program is designed to help youth grow confidence, teamwork, cultural connection, and overall wellbeing... all in a safe, supported, unforgettable setting!

📅 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟵–𝟭𝟱
👥 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀: 10–12
🛶 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: 5

Spots are filling up! Register now:
https://blackspruceeducation.com/sahtu-big-canoe-program/
Or scan the QR code.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 🛶✨

This isn’t just a canoe trip... it’s a full-on Sahtú adventure!

Starting in Ł𝗲𝗴𝗼́𝗵𝗹ı̨ (𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀), participants and staff will fly out to begin a 𝟭𝟱-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝘁𝘂́. Along the way, youth will fish, build survival skills on the land, learn from Elders and Knowledge Holders, and take on real leadership roles within the group.

This program is designed for Sahtu participants who are ready to take on leadership roles by growing confidence, teamwork, canoe-tripping skills, and experience living well on the land.

We’re currently exploring potential river routes across the Sahtú to choose the best fit for this leadership-focused program. Stay tuned here and on our socials for updates!

🎓 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲! Reach out to our team so we can help make it happen.

📅 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟱–𝟮𝟮
👥 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀: 16–17
🛶 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: 7

Spots are filling fast! Apply here:
https://blackspruceeducation.com/rabbit-skin-river-2026/
Or scan the QR code.

Our staff just got back from upgrading their Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification with Wilderness Medical Associates at Uplift Adventures in Coleman Alberta!

Alongside these 3 amazing Sahtú leaders, Jaden Lennie, Naokah Bailes, and Riley Modeste, we're continuing to invest in the safety, leadership, and care we bring to every youth program on the land. The WFR is one of the highest levels of first aid certification in remote environments, requiring 70+ hours of hands-on training, real-life simulations, and critical decision-making in wilderness scenarios.

From patient assessments and emergency response to environmental and backcountry medicine, this training ensures we’re prepared to manage medical situations for days or even weeks in isolated settings. Safety is our top priority!

This upgrade also means that Riley and Jaden will be stepping into leadership roles this season, helping us move toward 100% Sahtu Dene staffed programs for our youth. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of. We’re committed to building our skills so youth in our programs can feel safe, supported, and confident on the land.

Mahsi to everyone who continues to support this work 💛

We’re proud to continue growing Indigenous leadership within our programs. 🌱

Through Black Spruce Education’s Facilitator Development Program, more Sahtú Dene youth are gaining opportunities to work on their own land, learn from local Elders and Knowledge Holders, and build meaningful connections with youth in their communities.

Want to learn more about our Facilitator Development Program or have questions for our team? Reach out anytime, we’re always happy to chat. 💛

𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 🏔️✨

Ready for a summer story worth telling? Spend 𝟴 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 at 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲, deep in the Mackenzie Mountains: exploring remote alpine trails, heading out on epic day trips, and maybe even taking on an overnight backcountry adventure!

You’ll build real wilderness skills, connect with the land, and have the chance to spot migrating Ekwę (Caribou) in mountains most people will never get to experience-- ALL expenses paid for!!

This is a guided, skill-building adventure designed for youth to grow confidence, independence, and outdoor knowledge in a remote and meaningful setting.

📅 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟴–𝟭𝟴
👥 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: 14–16
🎒 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: 8

Spots are filling fast! Apply here:
https://blackspruceeducation.com/ten-stone-intro-to-hiking-2026/
Or scan the QR code!

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 🌲🛶

Safety is our top priority on every trip, so you can feel confident heading into the boreal forrest with us.

Here’s what that looks like:

🦺 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿 & 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) on the water.
Our staff always carry multiple ways to stay connected, including satellite phones, GPS trackers (Garmin inReach), and radios, so we can reach help if needed, even in remote areas!!

⚠️ 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀
Before and during every trip, we plan for things like cold water, rapids, wildlife, severe weather & weather changes, and medical situations.
We have safety plans to prevent issues and respond quickly if something comes up.

🧠 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳
All staff are certified in Wilderness First Aid (minimum 20 hours).
Each trip includes team members trained in advanced paddling and swift water rescue.
At least one lead instructor is a Wilderness First Responder (80 hours of medical training).

⛑️ 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀
We carry a fully stocked first aid kit with supplies for both minor and serious situations.
We also have access to an on-call doctor to guide us if additional care is needed.

💛 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼
We create a supportive, inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable, respected, and looked after throughout the trip.

POV: You’re scrolling through a Black Spruce Education participant’s camera roll 📸✨ K’álǫdǝ Canoe Program Edition

July 8–20: Participants and staff will hop on Twin Otter planes, flying over LÍmarıdú Shı́ (Hamar Mountain) to the remote northwest end of Kelly Lake. From there, the journey begins—paddling 130 km over 10 days through stunning mountain landscapes, across Luge dek’ale Túé (Kelly Lake), and down the K’álǫdǝ́ (Bracket) river system to the Sahtúdǝ (Great Bear River). The trip wraps up in Tulı́t’a before flying back to Łegóhlı̨ to close out the experience.

Flights, gear, accommodations? Covered (because who doesn’t love a free trip).

Besties, new skills, confidence, and core summer memories loading… no experience needed 🌿

POV: You found a Black Spruce Education participant’s camera roll 📸✨ All-Girls Sahtúdé Edition

August 10–17: Starting in Délįnę, our all-girls trip paddles 130km down the Great Bear River over 7 unforgettable days, finishing in Tulı́t’a!

Open to girls ages 13–14, and no experience is needed... all skill levels are welcome!

Flights, gear, and accommodations are all covered — all you have to do is show up ready for adventure.

Spend your summer making new friends, building confidence, learning new skills, and connecting to the land 🌿🛶

More info here: https://blackspruceeducation.com/all-girls-great-bear-lake-2026/

Our Deadline to apply for the Facilitator Training Program is approaching (April 25th)! Don't miss out on this amazing summer employment opportunity!

👉 Apply Here (Sahtú Youth Ages 18-24):
https://forms.gle/ws79ZRbvpCtGfPnQ6

🚨 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺! (𝟯 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲) 🚨

👉 Apply Here (Sahtú Youth Ages 18-24):
https://forms.gle/ws79ZRbvpCtGfPnQ6

👉Job Posting with more details on our website: https://blackspruceeducation.com/facilitator-training-program/