The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is bringing their fourth annual ‘Voices for Sustainability’ Symposium back to the East Kootenay.

This year’s event will take place on the weekend of September 28-30 at Clear Sky Center just 30 minutes from Cranbrook. The center is situated on 310 wooded acres at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, with a magnificent view of Bull Mountain. This popular professional development retreat will allow environmental educators and teachers alike to network and share while gaining valuable information that they can apply both in and outside of the classroom.

Monica Nissen, a past participant and planner of this year’s symposium, believes that “the Voices for Sustainability event is about getting motivated and recharged. It allows participants to learn from each other, to share best practices and to showcase what they are doing in their classes and their communities around education for sustainability. In the past, I have always come away just bursting with new ideas and inspiration.”

This year’s event will feature Joel Hagen of Great Divide Interpretation out of Lake Louise who is one of only seven Master Interpreters in the Rocky Mountains. Hagen will share with educators the principles of interpretation which, by Parks Canada’s definition, is “an informational and inspirational process designed to enhance understanding, appreciation and protection of our cultural and natural heritage.”

In addition, educators will be given the exclusive opportunity to meet with Dr. Jane Goodall (pictured above) and learn about her Roots & Shoots youth environmental action program. This global program empowers youth to take positive action on environmental and humanitarian issues.

This is an incredible opportunity for teachers to learn, share and be inspired is made possible by the generous support of Columbia Basin Trust, Fernie District Teachers’ Association, Cranbrook District Teachers’ Association, Clear Sky Center, Kicking Horse Coffee, St. Eugene Mission Resort and Kootenay Kwik Print.

As a result, early bird registration (until September 15) is only $150 and includes all accommodation, meals and activities. Participants can find out more or register by going to www.cbeen.org/vfs2012.

CBEEN

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