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Saskatoon Public Schools
Inspiring Learning
About
Saskatoon Public Schools’ Brightwater program provides unique out-of-doors learning opportunities, which have taken place on a quarter section of sandy grasslands south of Saskatoon since 1990. The program is operated at the Salvation Army Beaver Creek Camp and the adjacent 60 acres of land acquired by Saskatoon Public Schools from the Saskatoon ​​Wildlife Federation in 1997.

Brightwater is available to Saskatoon Public Schools learners who want to make meaningful connections to the land. Programming is based on the exploration of native prairie landscapes, honours Indigenous knowledge of nature and includes a variety of Saskatchewan curricula. The site is home to a collection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including three lush fresh-water springs, forested riparian habitats along the meandering Brightwater Creek, native prairie grasslands and dry-topped sand dunes. The rich variety of native plants and animals on site are integral to the learning opportunities of every Brightwater visit.

Best-place educational experiences are supported throughout the area, along trails, at creek dipping sites and within several habitat enhancement areas. An extensive network of trails enables students and teachers to explore the ecology of this natural area while ensuring the more sensitive areas are protected for the future. 

The Brightwater site and programming align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with respect to education. Learning is experiential in nature and supports subject areas from an inquiry stance, while honouring Indigenous identity and modelling Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Brightwater acknowledges this is Treaty Six land, is the traditional wintering grounds of the Dakota First Nation and is within the vicinity of the Round Prairie Métis settlement.

Facilities at the Saskatoon Public Schools' Brightwater site consist of the Nutrien Eco-Science and Indigenous Learning Centre, First Nations’ ceremonial grounds with an indoor ceremonial sweat lodge, a rustic schoolhouse, tipis, a straw bale composting washroom and an open fire pit.