JULY 6, 2026: Swan Lake First Nation, MB – Tour and Potluck with Prairie Ojibwe Environmental

You’re invited to a tour and potluck with Prairie Ojibwe Environmental at Swan Lake First Nation, Manitoba. Join us to learn about traditional Ojibwe methods of growing food and observing and interacting with the land.

This event will start with an intro circle and potluck for attendees to build connections and get to know our hosts. During the tour attendees will get hands-on learning experience in the community permaculture gardens, go for a guided hike to learn more about biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, and hear from Elder David Scott about the history of the lands and ways to be in good relationship with it.

David and Finn (the tour hosts and guides) are two Manitobans who care deeply about the prairies, the water, and everything that connects people to the land. Their mission is to use traditional Ojibwe knowledge and a Western scientific perspective to teach others to protect and live with the environment we all share and rely on, and to build stronger relationships between communities in a changing climate.

David Scott is an Ojibwe Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Indigenous Environmental Expert and oral historian. David has had a long career in these fields across Canada, spending his life passing on traditional Ojibwe environmental knowledge to the next generations. Some of his current projects include teaching young adults traditional knowledge in the field, facilitating cultural land-based workshops, reintroducing Ojibwe gardening to his local community, and monitoring southern Manitoba’s environments.

Finn Rachul is David Scott’s trainee in traditional environmental knowledge. Finn specializes in using both his taught traditional environmental knowledge and a Western scientific perspective. Working alongside David to teach environmental issues, Finn also manages local permaculture projects, trains students during the summer, and leads field trips for schools. In his spare time, you’ll find Finn skiing with his dog, hiking, and gathering seeds from the bush.

During this event you will:

• Learn what to look for in the landscape to show signs of health or depletion.
• Gain insights on ways to improve soil and ecosystem health.
• Learn Traditional Ojibwe teachings for anyone in relationship with the land.

When we gather together to learn from Elder David Scott, we will be giving him an offering of food, as it is protocol to make an offering in reciprocity when knowledge is being shared by an Elder or Indigenous knowledge keeper. This is a gesture that is important to ensure that the knowledge that is shared is being received respectfully and in right relations. You are encouraged to bring a small offering as well. Dave loves the gift of food. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with the appropriate protocol for gifting, it is encouraged to please reach out and ask more about what the protocol is, and we will be happy to guide you.

This event is open to any person who is working closely with the land, is dependent on the land and water (everyone), or is interested in having a better understanding of Traditional Ojibwe knowledge.

Please join us to learn new ways to listen to the land, learn from traditional wisdom, walk through a beautiful ecosystem, and make new connections.

WHEN: Monday, July 6, 2026 | 12pm – 4pm

LOCATION: Swan Lake First Nation, Manitoba (better known as “Gaubiskiigamaug,” curve in the lake)

Part 1: Meet at Elaine’s Garden: coordinates: 49.393369, -98.906328

Part 2: Drive to the trailhead for the hike: coordinates: 49.368749, -98.894508

REGISTER: Please RSVP on Eventbrite to help us plan the event.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING: The main part of Swan Lake community is near the intersection of Highway 23 (east/west) and Highway 34 (north/south). From here, drive west about 3 miles to Road 64 W and turn south. Travel about half a mile and watch for “Elaine’s Yard and Garden” on the left. This will be marked with a sign. Park here. We will be here from 12-1:30 then we will head to the trail head 10-mins south.

BRING: You are invited to bring a food item to contribute to the potluck. Please bring fully prepared snack food that can easily be eaten. If you can, please include a little card with ingredients, for folks with food sensitivities. 

To enjoy the meal, please bring your own plate, cutlery and cup, and plan on packing your items back home to clean. Bring along a chair or blanket to sit on, a water bottle, and any sunscreen and insect repellant you might need. Make sure to wear weather and outdoor-suitable clothing and footwear – the event will proceed rain or shine (though there will be tents available for the potluck in case of rain). For restroom facilities, there will be an indoor toilet to use at Elaine’s house and a public restroom near the trailhead for the hike.

ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any accessibility needs, please get in touch with us at saray@youngagrarians.org.

SHARE: Planning on joining us? Invite your friends and share the Facebook event!

About Prairie Ojibwe Environmental

The Ojibwe People have lived on the land for thousands of years, surviving and thriving within the bounds of the ecosystems they live in. Ojibwe environmental knowledge is built on a foundation of taking from nature only what is needed and giving back the rest so that the next generations can flourish as well. There is much we can learn from the traditional people that still carry this knowledge.​

Website: https://www.prairieojibweenvironmental.ca

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• You are welcome to visit the Sunday before (July 5) for a community pow wow and garden concert – email finn.rachul@gmail.com for details if you would like to attend
• This event is free and open to everyone! Supervised children are welcome
• Please leave furry friends at home
• Please stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms
• Please do not bring alcohol to this event
• Please wash your shoes before visiting the farm, especially if you work on or have visited a farm recently

STAY IN TOUCH

• Join our Young Agrarians Manitoba Facebook Group to stay up to date on all events in the region
• Sign up for our e-newsletter to get events and opportunities for your region delivered straight to your inbox.
• Cancellations – Please let us know if you have registered for this event but are no longer able to attend. You can cancel your registration anytime through Eventbrite, via the link in your registration confirmation email, or by contacting us at saray@youngagrarians.org.
• Questions? Email Sara at saray@youngagrarians.org.

This public event is part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program (YAAP). The program matches energetic new entrants with paid opportunities on farms. These farms are committed to helping train the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Farmers and apprentices participating in the program are invited to learn more about agriculture through networking and community building events like this one.