Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators was created to help teachers, facilitators, and caregivers bring the rich Indigenous teachings of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s work into learning spaces in a thoughtful, accessible way. The original Braiding Sweetgrass is deeply poetic and layered, and while it's beloved by many adults, it can be challenging for younger readers to fully engage with on their own.

This powerful adaptation brings forward Indigenous teachings in a way that invites reflection, gratitude, and reconnection with the natural world—for both young people and the young at heart. The course emphasized themes of reciprocity, relationship, and presence, encouraging us to see the land not just as a resource, but as a relative and teacher.

Participating in this course reminded me how powerful land-based practices can be in building connection, calm, and self-worth in the youth I support. Whether it’s taking a moment to reflect beside water, offering gratitude to the land, or sharing teachings about the moon, these simple practices create space for healing and belonging. Braiding Sweetgrass helped me reconnect with why I bring nature into my work—and how those moments can be both culturally meaningful and emotionally grounding for all youth, especially those carrying trauma or disconnection.

I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to deepen their connection with Indigenous teachings and create meaningful, grounding experiences for both young people and the young at heart.

Winter Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators Course - Outdoor Learning School & Store

Closing blessing from the course:

"May there be blessings and beauty to the left of you... to the right of you... above you... below you... behind you... in front of you. And may you always remember — you are a blessing, and there is beauty within you."