Government Of Canada Announces The 2010 Recipient Of The Parks Canada’s Ambassador For Education Award For Nunavut

Iqaluit, Nunavut, February 24, 2010–The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that Mr. Brian Manning, Principal of Nakasuk Elementary School in Iqaluit, was awarded the 2010 Parks Canada Ambassador in Education Award for the Territory of Nunavut. This honour is presented in recognition of an educator’s significant contribution towards increasing student awareness and appreciation for Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.“Brian Manning’s commitment to Parks Canada’s educational programs, especially as these reflect the Parks Canada presence in the Territory of Nunavut, has resulted in a heightened interest and awareness on the part of all students in his schools,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “He always found room in school programming to incorporate Parks Canada’s educational initiatives.”

Mr. Manning was nominated for his leadership in organizing and supporting Parks Canada programs during his tenure as Principal of the Qarmartalik School in Resolute Bay over the past six years. He has continued to assist Parks Canada in its educational programming since arriving in Iqaluit last summer. His interest in the protection and presentation of Nunavut’s National Parks has resulted in direct participation of students in Parks Canada programs in Nunavut.

“It is through the commitment of inspiring coordinators such as Brian Manning that Parks Canada is able to deliver memorable learning experiences for future decision makers,” said Minister Prentice. “To thank these outstanding contributors for their significant support, Parks Canada has created the Ambassador for Education Award.”

This Parks Canada Ambassador for Education Award recognizes Mr. Manning for the encouragement and the support he has provided students to help them achieve their full potential. He encourages his staff and his teachers to make good use of Parks Canada resources and Parks Canada School Programs. This Award acknowledges the extra time and effort required in ensuring Parks Canada resources are used to their full potential.

Curriculum-based, teacher-tested resources are available at national parks, national historic sites and online at Parks Canada’s Teacher Resource Centre (http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/index_e.asp).

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

Information:

Garry Enns
Manager of External Relations
Parks Canada
Nunavut Field Unit, Iqaluit
867-975-4660

Elise Maltin
Education Specialist, Northern Canada
Parks Canada
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
867-766-8463

Backgrounder associated with this News Release.

Parks Canada’s Ambassador for Education Award Program