Environmental challenges begin with school EcoCodes

Rainbow Schools kicked off a new year of environmental challenges by creating EcoCodes. An EcoCode is a school’s environmental mission statement that demonstrates its commitment to sustainability.

“Creating a memorable EcoCode is a great way to share environmental goals and engage the whole school community in environmental awareness and action,” says Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Throughout the process, staff and students reflect on their personal and collective behaviours, and recommit to adopting practices that foster environmental stewardship.” He adds: “Schools are encouraged to proudly display their EcoCodes in a prominent area as a daily reminder of what they value as a school community.”

The board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to staff and students throughout the school year. The challenges, which include an Indigenous component, have proven to be an effective way to broaden the scope of education and environmental action.

In the 2021-2022 school year, Rainbow District School Board had the distinction of being one of only two school boards in Canada to have all of its schools EcoSchools certified.

To provide the groundwork for developing an EcoCode, and to deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives, schools received resources to share with students. This included books and videos about the Seven Fire Prophecy teachings, the Clan System, the Seven Sacred Gifts, and the meaning behind the Ojibwe language Anishinaabemowin.

“The Seven Grandfather Teachings inspire us to live a good life in relation to our families, communities and Mother Earth,” says Director Bourget. “Fundamental to living a good life is protecting and preserving our planet for generations to come.”

What will this month’s challenge be?

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Media Contact:

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