Land-Based Education Resources Recognized with RCE Saskatchewan Award
This information was originally published by Meewasin Valley Authority on May 21, 2021. Read the original news release.
Exceptional sustainability achievements in Saskatchewan are celebrated at the annual Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Event.
This year marks the 13th year of the RCE Saskatchewan awards event, which was hosted virtually on May 12, 2021. At the event, Meewasin along with our partners at Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, were recognized with the Lyle Benko Future Generations Award. This special award recognizes an individual or group in the K-12 system for outstanding contributions to Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan. This award was received in recognition of our work to develop curricular–linked digital learning resources for students from K – 12.
“This award is well deserved by the teachers and Meewasin staff who worked hard on developing the valuable and timely learning materials. We are looking forward to expanding on digital learning options in 2021 to continue supporting nature-based education.” Said Andrea Lafond, CEO of Meewasin.
Meewasin would like to acknowledge the partners that contributed to this project, the Saskatoon Public and Greater Saskatoon Catholic School divisions. Meewasin’s team worked in partnership with very skilled and knowledgeable educators from each school division to develop and create a comprehensive series of individual curricular-linked lessons for Kindergarten through Grade 12. The aim of these resources is to help educators achieve curriculum outcomes in an outdoor environment, and to instill stewardship in youth of all ages in a safe and accessible way. These resources can be requested by educators through Meewasin’s website at www.meewasin.com/education.
“We’re honoured to be part of this award winning initiative,” said Terri Fradette, Superintendent of Learning at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. “We’re so fortunate to have the river valley and Meewasin’s infrastructure to use as a ready-made outdoor classroom. These digital tools will help more students and staff access environmental education, recognize and appreciate the gift that our unique geology and ecology is, and learn how we can be better stewards of our shared environment.”
“Environmental education is more important than ever for our students, starting from kindergarten and continuing through their formative years.” Said Superintendent of Education at Saskatoon Public Schools, Dean Newton. “At Saskatoon Public Schools, we aim to develop each student’s character through a deep understanding of respect and responsibility. Educating our youth about the role they can play as stewards for the environment aligns with that goal. We are proud to share this award with our partners at Meewasin Valley Authority and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and look forward to the dividends this work will provide for our students, our community, and the environment.”
All projects receiving recognition through RCE Saskatchewan include Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a means to support the advancement of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Saskatchewan. The 17 SDGs derived from the 2015 adoption of the United Nations’ “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” by 193 countries, including Canada.
RCE Saskatchewan celebrates sustainability achievements of such diverse groups as school boards, post-secondary institutions and organizations. For more information and the full list of recipients, visit https://www.saskrce.ca/.
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