Indigenous Learning at Camp Moran

Help LIFRC continue the beloved Coast Salish: Land, Sea & Place (CSLSP) program which incorporates environmental education led by tribal Elders, educators and cultural mentors who implement Samish 13 Moons for 45 Lopez Island students grades 6-8 visiting three WA State Marine parks in San Juan County.  

Experiential Learning

Our goal is to provide youth outdoor education with experiential learning that centers Coast Salish sovereignty and innovation, recognizes Lopez youth as the next generation of public land stewards, and fosters intercultural/intertribal youth collaborations.

Led by Tribal Leaders with Equitable Access

This land-based education is led by tribal educators, Elders and cultural mentors; taking youth to outer islands for place-based learning instead of trying to fit Indigenous knowledge into a classroom. Bilingual (Spanish) facilitation and individual paraprofessionals ensure equitable access for all Lopez youth.

A Recognized Best Practice Project

Each youth receives a minimum of 55 hours of outdoor education during a weeklong retreat at Camp Moran. CSLSP was recognized as a Best Practice project by WA State RCO and OSPI for our commitment to supporting public school partnerships, collaboration with tribal educators, bilingual accessibility, disability inclusion and experiential learning. Unfortunately, the WA State budget eliminated the funding for this program.

Help Shape Future Generations

We are at a critical point where the next generation needs to learn directly from indigenous leaders to enhance understanding of Indigenous sovereignty and foster a collective path towards a more meaningful future. 

Help us continue this beloved program for Lopez youth!!