2026 Leadership Clinic
From April 17-19, we welcomed 36 educators from across the Columbia Basin and beyond to develop plans to support their schools and communities. With several action items, including the Inspiration Handbook and the development of local workshops, we had a very productive weekend.
Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being, Health and Well Being, Assessment for Learning, Inclusion, Risk Management, Numeracy and Literacy, Climate Resilience, Inquiry and Connecting to Community were all central to our discussions and planning.
This Leadership Clinic provided representatives from 9 Local Chapters of EEPSA (BC Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association) with the opportunity to take the time to come together to connect, collaborate and plan for ways they can support outdoor and environmental learning in their region.
Some of the incredible feedback we received:
“The Leadership Clinic is one of the rare gatherings where it is known in advance that there will be ample time to formulate and refine ideas, reflect on the past year, and set new ideas in motion. The time belongs to the participants and allows for rich discussions where ideas can germinate and get refined throughout the weekend. In addition, we leave with a plan of action that is achievable. Being able to get together and connect with like-minded colleagues from neighbouring districts highlights similarities and becomes an inspirational setting when considering how challenges are addressed. Definitely a productive weekend.”
“I found my first Nipika experience to be incredibly inspiring. I am returning with new ideas, new resources, new connections, and an excitement to support other educators in my district in bringing more environmental and outdoor learning to their classrooms.”
“It is so rare that teachers are given the time to come together and discuss and envision and plan. We often have many aspirations for the things we want to do, but the Leadership Clinic at Nipika gives us the time to turn our aspirations and goals into concrete plans. Thank you for the gift of time!”
These local chapters were supported at the leadership clinic by organizations such as CBEEN, KBEE, EEPSA, the NAAEE and the Outdoor Learning School and Store.
