This interactive session explores land-based learning through an inter-Indigenous lens, highlighting how relationships with land, story, and community can shape meaningful educational experiences for youth. Facilitators Liv Martinez and Atieno Ouma will share practices from their work in outdoor and place-based education that encourage middle school students to build curiosity, observation skills, and a sense of responsibility toward the environments and communities they are part of.
Participants will engage in a model lesson and collaborative activities designed to help educators incorporate land-based learning into their own classrooms or school communities. Together, we will explore how Indigenous science practices such as observation, storytelling, and relational learning can support student identity, belonging, and connection to place.
Olivia “Liv” Martinez (she/her) is Kickapoo, Pyramid Lake Paiute, and Hispanic, born and raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Her early connection to land and community shaped her passion for outdoor education and working with youth. Now serving as Program Manager at Nature... Read More →
Atieno Ouma is a dedicated leader in outdoor education and community engagement with extensive experience designing experiential programs that connect young people to education, community, and the natural world. Originally from Kenya and raised in Massachusetts, she has lived in New... Read More →
