Students and educators recognized for taking action on global issues

Two Grade 12 students from Nelson McIntyre Collegiate were celebrated for their efforts to prepare students for their first federal election.

Owen Coomber and Emerson McFadyen engaged 90 students across their riding in a mock election and survey about political engagement, educating fellow students on how voting works and why it matters.

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They later shared the results with their then Member of Parliament, Dan Vandal, highlighting the importance of youth voices in democratic conversations.

Their initiative has been recognized with one of two Outstanding Take Action Project Awards from MCIC. This award recognizes outstanding achievement for students taking Global Issues 40S who plan and implement “Take Action” projects as part of the course.

Juliana and MP Colin Reynolds pose together.

At Collège Miles Macdonell Collegiate, Juliana Nicolas is also being celebrated with an Outstanding Take Action Project Award for her initiative The Butterfly Project, which addressesd teen mental health and academic stress.

Juliana launched a dedicated Instagram account to share uplifting messages, mental health resources, and student reflections. She created a supportive space for students during exam season and encouraged positive conversations around well-being.

“Even if we don’t have close relationships, we can still connect through shared struggles,” Juliana shared. “The packages made people feel appreciated, calm, and confident.” She also handed out over 60 exam care packages filled with treats, pencils, and encouraging notes during provincial exams. On social media, her campaign reached more than 1,294 Instagram accounts over the semester.

Juliana met and spoke to her Member of Parliament (Elmwood—Transcona), Colin Reynolds about her Take Action Project at MCIC's AGM this past June.

Alongside the students, four Manitoba educators were recognized with Global Citizenship Awards for their leadership in promoting global understanding, sustainability, and equity in their schools.

Heather Eckton has been an educator in the Seven Oaks School Division for over 21 years and currently serves as the Climate Action Divisional Teacher Team Leader, supporting 28 schools in advancing climate justice, sustainability, and global citizenship. She integrates Indigenous knowledge, eco-pedagogy, and Participatory Action Research to empower educators and students as agents of change.With a focus on turning eco-anxiety into hope and action, Heather inspires school communities to imagine and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Believing deeply in the potential of young people, she emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven education: “When every kid leaving the school system has a North Star, you’re going to get constellations of hope, because they are going to start working together and reimagining the world.”

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Sheri McIvor, a long-time educator at Mel Johnson School in Wabowden, Manitoba, who is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive community. She is shown here with Bea Basaran, MCIC's Education Specialist, receiving her award.

For over 25 years Sheri has been a key leader and teacher dedicated to sustainability and has played a significant role in the Frontier School Division Student Leadership program, helping students become confident, compassionate leaders who strengthen their communities. In her role as communication instructor for the division-wide program, Sheri continues to inspire and empower youth across the division, earning the respect of both students and colleagues.

Dr Izzeddin Hawamda currently serves as the Anti-Racist Education Professional Learning Initiative Coordinator with Louis Riel, River East Transcona, and Winnipeg School Divisions. He is committed to advancing global citizenship, justice, equity, and inclusion through education.

Drawing on his own experiences as a former EAL student and educator, Izzeddin uses storytelling and dialogue to create inclusive learning environments. His leadership in anti-racist pedagogy has empowered school communities to adopt sustainable, decolonizing practices. A collaborator and advocate, Izzeddin continues to amplify marginalized voices and inspire meaningful change.

Sean Oliver, a teacher in the Louis Riel School Division, was the lead organizer of Learning with the Land: A Gathering to Celebrate and Dream, held this past spring. The event brought together nearly 1,000 participants to explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, with a focus on land-based learning and Indigenous knowledge.

“I’m incredibly happy and thankful to know that learners across our province are engaging more and more with Indigenous worldviews, knowledges, and land-based learning,” Sean shared. “Because what I’ve learned from my teachers is that the more we learn to work together and live in harmony and balance, and care for one another, for both people and land, the better we do. We do better as human beings.”

Sean’s leadership in land-based teaching supports students in reclaiming Indigenous knowledge and understanding their role in building a more just and sustainable world.

Dr Izzeddin, Heather and Sheri pose with their award certificates.