Land- and arts-based learning is grounded in place, relationship, culture, and creative practice. It supports wholistic health and wellness by centring community guidance, lived experience, and respectful knowledge sharing.
In this work, land- and arts-based learning helps us:
- Support learning and training that is grounded in community priorities and relationships
- Create space for reflection, meaning making, and shared understanding through creative practice
- Co-create knowledge mobilization resources that are accessible, culturally relevant, and useful for participants, families, and communities
Featured Trainee: Dr. David J. Robinson (Post-Doctoral Fellow)
Post-Doctoral Supervisor: Dr. Shannon Bredin
CBITN Community Mentor: Elder Gail Sparrow
CBITN Academic mentor: Dr. Darren Warburton
The Medicine of Kijikatig (Cedar)
“I carve to remember. I teach to reconnect. I lead to rebuild.” Dr. David Robinson
Post-Doctoral Research Supported by:
- Canadian Behavioural Intervention and Trials Network
- Michael Smith Health Research BC
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Regional Event 2026 – Western Canada
Dr. Robinson’s presentation, The Medicine of Kijikatig (Cedar), shares teachings from the cedar tree to support growth, healing, and healthy relationships.
Dr. Robinson invites you to join him and explore how the growth of cedar, mirrors Indigenous resilience, spiritual connection, and community well-being.
Drawing upon the five stages of a tree’s life — from the Pith of relationship-building to the Bark of legacy and protection — his talk weaves together personal story, Indigenous knowledge, and over a decade of land- and arts-based carving experience (see https://www.thundercarving.com/).
This wellness experience is ideal for individuals, educators, and organizations seeking meaningful growth, cultural grounding, and pathways toward collective healing.
Dr. Robinson’s work is delivered through carving programs in schools and community settings and brings together intergenerational teachings, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, and health and wellness partners.
Through his fellowship and community-based research, this work is being supported to strengthen implementation and evaluation so that culturally grounded approaches to Indigenous youth health and wellness can be shared in respectful and sustainable ways.
Buckskin Gloves Boxing Revival
Buckskin Gloves Boxing is a historic, Indigenous-led, amateur boxing event in British Columbia with deep meaning for many Indigenous communities, including children and families impacted by the Indian Residential School system. For generations, boxing has offered a place for resiliency, empowerment, discipline, mentorship, and community pride. The return of Buckskin Gloves in Richmond (February 20, 2026) celebrated that legacy while creating a positive space for athletes and families to come together.
We are so proud of what was accomplished under the leadership of Dr. David Robinson. He provided event direction and on site coordination, supported officiating, created handcrafted awards, and ensured that Indigenous participants and ring professionals were cared for and respected. Most importantly, the gathering centred residential school survivors and Elders and created space for recognition, connection, and community pride.
As a team, we are deeply proud of this event and of Dr. Robinson’s leadership. It is a clear example of Indigenous-led, community-based work carried out in a good way, grounded in respect, relationship, and cultural strength.
Indigenous Men’s Wellness Gathering, Feast, and Art Exhibition
We are honoured to support the Indigenous Men’s Wellness Gathering, Feast, and Art Exhibition. Led by Dr. David J. Robinson with funding support from the Canada Council for the Arts, this initiative creates an important opportunity for Indigenous men to come together in a culturally grounded space for connection, learning, and dialogue about wellness, identity, and healing.