Mamawi Atosketan Native School received $1,000 for its hydroponic gardening initiative. And it got something else—a “greenUp Award” for Environmental Ambassadors.
“It hit all of the prerequisites for the greenUp Grant,” said Gail Dalrymple, coordinator of Fortis’ Community Investment Program, “but in addition to that, students already were having hands-on learning experience with the [school’s] 400-square foot outdoor garden.”
When Dalrymple delivered the award plaque on March 18, she was impressed by more than MANS’ traditional outdoor garden space and the indoor hydroponic component. She was much impressed by the school environment, the friendliness of the students, and the tasteful evidence of both Christian and Cree culture. “You know it is a Christian run school,” Dalrymple observed, “but I was happy to see that there was cultural representation throughout the school and to see that their culture and traditions and perspectives are still celebrated.
“On a personal note,” Dalrymple continued, “I’m a Christian as well, and so I wondered, would I go in there and just see Bible verses—which I did–or would I see . . . I wasn’t sure what. But it was both biblical verses and different cultural representations of their history and traditions. That was good to see.
“With the FortisAlberta greenUp Grant, Mamawi Atosketan Native School is not just growing plants but also nurturing a sustainable future for the community.”
Read more of Dalrymple’s comments here.
Fortis Community Investment Program Co-ordinator Gail Dalrymple presents a greenUp Award and Environmental Ambassador plaque to Principal Mike Willing and students for MANS’ hydroponic gardening initiative. The award comes with a $1,000 grant.
