Gabby’s 25th Birthday Fundraiser: Environmental Education Programme at Christian Island Elementary School

Note as of April 15th, 2023: $2,101 CAD has been raised for this project! Thank you to all who donated!

“Our Islands are very special. They provide us with bimaadziwin (life). We will continue to nurture her for future generations.

Maanpii giji aki Gda dandaamin.

We live upon the land.

Dibendaagzimin Shkakimikwe

We belong to Mother Earth.

Mii go pane gda zaagaa Shkakimikwe

We will forever love our Mother.”

-A message from Christian Island Elementary School

This year for my 25th birthday on January 23rd, 2023, I am raising money to fund an environmental education programme at Christian Island Elementary School. Christian Island Elementary school is in Simcoe County on Christian Island which is located in the middle of Georgian Bay in the Province of Ontario, Canada.

About Christian Island and Its People

On the southern shores of beautiful Georgian Bay, you can find a First Nation community called the Beausoleil First Nation. The Ojibwe or Anishnaabeg of Beausoleil First Nation reside on Christian Island (Chimnissing) which is the largest of her two sister Islands called Hope and Beckwith Island. Christian Island (Chimnissing) is home to approximately 4150 hectares of beautiful coniferous and deciduous forests. Many people still use these forests for medicines, crafts, and foods. The sand beaches also provide a relaxing escape for all ages. Two inland lakes also share this island with her people. The crystal-clear waters that surround the Island provide fresh fish and protection for its people.

In the 1850’s Chief John Assance moved his people from the Coldwater settlement (experiment) Beausoleil Island then finally to Christian Island. The people found that the island had about 100 Potawatomi (bodewaadamii) already residing here and later the two bands would become one.

Why Fundraise For an Environmental Education Programme?

Education about environmental issues such as deforestation and climate change has been touted as an effective way to motivate younger generations to become stewards of the environment/ become more environmentally conscious. According to the Principal of Christian Island School, the current programming could be improved to focus on climate change and deforestation. This is especially relevant as Christian Island is experiencing negative environmental impacts from tourism. Trees are being cut down and land is being cleared to make space for cottages. As a result, natural medicines, food and protection provided by Christian Island to Beausoleil First Nation are being threatened and their cultural practices are also at risk. The impact of tourism is significant as this is an island, making it more difficult to obtain and replace resources. This is why it is important for the younger generation to be aware of these environmental concerns, so they can be a part of the solutions and maintain their community’s traditions.

Environmental Education Programme Plan

I plan to run this environmental education programme in Spring 2023 (when it is the perfect time to plant for the season). If I reach the $2,000 CAD fundraising goal, ecoresolve and I will organise and run the following activities for Christian Island Elementary school:

1) Planting a school garden at Christian Island Elementary school which will include the following:

Junior Kindergarten - Grade 4 students will participate in gardening activities

2) An interactive poster presentation about deforestation (JK and SK)

3) Video presentation about the Importance of forests/ climate change (Grades 1-2/ 3-

4) Deforestation trivia game (Grades 5-8)

5) A school prize draw with ecoresolve and eco friendly prizes for the entire school

In order to make sure all the activities are culturally sensitive, inclusive and include Indigenous teachings, Christian Island Elementary school will be consulted through the design and development of the environmental education programme.

Budget

The estimated budget for this project is as follows:

Total: $2,000 CAD**

*Additional funds raised will be used to buy more trees and resources for the school garden.

*I am grateful that Metchosin farm has offered to provide a discount for seeds and plants purchased for the school garden.

This fundraiser supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: #4: Quality Education, #10: Reduced Inequalities #13: Climate Action and #15: Life on Land

Any contribution will help to make a difference. Education, especially environmental education, is invaluable as it transforms lives and provides opportunities for many around the world. Contributing to this fundraiser will not only enhance the environment and conservation curriculum of this Indigenous led school in Ontario, but it is also a step in the right direction towards saving our planet.

Thank you for your support everyone! It means the world to me! This makes my 25th birthday even more special. - Gabby

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Christian Island Elementary School, the Morobe Development Foundation Inc., Mikey Mohan, Shaurya Bajaj (ecoresolve co-founders), the ecoresolve social media team (Tim Binwa, Redempter Pheizer Akinyi Omoga and Margherita Bruscolini, Jaclyn Modise and Hawa Maiga), Alexandre Pappas and Joe Eu Heng for their assistance.