This program aims to promote a regenerative lifestyle, and to support your zero waste journey with practical tools, and concrete actions. The program includes five on-site sessions, and it can be customized.
It also provides environmental curriculum resources for K-12 students through science and arts-based approaches, guided by Traditional Ecological Knowledge, enabling sensory and cognitive development, contributing towards a circular economy and regenerative practices.
Learning Outcomes
Session 1
Conduct a waste audit, create a baseline and plan an effective waste diversion program.
Session 2
Learn unique painting and upcycling art techniques. Create an upcycled art project with recycled materials. Learn about different types of waste, landfills and their environmental impacts. Experience the relevance of implementing the 7 Rs.
Session 3
Create a vermicompost system using organic waste such as food scraps. Observe earthworms’ anatomy, and behavior. Learn about the microbiology of the soil.
Session 4
Learn about different gardening techniques to grow vegetables. Apply regenerative practices. Make soil amendments, and extracts from earthworms poop (castings), and compost.
Session 5
Conduct a waste audit to compare it with the baseline and to calculate waste diversion rate achieved.
Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
We had the opportunity to work with the First Nations Zero Waste Ambassador Program for the last few years. It has had a wonderful impact on our school, staff and students. Since being in the program we have gone from using disposable plates in our lunch room to reusable and biodegradable ones. This has cut down on a great deal of waste produced by the school. We have also started recycling our cardboard and paper which has again cut down on a great deal of garbage produced by the school. The program has taught the staff and students the importance of reusing and recycling. The fun activities and crafts have captured the kids' attention and made us all more conscious of our environmental footprint. I would recommend this program to any school.
Robbie Gordon
Principal
Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
Mînî Thnî Community School
It was such a pleasure learning from Elizabeth with the First Nations Zero Waste Ambassador Program this spring at Mînî Thnî Community School. Elizabeth was able to reach grades 6-12 during her sessions. During the first session the students (and teacher) were alarmed by how much of our waste ends up in the garbage when we could be doing a much better job of recycling / upcycling / reusing / composting, etc. The students had a lot of fun being creative with the upcycling project and we use the pencil holders in the school. I noticed students being more careful with their waste and asking me whether we wanted to reuse dirty food containers instead of throwing them out. The vermicomposting session was a favourite. At first the students were reluctant to participate and touch the worms, however it didn't take them long until every student had their hands dirty helping to separate the worms. Elizabeth is so passionate about the topic of zero waste and gardening and she shines during her sessions with the students. She has been such a terrific resource and educator in my classroom and I hope to continue to work with Elizabeth in the future. Any class would be lucky to have her share her knowledge and passion on such important topics.
Jamie Martin
Foods Program Teacher
Mînî Thnî Community School
Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
We feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from the First Nations Zero Waste Ambassador Program as a correlation to our Science unit "Waste and our world". Not only did our students learn so much but so did our teachers. We are so lucky to have had this mentorship. Our students have learned lifelong skills that they can now practice in their daily lives. We cannot wait for next year!
Carly Kelly
Grade 3 and 4 teacher
Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
The First Nations Zero Waste Ambassador Program just wrapped up at CJBS. It was such a positive learning experience for both students and staff. Elizabeth was an excellent instructor. She was very knowledgeable and the students loved her hands-on approach. Her kindness, patience, and ability to keep the students engaged was second to none. We all thank you and we can't wait to continue with the program in the Fall.
Jean Whitehouse
Grade 4 and 5 teacher
Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
Nakoda Elementary School
Our preschool students learned about vermicomposting, upcycling and gardening through hands-on experiences with Ciclomanias.
Lise Daumler
Preschool teacher
Nakoda Elementary School
Nakoda Elementary School
Elizabeth was amazing and the students enjoyed when she came into our class! We are excited to get the recycling bins for our schools!
Michelle Onyebuchi
Grade 1 teacher
Nakoda Elementary School
Mînî Thnî Community School
I can't say enough good things about Elizabeth and the gardening extension program at Mînî Thnî Community School and Nakoda Elementary School. Elizabeth is a forward and big picture thinker. She initiated this summer project and it has been a wonderful success. We hired youths to work and get paid over the summer to manage the greenhouse and gardens. They were trained by Elizabeth and reported to her during the summer months. Our two greenhouse helpers learned the value of reliability, teamwork, hard work and of course how to manage a garden! Without Elizabeth this program would have been extremely difficult to manage with school staff off for the summer. The garden and greenhouse is such a beautiful addition to our school. We will continue to harvest and cook with fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs in food class. Thank you to Elizabeth for being the most amazing person to work with! I hope we can continue to work together in the future.
Jamie Martin
Foods Program Teacher
Mînî Thnî Community School
