Our Story
Reconnecting with the Earth, Blending Ancient Wisdom with Modern Innovation for a Resilient Future
In a rapidly changing world, the timeless wisdom of our ancestors, the practical skills for living deeply connected to the land, and the knowledge of how to thrive in balance with nature are more vital than ever. The Earthskills Institute was born from this understanding – a passionate initiative to preserve, share, and evolve these essential earthskills by integrating both traditional practices and modern knowledge and technologies for a truly resilient and regenerative future.
We are a project dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency, building robust communities, and strengthening our collective ability to adapt to environmental and societal shifts.
Our Vision & Mission
Our core belief is that living well means living in a way that benefits both people and the planet. The Earthskills Institute exists to:
Preserve & Share: Actively gather and disseminate primitive and traditional skills, crafts, and knowledge, complemented by relevant modern understanding and sustainable technologies, for simple, sustainable living.
Empower & Equip: Provide individuals, families, and communities with the practical skills and deep knowledge necessary to live on the land in a good way – a way that cultivates mutual benefit for all life.
Foster Resilience: Build personal and community anti-fragility, enabling us to adapt and thrive through climate change, natural disasters, and political shifts, drawing on a comprehensive skillset.
Inspire Connection: Encourage a profound valuing and respect for the Earth, honoring each other and all living and non-living relations that form the intricate web of life.
Meet Our Founder: Kalista Pruden
The Earthskills Institute is the culmination of a lifelong dedication to ecological wisdom, sustainable living, and community building, championed by its founder, Kalista Pruden.
With a deep passion for the natural world and a profound understanding of permaculture principles, Kalista has long been at the forefront of regenerative education through her work with Avalily Permaculture. Her journey has been one of active learning, living, and sharing the skills necessary to cultivate abundance and resilience in harmony with nature, always seeking the most effective blend of tried-and-true methods and innovative solutions.
Kalista’s extensive background in permaculture, regenerative design, and practical earthskills laid the foundation for this Institute. She recognized a growing need for accessible, high-quality instruction in these critical areas, especially for a Canadian audience looking to navigate the complexities of our modern world with both ancient wisdom and modern insights. Her vision is to create a dynamic space where traditional knowledge meets contemporary challenges, empowering individuals to be prepared, adaptable, and deeply connected.
Through The Earthskills Institute, Kalista brings her hands-on experience, holistic perspective, and commitment to fostering a truly regenerative culture. All Avalily Permaculture and The Earthskills Institute courses and programs will be proudly hosted here, including the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Empowerment Program, reflecting her unwavering dedication to this shared mission.
What Makes Us Unique?
Comprehensive Skill Sets: From wildcrafting and food systems to off-grid living, natural building, and emergency preparedness, we cover a vast spectrum of skills crucial for holistic resilience, blending ancestral techniques with appropriate modern innovations.
Expert Canadian Instructors: We feature passionate, knowledgeable instructors from across Canada, bringing diverse regional wisdom and experience to our global community.
Holistic Approach: Our curriculum extends beyond practical skills to encompass the ecological, hydrological, holistic management, human permaculture, spiritual, and community-building aspects of living regeneratively.
Blended Learning: We offer both flexible online courses for self-paced learning and immersive in-person events like Wild Foraging Walks and Earthskills Institute Festivals for hands-on experience and community connection.
Commitment to Growth: As a new and growing platform, we are actively expanding our course offerings and inviting new instructors to share their expertise, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving learning environment.
What Makes Us Unique?
The Earthskills Institute is more than just a platform; it’s a movement towards a more resilient, connected, and Earth-honoring way of life. We invite you to explore our courses, join us at an event, and become part of our vibrant community.