Episode notes
In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Dan Ardis from Pine River Institute, an organization known for its long-term, land-based treatment model supporting youth and families across Ontario.
Dan brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator, vice principal, and principal, and now plays a key leadership role in Pine River’s outdoor leadership and campus programs. Together, we explore what wilderness therapy really looks like—beyond the buzzwords—and how six to eight weeks on the land helps young people build readiness, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.
The conversation dives into:
- Pine River’s unique model combining wilderness programming, therapeutic community, and academics
- How staff prepare youth (and themselves) for ...
Keywords
mental healthaddictionsprogramgwekgwekwaadziwinlandland basedhealingmanitoulinindigenouscanadahelping