The Eagle Garden
The Eagle Garden is a unique outdoor learning space at Niitsitapi Learning Centre that provides opportunities for students to connect with the land through exploration, observation, storytelling, and cultural teachings. Designed and installed in 2020, the garden reflects the shape of an eagle (piita) and was carefully created to support learning that honours both Indigenous knowledge systems and the natural environment.
The trees, shrubs, plants, and rocks throughout the garden were thoughtfully selected to create opportunities for traditional stories, teachings, and land-based learning experiences that connect students to this place and the living world around them. The space is used regularly by students and staff as an outdoor classroom where learning can be grounded in relationship, respect, and connection to the land.
To further support learning, an interactive digital map was developed to help students explore Indigenous plant knowledge alongside Western understandings of local plants and ecosystems. This resource encourages curiosity, inquiry, and appreciation for the diverse ways knowledge can be shared and understood.
The Eagle Garden was made possible through the generosity of the Calgary Foundation Community Grant, Integrating Indigenous Knowledges into the Classroom. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Calgary Foundation, as well as the many students, staff, families, and community members who helped bring this meaningful learning space to life.
Today, the Eagle Garden continues to be a place where students learn from the land, strengthen their connection to community, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing.
