Maritimes Exploration.

June 10-15, 2024

Get Involved!

We are welcoming local community partners who would like to contribute to our Maritimes Explorations. Are you an individual or organization with skills, knowledge, or experiences you’d like to share? Please get in touch with us!

Maritimes Explorations are based in Nova Scotia. Throughout the program, we will travel through the traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq People.

Youth ages 17-30 are invited to join this Howl Experience in the Maritimes. In this immersive program, you’ll spend time exploring the Eastern Shore of Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia to gain an appreciation for the rich local cultures, histories & ecologies of this land. The program will be based at The Deanery Project, an Environmental and Arts Learning Centre in Lower Ship Harbour, Nova Scotia.

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 Treaty rights, climate resilience and sustainable living. Highlights of this program will include:

  • Learning about African Nova Scotian history and activism in North End Halifax;

  • Learning about Mi’kmaw lifeways and traditional ecological knowledge;

  • Joining local researchers to assist with environmental conservation projects such as sustainable forestry and coastal restoration;

  • Cultural teachings from the many people / peoples who call this region home;

  • Participating in many outdoor activities such as hiking coastal trails and getting your hands wet with experiential ocean learning

Overall, this program will include many opportunities for building community, connecting with the land and water, creative learning, and leadership development. 

Please note that the exact itinerary of this program is not set in stone; it will continue to evolve based on contributions from local community members, the shifting seasons, and the input of participants. That’s the beauty of community-based learning!

Program cost:
$500-$1500

Price includes:

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Education

  • Activities

This program offers guidance, education, coaching and support 24 hours/day for the duration of the program. Upon acceptance into the program, a $350 deposit is required to secure your spot.

We understand that cost can be a major consideration for families of participants. We encourage youth to apply regardless of financial means as we do not wish for anyone to be deterred due to financial constraints. Additional financial assistance may be available.

“The Howl experience evokes something deep within all of us-- an awareness of our interconnectedness, the understanding that we can make a difference to the lives of all our relations and the recognition of our individual and collective voices. I can say with certainty that it brings newfound understanding of our place in this world, a stronger connection to self, and a heightened sense of belonging within our communities, a deeper appreciation for the environment and how we walk on this earth.”

Ahlena, Maritimes Exploration (2024)

Program highlights.

All of Howl’s programs explore the themes of reconciliation, citizen science, service learning and strategies for resilience. These are just a few of the things that you might do as part of your 10-day Exploration.

    • Sustainable forestry in the Wabanaki Forest region

    • Coastal restoration and protection from erosion

    • Climate change adaptation and mitigation

    • Identifying and learning about native flora and fauna

    • Protection of at-risk species

    • Cultural history and ceremony

    • Traditional ecological knowledge

    • Treaty education

    • Ecological restoration

    • Natural resources management

    • Eco-tourism

    • Sustainable forestry

    • Climate action

    • Indigenous reconciliation and Treaty rights

    • Teaching and education

    • Outdoor guiding

    • Community development

    • Non-profit management

Program details.

On the first day of the program, participants will meet at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Transportation throughout the program will be in group vehicles.  

Accommodations during the program will be in rustic cabins immersed in beautiful natural settings. For this program, participants will stay at The Deanery on the Eastern Shore.

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. 

For more information about our venues, please visit the following websites: