Pine River Institute’s Senior Director of Operations and Campus Life, Dan Ardis, recently joined hosts Sam and Matt on the Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin podcast for a thoughtful conversation about wilderness therapy at Pine River — particularly the Outdoor Leadership Experience (OLE), the land-based first phase of our program for youth.
During the episode, Dan describes how six to eight weeks on the land help young people build readiness, resilience and a renewed sense of self through small-group living, mentorship and outdoor leadership. These experiences reflect many of the themes explored in Gwekwaadziwin Miikan’s own land-based approach.
The conversation also highlights an ongoing exchange of learning between our two organizations. Pine River staff participate in Gwekwaadziwin Miikan’s Indigenous Land-Based Counsellor training, deepening our understanding of colonization, intergenerational trauma and culturally grounded approaches to care. This learning is ongoing and continues to inform our work.
Listen to the episode: Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin — Season 2, Episode 6: Dan Ardis