SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83 (NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP)
Environmental Expo Deemed A Success

The first ever Kwsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl'ecw School District No. 83 Environmental Expo at Piccadilly Mall in Salmon Arm on Earth Day, and in classrooms around the District during Environment Week on April 22-25, was deemed a success!

Wayne Spencer, who, along with Kim Fulton, organized the event, commented that it was great to see so many students involved from grades K-12. He thanked all of the teachers who encouraged their students to develop their projects. "It should be noted that all of the individual projects' topics were determined by the students. The range of topics shows the level of concern and interest by today's students."

Projects included insect studies, whirling disease, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the life cycle of salmon, herons, fire smarting schools, water conservation, recycling, the best place to put bird houses, waste reduction, food security, shopping locally, making ropes, bald eagles in the Shuswap, tree planting, and many more.

Fulton adds that he too was very pleased with how everything went. "There was very good participation in schools." He noted it was very gratifying to see the depth and quality of the projects, particularly those by older students, including two Grade 9 classes, a Grade 11 class, and a Grade 12 class. He commented that he has noticed over the years that high school engagement has often been a missing piece, and this project certainly addressed that. "There was in-depth exploration, and some students even looked into how to take action. One group handed out tips and suggestions on how to conserve water."

Speaking of the public in the mall, Fulton thanked them for their participation and interest. He said they were engaging with the students and asking them questions about their projects, which was great to see.

BC Tomorrow was also part of the Expo. It is an educational tool, designed by SD83 teacher David Ramsey, to help students understand sustainable planning. It is an innovative set of learning tools that teachers at multiple grade levels can use with their students. The main driver, the engaging land use simulator, functions like a time machine as students can look back in time and see changes that have taken place. They can then go into the future to see how the land could look, given current trends. Students can also see what happens when certain changes are made, or not made, and see the impact this has on the environment and society.

Entertaining those at the mall were Yukon award-winning environmental singer songwriter Remy Rodden (who also did a tour of local schools), as well as local singers Juanita Austin & Jim McConnell, and former music teacher Joan Southworth. Secwépemc storyteller Kenthen Thomas shared traditional stories, while Fulton told eco tales as Yertle the Turtle and the Lorax.

The organizers are planning on continuing the Environment Week project and already have a list of things they hope to improve on next year. "We'd like to increase the amount of mentorship and community collaboration, and increase our collaboration with the City. Rotary was a very good supporter, and I hope they will continue," he adds.

Spencer and Fulton agree that one of the most exciting aspects of this project is that it extends beyond simply sharing their projects. The goal is to continue to build mentorships and community connections so that youth will be able to do deeper exploration and possibly even work experience, which might lead to further education in an environmental field. "It might not happen this year but that is what we are working towards," adds Fulton.

In addition to the organizing committee, several sponsors have stepped up to support the Expo. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation has provided funding for supplies, equipment, and bussing, while the North Okanagan School Teachers' Association and the B.C. Teachers' Federation have contributed a Climate Action Grant. SD83 Directors of Instruction for Elementary and Secondary have been integral in helping this important event be implemented, with school district staff assisting with logistical support. Piccadilly Mall provided the space, tables, and organizational support. All participants received a Nature Journal as a keepsake and a valuable educational tool.

Director of Instruction Jen Findlay and Director of Instruction Reid Findlay commented that Environment Week and the Environmental Expo were great learning opportunities for students focusing on stewardship and connections to the land, air, and waters of Kwsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl'ecw School District No. 83. They expressed their thanks to Fulton and Spencer, the entire organizing committee, mentors, staff members, students, and public that made this event a success.