Welcome to Nature School in the Quw'utsun Valley

A place where children thrive, connect, and explore.
Our Nature School is not just an outdoor program—it’s an immersive, joyful, and supportive experience designed to deepen children's connection to themselves, each other, and the natural world.

Here, children of all ages engage with the land and with one another through play, ancestral skills, and deep nature connection, at a pace that honors their unique stages of development. Through these experiences, we nurture curiosity, resilience, respect, and a lasting love for the Earth.

Our Roots & Educational Approach

Connection to land, lineage, and learning.
Nature School’s approach is grounded in the understanding that connection—to land, to self, to each other—is foundational to healthy development. Our programs draw from a rich lineage of nature-based education models, including the 8 Shields framework, Coyote Mentoring, and ancestral ways of learning from the Earth as teacher and guide.

These teachings have been carried forward through multiple nature connection mentoring lineages, initially influenced by the Wisdom of the Earth and Thriving Roots. These traditions are inspired by the teachings and connections with Jon Young, Tom Brown Jr., and Stalking Wolf of the Lipan Apache tribe. Our longstanding relationship with the local Quw’utsun Nation, cultivated over 20 years, forms a vital foundation for our place-based mentoring model.

In 2020, our founder invited our Lead Elder, Qwiyahwultu-hw (Robert George, Quw’utsun Elder), to join the Nature Programs. Recognizing the importance of honoring and including the local Indigenous peoples in this work, Cari welcomed his guidance. Since then, he has shared teachings, stories, songs, and drumming with our community. His core teaching, Naat Sa Mat Sqwu’luwun — One Heart, One Mind, is central to our programs, emphasizing inclusivity, compassion, and deep listening.

We also wish to honor the Elders who were part of our first Indigenous workshop: Qwiyahwultu-hw / Robert George and Thuitsiye / Pamela Bourque, whose guidance has been invaluable to our work.

The 8 Shields model, which informs our mentor training, is rooted in a global tapestry of wisdom traditions passed down by cherished Elders such as Ingwe (Norman Powell) of British descent and an initiated member of the Akamba tribe of Kenya; Gilbert Walking Bull, Lakota holy man; Jake and Judy Swamp, Wolf Clan Elders of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation; and Naro Elder Ganuma of the San Bushmen.

Many of these Elders have passed into the spirit world, and we honor them as ancestors. Their teachings continue to guide our mentors, who also study with present-day teachers including Sal Gencarelle, the Helper’s Mentoring Society, Malidoma Somé, Martin Prechtel, Bill Plotkin, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Sharon Blackie, Francis Weller, Marshall Rosenberg, and Joanna Macy, among others.

This philosophy is brought to life by our Director and Founder, Cari Burdett, whose leadership is the heart of our community.
For over 18 years in the Quw’utsun Valley, Cari has been building bridges—through music, service, and relationship with local Coast Salish Indigenous Elders—to foster connection, healing, and belonging. She is the founder of the Lila Music and Nature Centre, a mother of three, and a lifelong mentor devoted to supporting all ages in rediscovering the joy and wisdom of nature.

Cari brings over 30 years of professional training in Anthroposophic and Waldorf pedagogy, music therapy, pre- and perinatal trauma work, and communication models such as Nonviolent Communication and The Way of Council. Her more recent studies include immersive training in Deep Nature Connection, ceremony, and rites of passage through Wisdom of the Earth, Thriving Roots, and ongoing mentorship with Sal Gencarelle and the Helper’s Mentoring Society.

Cari’s warmth, depth, and vision infuse every part of Nature School. She continues to inspire a culture of mentorship and reverence—where children are not only supported, but seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.

Our Approach Is Built On:

• Connection-Based Learning: Encouraging meaningful engagement with the outdoors.
• Holistic Development: Nurturing physical, emotional, and intellectual growth.
• Community Engagement: Fostering reciprocity, respect, and shared responsibility.
• Mentorship: Empowering youth to guide and inspire one another.
• Trauma-Informed Practices: Creating safe, supportive spaces led with care.

Each mentor at our school undergoes training in nature connection and Wilderness First Aid, and carries a strong foundation in trauma-informed and culturally respectful practices.

Our Story

Growing together in community and nature.
Founded in 2024, Nature School began with a vision of creating a safe, joyful, and grounded space where children could build deep relationships—with the land, each other, and themselves.

Our first year blossomed with 24 children joining us for Weekly Forest Fridays and Monthly Forest Sundays. These programs grew organically in response to a clear need: a place for continued, creative, and safe exploration in nature.

From day one, we’ve been guided by values of inclusion, respect, and community. Our Youth Leadership Program invites older participants to mentor younger ones, cultivating confidence, empathy, and shared responsibility.

This work is fueled by community support and a shared belief that children thrive when they are trusted, supported, and immersed in nature.

Respecting and Serving the Local Indigenous Community

A commitment to right relationship and reconciliation.
We acknowledge with deep respect that Nature School is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking peoples, including the Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, and Penelakut Tribe, among others.

These communities have been in relationship with this land since time immemorial. We honor their stewardship and are committed to walking a path of humility, allyship, and ongoing reconciliation.

We’ve been privileged to build relationships with Quw'utsun Elders, offering support for ceremonies, food for funerals, and financial contributions when possible. We’ve also participated in Sweat Lodge ceremonies and welcomed Indigenous teachings into our school community.

This work is a living, breathing, everyday commitment to healing, understanding, and building a future of mutual respect.
| With one heart, one mind — Naat sa Mat Sqwu’lu’wun

Scholarships for Indigenous Students

As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and reparation, Indigenous students who are accepted into our programs receive an automatic scholarship, awarded without regard to financial need. This reflects our deep respect and desire to honor the original stewards of this land.