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Saskatoon Public Schools
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Brightwater Science, Environmental and Indigenous Learning Centre
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The Brightwater Science, Environmental and Indigenous Learning Centre provides unique land-based programming for middle years and high school students attending Saskatoon Public Schools. Brightwater programming is an extension of classroom learning. It is delivered through the integration of a variety of curricular subject areas, is based on the ecological knowledge of native prairie landscapes, and honours Indigenous perspectives, content and ceremonies.

Each year more than 3,000 elementary and high school students, teachers and volunteers participate in Brightwater experiences. 

Brightwater Programming

Brightwater provides an opportunity to teach and learn where land-based lessons can best be taught and learned — on the land! The learning that takes place at Brightwater is an extension of provincial curricula and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action in education. Experiences follow pre-visit preparation in the classroom and are the basis for many post-visit challenges.

Brightwater programming:
  • Provides dynamic holistic experiences in three seasons: autumn, winter and spring
  • Offers half-day to two-night, three-day experiences in a natural setting for students in Grades 6 to 12
  • Connects students and teachers to the land in meaningful ways from Indigenous and Western perspectives.
Brightwater programming success can be attributed to the tremendous support received from the Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) Board of Trustees, SPS administrative council, Brightwater staff, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education Unit, teachers, parents/caregivers, partners and the Saskatoon community.

Brightwater Sites

There are two Brightwater sites located adjacent to one another on a quarter section of land approximately 15 kilometres south of Saskatoon on Highway 219 along Beaver Creek.

  • Middle years programming is based on the 100 acres of land rented from the Salvation Army’s Beaver Creek Camp.
  • High school programming is based on the adjoining 60 acres owned by Saskatoon Public Schools.
In spring 2013, the Nutrien Eco-Science and Indigenous Learning Centre was opened at the Saskatoon Public Schools Brightwater site. Thanks to a generous donation from Nutrien, the centre provides classroom, office and meeting room space, as well as kitchen facilities, to support year-round student learning at the site.

Brightwater First Nations Ceremonial Grounds

The Brightwater First Nations Ceremonial Grounds offers high school students, teachers and the Saskatoon community opportunities to engage in First Nations ceremonies under the leadership of Saskatoon Public Schools' First Nations, Inuit and Métis Education Unit.