Drawing on the strength of Indigenous culture, the wisdom of the Elders, with a philosophy of love and respect for the Earth and all peoples Ghost River Rediscovery aims at empowering people of all ages and cultures to discover the natural world, the worlds between cultures and the worlds within...
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Drawing on the strength of Indigenous culture, the wisdom of the Elders, with a philosophy of love and respect for the Earth and all peoples Ghost River Rediscovery aims at empowering people of all ages and cultures to discover the natural world, the worlds between cultures and the worlds within themselves.
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Michael Lickers and Julian Norris founded Ghost River Rediscovery in 1994. For the first three years of operation, we offered summer programs relying significantly on volunteer support. In 1997, we moved to a year round operation, with the support of the Calgary Foundation and the City of...
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Michael Lickers and Julian Norris founded Ghost River Rediscovery in 1994. For the first three years of operation, we offered summer programs relying significantly on volunteer support. In 1997, we moved to a year round operation, with the support of the Calgary Foundation and the City of Calgary Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). Ghost River Rediscovery was the first and only Rediscovery program to become established in an urban centre, and was the first to operate year round. We are evolving to meet the needs of a multi-cultural population, with a specialty in addressing, but not limited to, the needs of disadvantaged children and youth. In 1997, Ghost River Rediscovery ran winter programs in Calgary to provide the needed follow-up for young people who attended the summer sessions.

Ghost River Rediscovery has developed into an internationally recognized organization, assisting communities worldwide to establish their own Rediscovery programs.

Our Youth Leadership Program was established in 1998. This program is designed to develop young leaders in the field of Cultural Outdoor Education and provide leadership opportunities for young people.

Ghost River Rediscovery is affiliated with Rediscovery International. Rediscovery was established in the Queen Charlotte Islands in 1978; there are over 40 Rediscovery programs around the world today. Rediscovery is a broad network of affiliated programs, each community-based, independently administered and funded, and uniquely suited to the local bio-region. All Rediscovery programs meet established health and safety standards and none discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed or nationality. Rediscovery International Foundation (RIF) was established in 1985 to support the needs of the growing family of camps.

Ghost River Rediscovery designed and developed a School based program, which has been adopted by several schools in Calgary. The implementation of direct program delivery in the schools started in winter 1998. Other school divisions and provinces are now asking us for support their efforts in similar program development initiatives.

In 2000, Ghost River Rediscovery developed a full Safety Management Program that meets the strictest of industry standards. Staff are certified in wilderness first aid, Rediscovery International training and bring years of experience in outdoor leadership. Part of our commitment to community development has seen Ghost River Rediscovery partner with the University of Victoria in developing a training program for leaders and educators working with Aboriginal youth. Ghost River Rediscovery assisted in the development of the Aboriginal Youth and Child Care Diploma at Mount Royal College. We started a new community initiative providing Aboriginal Awareness training sessions that meet AASCF standards.
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Ghost River Rediscovery is a non-profit organization that offers outdoor and cultural education programs based on Aboriginal traditions and values. We are recognized for our capacity to run quality programs that promote the rediscovery of tradition and the development of healthy, sustainable...
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Ghost River Rediscovery is a non-profit organization that offers outdoor and cultural education programs based on Aboriginal traditions and values. We are recognized for our capacity to run quality programs that promote the rediscovery of tradition and the development of healthy, sustainable lifestyles among children and youth.

he Youth Leadership area of Ghost River Rediscovery offers local and international programs based on Indigenous traditions and values. Our programs incorporate two fundamental strategies for developing leadership capacity: outdoor experiential learning and cross-cultural or international experience.

Our diverse programs provide youth with the opportunity to:

* Travel and experience other cultures and ways of life
* Participate in outdoor leadership training
* Learn about Canadian Aboriginal and international indigenous cultures
* Develop personal skills in the four areas of the medicine wheel
(physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional)
* Gain experience working with youth and communities
* Develop their capacities as leaders for their communities

Our leadership training is designed for young people concerned about making change for themselves, their communities and the world.


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