Khowhemun Elementary is the recipient of a Roots & Shoots 30th Anniversary global award from the Jane Goodall Institute. Khowhemun’s Indigenous Garden was selected as the winner of this international award due to the thoughtful way in which it connects students so closely with nature and with the history of the land while highlighting the interdependence of plants, animals, and humans.
“We are tremendously proud of the staff and students at Khowhemun Elementary,” said Candace Spilsbury, Chair of the Board of Education for the Cowichan Valley School District. “This beautiful project started with our dedicated educators who continue to think of meaningful projects while intertwining them with our continued path on our reconciliation journey.”
Originally founded in 1991, Roots & Shoots aims to give young people reasons for hope and celebrate youth-led actions that are making a difference in communities all around the world. More information on Roots & Shoots can be found at www.rootsandshoots.ca.
A video of the full awards ceremony, featuring an introduction by Dr. Jane Goodall and Arnold Schwarzenegger can be found here: https://youtu.be/hDq2bGzev2M