Rainbow Schools reduce harmful plastics and honour Shkagamikwe for Earth Day

Rainbow Schools will honour our planet Mother Earth Shkagamikwe for Earth Day on April 22, 2024. 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 “Planet vs. Plastics” aims to highlight the ongoing health risk of plastics, expedite the phasing out of single use plastics, and strengthen efforts to create a worldwide treaty for the prevention of plastic pollution.

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 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?
What effects do microplastics have on our health?
What plastic can you stop using in your everyday life?
How are countries around the equator affected differently by climate change than Canada?

Other ways to mark Earth Day include riding a bike to school, learning by natural light, reusing or upcycling clothing, identifying species in nature, hosting a book swap, learning outdoors, performing community clean-ups, planting an indoor garden and watching the movie “The Lorax”. Students may also identify their own ecological footprint.

To reduce harmful plastics, staff and students may bring feast bundles to school and avoid plastic bags, straws, cutlery, plates and beverage containers. Schools can also take a personal pledge to reduce or eliminate plastics, and host waste-free events and meetings.

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

What will next 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