Ȩhsáhdok

(You Will Grow)
Land Based Program

grade
9

The Grade 9 Esháhdok Program at SNP Secondary School offers a transformative, cross-curricular learning experience deeply rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and land-based education. Designed to support students in their transition to high school, the Esháhdok Program not only enriches academic learning but also nurtures personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of identity, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.

glowing lightbulb

Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing/learning. The program is grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, honouring traditional teachings and perspectives.


graduation cap in a frame

Student centred and focused on community building. The program creates a supportive environment where students collaborate and build meaningful relationships within their school and community.


overlapping open books

Taught cross curricularly. Subjects are integrated across the curriculum to create meaningful, connected learning experiences.


landscape scenery of mountain and trees

Land based and experiential. Learning happens through hands-on activities on the land, encouraging deep engagement with the environment and culture.


SNPSS Esháhdok

For the 2025/26 school year, students in the Esháhdok program will explore Outdoor Education and Geography through hands-on, land-based learning. They will develop practical skills, deepen their understanding of the environment, and connect classroom knowledge to real-world experiences rooted in Indigenous perspectives.

Yes, all grade 9s at SNP Secondary School go through the Esháhdok programming as part of their timetable.

The Esháhdok program follows the Ontario Secondary School curriculum, but it is taught through land-based, hands-on learning that is deeply connected to Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.

Esháhdok students can expect hands-on learning experiences that take place on the land and change with the seasons. Activities may include corn harvesting, water testing, outdoor exploration, community field trips. These seasonal experiences help students build a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and a connection to the natural world, Indigenous knowledge systems, and their cultural identity.

ISC Indigenous Services Canada
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