Centre offers land-based learning opportunities for families in the Southeast

There are some really interesting opportunities to learn about nature and the land right here in southeastern Manitoba. 

The Gerhard E. Dekker Regenerative Education Centre (GED-REC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in the fall of 2021. 

Kara Peters Parkinson says a group of families were exploring different models, looking for ways to cooperatively educate their children. 

“The centre grew out of that and expanded to meet the needs of families in the Southeast,” says Peters Parkinson. “We’ve started doing intergenerational programming as well.” 

She says this fits in really nicely for people in the Southeast who want a more holistic, nature-based learning experience.

(Photo Credit: Facebook.com/gedrec)

 Deanna Kazina says they offer land-based workshops that are open to the public. 

“That’s honouring the teachings of the land itself and of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers,” Kazina says. “So, bringing that element of learning and that dimension of understanding the world and our place with nature, and how we’re all connected to nature as well.” 

On June 24th, there is a Homeschoolers Market Table where any interested youth or adult is invited to participate in a farmer's market near Kleefeld, at the 31 North Market. 
 
Drumming workshop 
 
In conjunction with the market, GED-REC offers the opportunity to join in an African Djembe drumming workshop with Jay Stoller from the Drum Cafe and African Vibes Imports. The session will be on Saturday, June 24th from 1:15-1:50pm at the 31 North Market. Da Yaddies will also play a special featured set. 

A couple more sessions are planned this year for Seasons on the Prairies, taking place at Manitoba's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve with Botanist Laura Reeves. The first session took place on June 1st with a full class. 

Click here to find more information about upcoming workshops through the Gerhard E. Dekker Regenerative Education Centre, which was named after the founding member of the Northern Sun Co-op, which was established in 1984, the first Ecovillage of its kind in Manitoba.

All events are inclusive and accessible, often free to attend or subsidized by grants and fundraising. 

-With files from Carly Koop