This FreeLab focused on using participatory design methods to create spaces for outdoor learning, gathering, and play along the community trail in Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation, NB). Together with a dedicated team of local partners and students, we engaged the wider community in the design process to ensure that the spaces reflect the needs and desires of youth, educators, elders, and knowledge holders.

With Wolastoq Education Initiative, a dedicated team of Dalhousie Architecture students and Ulnooweg Education Center our team built two spaces: the first is a space for storytelling and basket weaving, defined by a playful land-responsive structure of circular decks and a woven hammock. The second is a sacred fire pit with stones painted and placed by community youth. We also collaborated on a vision + illustrated site plan for future spaces that will transform the trail into a series of outdoor classrooms large enough for the whole school.