Rainbow Schools Invest in Our Planet and honour Shkagamikwe on Earth Day

April 22, 2022 is Earth Day, an opportune time for staff and students in Rainbow Schools to show they care by celebrating this year’s theme “Invest in Our Planet”.

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 continue to encourage eco-friendly practices and sustainable solutions inside and outside of the classroom,” says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “On Earth Day, let us all reflect on our personal and collective actions and their profound impact on the environment. Let us recommit to adopting behaviours that protect and preserve our planet.”

In honour of Earth Day, students in Rainbow Schools are invited to participate in an EcoSchools livestream event on Thursday, April 21st at 10 am hosted by Severn Cullis-Suzuki, the Executive Director of the David Suzuki Foundation.

To join the livestream, schools must be registered for their EcoSchools certification and pledge to add a community clean-up to their environmental plan.

Throughout Earth Day, students will be immersed in all things green. From Indigenous videos to nature walks, to eco-friendly art, students will have plenty of opportunities to gather their thoughts and share their perspectives. Classes may also research Indigenous Creation Stories and explore the many ways First Nations people honour Shkagamikwe.

Other ways to invest in our planet for Earth Day include riding your bike to school, learning without lights, upcycling clothing, and planting an indoor garden with pollinator seeds.

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

What will next month’s challenge be?

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