Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) celebrated as Friends of Education
Posted on September 24
Donna Barrett, Superintendent of Schools, Delores Cardinal, Sekweha, Chantale Campbell, SCI Lead at Conoco Phillips
Northland School Division No.61 (NSD) celebrated the contributions of Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) by presenting them the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone One Friends of Education Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations in the community who have made a special contribution to education in Alberta. SCI is a partnership between oil sands companies (Conoco Phillips, Nexen, Statoil and Suncor Energy), the communities of Janvier and Fort Chipewyan and partner organizations. They focus on building community capacity to bring about positive change with a focus on experiential education.
"It was a wonderful surprise to hear of the nomination,” said Chantale Campbell, SCI Lead at Conoco Phillips. “SCI is such a wonderful and unique approach to true multi-stakeholder collaboration in support of youth empowerment and success in life, we are so honoured that it is being recognized. Walking in Two Worlds is what we strive for, with a moccasin on one foot and a sneaker on the other. The efforts of the many people involved to integrate experiential learning at Father R. Perin School and Athabasca Delta Community School are admirable. Our momentum continues to build, we look forward to the future of youth leadership and authentic collaboration within our communities."
Donna Barrett, Superintendent of Schools says SCI has developed a successful model for engaging communities through respecting traditional ways.
“SCI has demonstrated the belief that education is an essential ingredient to creating a healthy community,” said Barrett. “They work with schools to provide authentic learning experiences so students can know and be proud of their community as well as being prepared to contribute to the larger society.”
The work by SCI has resulted in the development of youth led groups, experiential learning training for educators, community gatherings to help school staff understand the communities where they work and live and experiential learning trips such as Camp Voyageur http://adcs.ca/about/school-news/post/grade-8-9-camp-voyageur-field-trip-2015.
Sustainable Communities Initiative received recognition today (September 24, 2015) at the ASBA Zone One Fall Award Ceremony with nominees from other school divisions in Alberta. The ceremony was held at the Sawridge Inn in Peace River.
For more information please contact:
Curtis Walty, Communications Coordinator
Office: 1-780-624-2060 extension: 6183
Cell: 1-780-219-1870