Unique partnership helping to connect Canadians to nature
OTTAWA, July 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the 13 students – seven from the North and six from the South – selected by Parks Canada to participate in this year's Students on Ice expedition. Students on Ice is an award-winning organization providing unique educational opportunities to the Antarctic and the Arctic. Through a three year agreement, Parks Canada is contributing approximately $150,000 a year to sponsor 13 student participants per year in the Students on Ice program.
In addition to a summer job with Parks Canada, the selected students will fully participate in the Students on Ice program and will be assigned a project to reach out and connect with Canada's youth through videography and other social media.
Under Canada's National Conservation Plan (NCP), Parks Canada is connecting Canadians to nature and encouraging on-the-ground action and partnerships that lead to tangible results. Through this unique initiative with Students on Ice, Parks Canada is supporting youth and Aboriginal leadership development and building connections between northern and southern Canada and our natural heritage. Parks Canada has a number of existing programs that engage young Canadians, including: My Parks Pass; Canada's Coolest School Trip; the Parks Canada Youth Ambassador Program; and engaging interpretive and educational experiences at many parks and sites.
Quick Facts
- This year's student participants include the following individuals: Justin Fisch (Montreal, Quebec); Audrey Morin (Saint-Félix de Kingsley, Quebec); Aleksander Godlewski (Toronto, Ontario); Claire Watson (Toronto, Ontario); Addison Asuchak (Calgary, Alberta); Mila Mezei (Calgary, Alberta); Austin McPherson (Churchill, Manitoba); Chaim Andersen (Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador); Karen Benoit (Inuvik,N.W.T.); Melody Teddy (Inuvik,N.W.T.); Monica Johnson (Whitehorse, Yukon); Janelle Jacqueline Bruneau (Fort Simpson, N.W.T.), and; Ciera Lee‑Kooneeliusie (Pangnirtung, Nunavut).
- The 13 students will be together July 9-24, 2014 as Students on Ice participate in a ship and land-based expedition exploring the eastern Canadian Arctic and western Greenland. In this first year, the program will feature Torngat Mountains National Park (Labrador).
- This program will be offered again in 2015, featuring Sirmilik National Park (Nunavut), and in 2016 featuring Auyuittuq National Park (Nunavut).
Quote
"I am pleased to welcome this year's participants in Parks Canada's partnership program with Students on Ice. Under our Government's National Conservation Plan, we are encouraging Canadians to connect with nature and this is a unique opportunity for these students to do just that. With so much to discover in Canada's Arctic, I have no doubt it will be an incredible experience and look forward to the results of their work with Parks Canada."
The Honourable Leona Agluakkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Associated Links
News Release: Minister Aglukkaq Announces Support to Help put Students on Ice
Backgrounder: Parks Canada and Students on Ice
SOURCE: Parks Canada
Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 1-855-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada
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