East Coast Educator Professional Development

Our East Coast programs are based in Nova Scotia. Throughout the program, we will travel through the traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq People.

This 5-day (4-night) program will make the Atlantic Ocean your classroom on this PD experience. Enjoy hands-on learning and discovery along Nova Scotia’s South and Eastern shores. You’ll slow down to understand the world through the lens of diverse coastal communities whose cultures, livelihoods and landscapes are shaped by the sea.

Perched at the gateway to the 100 Wild Islands, your home base will be The Deanery Project, a world-class Environmental and Arts Learning Centre, referred to as “a living laboratory” with onsite access to ocean, trails, and a community sound studio.  With an approach rooted in the Mi’kmaw concept of Etuaptmumk, or two-eyed seeing, you’ll gain knowledge of the Wabanaki forest and Atlantic coastal ecosystems while building skills in community leadership, Treaty rights, grass-roots climate resilience and sustainable living.

Overview

Date:

Cost:

Duration:

Start/End Point:

May 15-19,
2027

$1,950 +HST

5 days

Halifax/
Ship Harbour

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Cancellation Policy

Program outcomes

Cultural History and ReconciliACTION

Taking an approach that is rooted in relationship, authenticity and storytelling, you'll will develop an understanding of colonialism in Mi’kma’ki (Atlantic Canada). Learn from Elders and Knowledge Holders and engage with community-based reconciliation that is being practiced in real time. Truth, courage, hope, hardship and resiliency are woven into the collective story of this land. Understanding these stories helps us understand ourselves and our country.

Climate Action and Adaptation

Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, gain an understanding of sea level rise and climate change trends, seeing first-hand how systems and communities are working together to adapt, discovering optimism in facing the impacts of a rapidly changing world.

Community Connection and Volunteerism

Whether it’s harvesting eel grass from the beach to use as fertilizer for gardens, or helping a wildlife rehabilitation centre prepare their space for new animals, Howl’s community partnerships are alive with reciprocity, reflecting the needs and values of coastal communities who can’t wait to meet you.

Creative Expression and Wellbeing

Through arts based methodology as well as guided personal reflection, gain confidence embracing creative approaches to teaching. Everyone has a creative spark and a story to tell. This program will offer you a dedicated space to strengthen the light they carry.

Frequently asked questions

  • This program costs $1950 + 14% HST per person. Participants are required to arrange and pay for their own transportation to the program start location.

    This program fee covers all on-program costs, including meals, accommodation, ground transportation, and on-program activities.

  • Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to and from the program start location. This program begins/ends in Halifax/Ship Harbour. If flying, please plan to arrive at the Halifax airport no later than 2:00 PM on the first day of the program and depart Halifax anytime after 2:00 PM on the final day of the program.

    For any participants who are planning on driving themselves, please plan to arrive at The Deanery Project on the first day of the program between 3:00 and 3:30 PM. There will also be a shuttle available for folks from the Dartmouth Sportsplex. 

  • The Deanery Project is located on a beautiful 25-acre oceanfront property just 65 km east of Halifax, in Lower Ship Harbour on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. The facilities include a spacious community hall, dorm-style accommodations, a community sound studio, outdoor classrooms, and diverse hiking trails. The property extends to the shoreline of Ship Harbour, providing water access to the protected wilderness areas of Ship Harbour Long Lake, Tangier Grand, and the 100 Wild Islands.

    Accommodations during the program will be in communal dorms within the main lodge of The Deanery, immersed in beautiful natural settings. 

    Meals provided throughout the program will be mostly vegetarian with a strong focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Most dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated.

Program team

  • ‍Howler' by day, Singer' by night, George Woodhouse (he/they) is happiest when his worlds are colliding in the form of sing-alongs in the woods. Trained as an Educator through the Artist and Community Education B Ed program at Queen's University, George's approach to learning connects prioritizes creative expression, humour, community and music. He spent most of his twenties writing songs and working with Parks Canada where he helped form the Agency’s first youth engagement team, eventually moving on to becoming the Visitor Experience Manager for Nova Scotia's most magical mythical sand bar, Sable Island National Park Reserve. George left the government to join The Howl Experience in 2023 to co-design and co-deliver Learning Journeys for youth and young adults who are seeking connection to purpose and community. George's core belief is that when we allow ourselves to create and express our truth and our story, we inspire, we heal, and we connect. He wrote this bio in the third person, and he wants you to know that he'd love to hear from you. Drop him a line in the first person at george@experiencehowl.com

  • Sarah Prosper (she/her/nekmow) is a dancer, storyteller, activist, adventurer, and ko’jua dancer.

    As an artist in the community, Sarah links many individuals and groups to deeper connections within movement and healing. Her passion for the arts is multidisciplinary, from curating stories of movement, directing large productions and working on the land through organizations, community workshops, and independent programs.

    Sarah is from Eskasoni First Nation, a Mi'kmaq community on the beautiful island called Cape Breton Island (Unama'kik). Sarah is an award winner of the 2022 Nova Scotia Indigenous Artist Recognition Award and Canada's King Charles III medal recipient of 2025. Prosper's practice encompasses a lens that deepens the threads of respect and reciprocity to dance, movement, Indigenous wellness, social sciences, social justice, mental health & the land.