Rainbow Schools honour Shkagamikwe for Earth Day

Rainbow Schools will honour our planet Mother Earth Shkagamikwe for Earth Day on April 22, 2026. Earth Day is an annual event that celebrates environmental achievements and, more importantly, raises awareness about the need to protect natural resources for future generations.

This year’s theme “Our Power, Our Planet” aims to foster a widespread commitment to clean air, safe water and climate resilience to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all.

From an Indigenous perspective, we can invest in our planet Shkagamikwe by taking the time to acknowledge the life-giving qualities of the earth, and spending our personal time connecting with land, water and nature.  

“In Rainbow Schools, we encourage eco-friendly practices and sustainable solutions at school, at home and in the community,” says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “On Earth Day, let us all reflect on how our personal and collective actions impact the environment, and recommit to adopting behaviours that protect and preserve our planet.”

Throughout Earth Day, students will be immersed in all things green.

From Indigenous stories to nature walks to eco-friendly art, students will have many opportunities to gather and share their thoughts. Classes can hold a sharing circle and watch videos from the late Elder Dr. David Courchene about how to care for Mother Earth. Students may also research Indigenous Creation Stories and explore various ways Indigenous people honour Shkagamikwe.

Educators can ask questions to encourage dialogue, including:

What can you do in your daily living to keep our planet around for centuries?
How are countries around the equator affected differently by climate change than Canada?

Other ways to mark Earth Day include safely riding a bike to school, reusing or upcycling clothing, identifying species in nature, learning by natural light or in the great outdoors, performing community clean-ups, making art with natural objects, planting a tree outdoors or an indoor garden, and watching the movie “The Lorax”. Students can also identify their own ecological footprint and learn about Earth Overshoot Day.

The Board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges throughout the year.

What will next month’s challenge be?

-30-

Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217