Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all. Source: Global Goals.org

Photo credit: Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre - release day

Canada’s Response:

For Canada, the 2030 Agenda goal 4 is: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Source: Towards Canada’s 2030 Agenda. There are a number of Actions, measures and many indicators that include: By 2030, ensuring that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.

Out of all the SDGs, Canada scores the best in SDG 4 Quality Education with an overall score of 79.16, ranked 21st.

How are actions within our biosphere region contributing toward these goals?

The Sta’7mus School

In Squamish in school district 48, the Sta’7mus School has a collaborative agreement with the Squamish Nation and together programs are designed for children to experience more place-based learning. With the inclusion of the Aya7ayulh Chet (Cultural Journeys) program, youth are connecting with the culture of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. Also, graduation rates among the Squamish Nation members are well above average in the country.

Field Schools

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound has been a hub for environmental education for youth for over 50 years, where each year about 22,000 students experience environmental education with the Sound as the classroom (OWHS, 2017). The Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound area hosts the largest regional cluster of summer camps, outdoor schools, and environmental programs in BC. Many more people, young and old, meet and learn about nature through the region’s schools and universities, local community groups and commercial ecotourism throughout the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region. This outdoor learning significantly benefits from proximity to Vancouver and the diverse geography and ecology that Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound offers.

Universities

Located in Squamish, Quest University, offers undergraduate liberal arts and sciences, using an innovative philosophy and novel curriculum.

Capilano University is a teaching-focused public university based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, nestled in a natural forested setting on the slopes of the North Shore Mountains, with programming that also serves the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and the Sunshine Coast. Through the Capilano University and Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative partnership, we are connecting youth to the land and sea, providing opportunities for place-based projects and adding capacity to local organizations.

Below are the most relevant actions for SDG 4 goal. Click here to learn more about the targets for UN SDG 4

What more can we be doing or are we on track? We want to hear from you.

In developing a management plan for the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, we are assessing where we are in our collective vision of Life on Land in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region for 2030, and setting priority goals and objectives. Read more here about the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan.

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