Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 6 - Dan Ardis (Pine River Institute)

Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 6 - Dan Ardis (Pine River Institute)

From Gwekwaadziwin Miikan by Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

December 2, 2025 · 54 min · Season 2 · Episode 6

About this episode

In this episode, Sam and Matt interview Dan Ardis from Pine River Institute to discuss wilderness therapy and its impact on youth.

In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin , Sam and Matt sit down with Dan Ardis from Pine River Institute , an organization known for its long-term, land-based treatment model supporting youth and families across Ontario. Dan brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator, vice principal, and principal, and now plays a key leadership role in Pine River’s outdoor leadership and campus programs. Together, we explore what wilderness therapy really looks like—beyond the buzzwords—and how six to eight weeks on the land helps young people build readiness, resilience, and a renewed sense of self. The conversation dives into: Pine River’s unique model combining wilderness programming, therapeutic community, and academics How staff prepare youth (and themselves) for extended time on the land The importance of small-group living, mentorship, and developing basic life skills Family involvement, long-term treatment, and aftercare supports Pine River’s growth, outreach work, and commitments around equity and cultural humility The value of collaboration between programs like Pine River and Gwekwaadziwin Miikan Dan also shares stories of transformation—moments when youth discovered…

People in this episode

Guest: Dan Ardis

Topics covered

  • wilderness therapy
  • youth mental wellness
  • land-based healing
  • community programming

Keywords

  • Pine River Institute
  • long-term treatment
  • resilience
  • mentorship
  • cultural humility

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin

Places: Ontario

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