On the grounds of the legislative building, hundreds of Manitobans rallied together on Tuesday to celebrate Earth Day, an international annual event to raise awareness about environmental issues.
“I think it’s important to recognize Earth Day because since we’re living here, there’s only one place we could live, really, and life is a really beautiful thing to experience,” said Alexis Enero, a grade six student from École Leila North Community School.
Enero and her classmates are learning about ways to renew energy and reduce pollution by planting trees.
“I can’t think of a better way to represent Earth Day than celebrating it with our whole school,” said Nikita Chiriac, Enero’s classmate.
Teachers at their school launched a clothing donation program and an ‘Eco Warriors Club,’ all designed to teach kids about waste and sustainable activities.
“It’s not just one person doing everything perfectly,” said Carolyn Jefferson, a grade six teacher at the school.
“It’s a million people doing one more thing that they can do for the environment that will make the difference.”
They are not the only school getting involved. High school students from Maples Collegiate are also going green by participating in a bi-weekly compost collection.
“It’s about changing your lifestyle; it’s not about posting something on your story for one day and saying that you’re done with it,” said Ishwin Rana, a grade 11 student at the school.
55 years since the first Earth Day was recognized in 1970
The Save the Lemay Forest Coalition was at the rally to celebrate a recent announcement from the province that the space will be saved from development.
“I’m kind of still in shock that working on this for five years and all of a sudden they’re expropriating,” said Cat Gauthier, founder of the organization. “It’s fantastic.”
Other groups like Our Line in the Sand Manitoba say more work needs to be done to protect land from silica mining companies.
Organizers have collected over 600 signatures to change mining legislation.
“It’s about respect. Respecting our walk on the earth and doing it in tune with,” said Tangi Bell, the organization’s chair.
“That’s what we’re asking Premier Kinew to do. Bring about legislation that’s in tune with nature.”
