Vision

Students and staff sought to create a living classroom that fostered ecological awareness and environmental stewardship. This initiative was meant to help the school community reconnect with the land and to promote biodiversity and enhance soil health—key components in mitigating climate change. Rooted in Indigenous values of respect for the Earth, the project empowered our youth to take meaningful action for a healthier planet, embodying the spirit of sustainability in both practice and purpose.

Action

To rejuvenate the front garden at Nibi Emosaawdang, our students took hands-on action to transform the space into a thriving, welcoming environment. They began by clearing away piles of weeds and dead grass, carefully removing the old tarp to access and assess the soil beneath. This allowed them to pull out deeper-rooted weeds and check the soil’s health, ensuring it was ready for new growth. With shovels in hand, they dug into the earth to plant vibrant flowers, then gently watered them to help them settle in. Finally, they relaid the tarp and covered it with a fresh layer of mulch, helping to retain moisture and suppress future weed growth. This collective effort not only beautified the school grounds but also deepened students’ connection to the land and their role in caring for it.