The Value of On-the-Land Learning

In my role, I often have the opportunity to share stories about the work of Indigenous Ministry and its On-the-Land Learning gatherings. Recently, I was able to attend one myself at New Moon Community Homestead, and I came away with a deeper appreciation for the experience.

When an event invitation lands in your inbox, it can be easy to hesitate. Calendars are full, and spending a day with people you may not know can feel a little intimidating. I felt some of that uncertainty myself. But by the end of the day, I was so glad I had gone.

There is something meaningful about learning while working alongside others. Throughout the day, we cleaned a sheep barn, prepped wool, and learned about the ways different parts of the farm ecosystem support one another. Being outdoors and engaging in hands-on activities created space for conversations and learning that felt natural and genuine.

One of my favourite parts of the gathering was meeting people from the CRC who were all at different stages of their reconciliation journeys. Everyone came with curiosity and a willingness to learn. The atmosphere made it easy to connect with others, ask questions, and share perspectives.

The facilitator also helped create a warm and welcoming environment. Their openness and willingness to engage with questions encouraged thoughtful conversations about stewardship, relationships, and reconciliation.

I left feeling encouraged, inspired, and grateful for the experience. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I've already been telling friends about it, and I hope to bring someone with me to a future gathering.

If you've ever considered attending an On-the-Land Learning event, I would encourage you to take the opportunity. You might be surprised by how much you learn—and how refreshed you feel by the experience.

If you’re interested in participating in one, reach out and let us know: [email protected]