The Department of Environment is committed to supporting teachers in bringing environmental and wildlife education into the classroom, and in bringing students into the environment to experience nature's classroom.

For more information on education programs or resources, contact the Environmental Office at jpepper@gov.nu.ca.

The Department of Environment is involved in a number of education initiatives and programs across the territory. Here is a summary of some of the main programs we offer.

Land-Based Camps

DOE has partnered with the Department of Education and a number of local and regionally-based Inuit organizations to develop and update land-based camp curriculum. Camps have focused on fostering "Two-Eyed Seeing", whereby science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are brought together through hands-on learning in the environment. Where possible, DOE staff including conservation officers, biologists, climate change specialists, fisheries and sealing division representatives, and parks staff are involved in the development and delivery of local land-based camp programs.

Two-Eyed Seeing on the Land: A Manual for Educators on Running Land-Based Integrative Science Education Programs (coming soon!)

Teacher/Educator Environmental Education Training

Project Wild and Below Zero

DOE is the only certified provider in Nunavut of training in the Canadian Wildlife Federation's Wild Education Programs. Project Wild and Below Zero are two time-tested and highly acclaimed environmental education programs that have been used by Canadian educators for over 15 years. Below Zero was specifically developed for environmental education in "winter environments", making it a great resource for Nunavut educators. DOE's Wild Education training workshops are available to Nunavut educators and include a certificate of completion, complete Project Wild and Below Zero lesson plan guides and other valuable teaching resources. DOE offers Wild Education workshops upon request and at regional teacher conferences, including the upcoming Qikiqtani Regional Teachers' conference. For more information on Wild Education, visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Other Training

The Environmental Education and Outreach section also offers traning and professional improvement for Nunavut teachers and educators on a variety of environment-related topics. Contact jpepper@gov.nu.ca for more information.

Classroom Visits

Conservation officers, biologists, and other DOE personnel across the territory receive training and specialized resources to assist in school presentations and classroom visits. Content can be customized to meet specific grade-level curriculum requirements. DOE staff and environmental education specialists are able to provide hands-on classroom workshops in a variety of topic areas, including:

• Climate Change in Nunavut
• Wildlife of Nunavut (including animal adaptations, Arctic ecology, etc.)
• Environmental Research Techniques
• Sealing in Nunavut
• Mapping and Way Finding using GPS technology

For more information, contact your local conservation officer, or the Environmental Education office.

Partnership with Students on Ice

 Students on Ice is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. Their mandate is to provide students, educators and scientists from Nunavut and around the world with inspiring educational opportunities at the ends of the Earth and, in doing so, help them foster a new understanding and respect for the planet.

DOE has provided funding for students throughout Nunavt to participate in SOI Arctic expeditions since 2008.

Student Testimonials:

"Department of the Environment - Government of Nunavut:

          .....I live in Hall Beach, Nunavut. I had the best experience in this expedition. One of them is when I was drum dancing in a zodiac with other drum dancers. It was filled with compassion and rhythm. After we did the show in the ocean it turned to a sunset. It was beautiful.

              We learned a lot. I have a new perspective of the environment and also I can be a leader in my home town. I even learned about my culture even more. I made a lot of new friends...."

- High School Student on 2011 Arctic Expedition, Hall Beach, Nunavut 

"Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment:

I am writing this letter to express my sincere appreciation for my scholarship. I was fortunate enough to be selected for the students on Ice 2011 team. This opportunity would not have been possible without your generous sponsorship.

This was an amazing experience and I would like to share some of my highlights:

 * The day in Greenland when we were standing on proof of climate change. The place the ship was anchored had been covered with a glacier 60 years ago

 * The day we sailed beside a blue whale and her calf

 * The days we spent in the Torngat Mountains, listening to the Elders stories

 * The moment of silence we shared as a group on Parliament Plains in Iceland

 * Meeting the wonderful staff and youth from around the world

Words cannot begin to describe how this trip has changed me and I look forward to sharing my new knowledge with others. Protect the poles, protect the planet."

- High School Student on 2011 Arcitc Expedition 

For more information about Students on Ice, visit http://www.studentsonice.com/

Follow the 2011 students trip, read more student testimonials, and learn about the educational goals and outcomes achieved by these students. Maybe you could be a future explorer! Read their report - Students On Ice, Arctic Youth Expedition 2011

Partnership with Actua

Actua is a national charitable organization dedicated to providing young Canadians with positive, hands-on learning experiences in science, technology and engineering. DOE has partnered with Actua for the delivery of customized environment and climate change themed school workshop and summer camp programs in Nunavut communities. For more information on Actua, visit their website: www.actua.ca.

Community Clean Ups

DOE personnel are involved with community-based clean up projects, which typically occur during environment week in June each year.