LNG Canada Brings Ocean Wise AquaVan to Northern B.C. Communities

Tour will travel through northern B.C. stopping in Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert to bring sea creatures, fun and education to schools this fall.

Vancouver, B.C. – The Ocean Wise AquaVan, its team of four educators, and some fascinating aquatic ambassadors native to the Pacific Northwest are heading to communities in northern B.C. from September 16 to October 9, 2019. The generous sponsorship of LNG Canada makes it possible for the AquaVan to visit both elementary and secondary schools in Terrace, Kitimat, and the surrounding area (see schedule attached).

In addition to the school programs that will reach approximately 2,600 students, the Ocean Wise team will visit Prince Rupert to participate in a community event on September 28 where children and their families can share in the AquaVan experience.

“LNG Canada is sponsoring Ocean Wise AquaVan for a second year to bring education programs to children, youth and adults to learn about, and recognize, climate change, how individual actions impact our environment, and what people can do to be a positive influence,” says Susannah Pierce, Director of Corporate Affairs, LNG Canada. “This aligns with our belief that it is important to invest in local communities and provide educational opportunities on such important topics.”

Participants will first experience a “virtual visit” with Ocean Wise educators, allowing connections between participants and other students in the school district. Students will explore ideas from the B.C. curriculum to further their understanding of the role individuals, communities and governments can play in ensuring a bright future in our changing climate.

“Providing youth with a hands-on learning experience in their own backyard is invaluable in creating stewards for our environment,” says Catriona Wilson, Manager of Mobile Programs for Ocean Wise. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to take our education programs to these communities through LNG Canada’s sponsorship of the AquaVan. Working with youth and watching them share their knowledge, ideas and passion for their local environment is at the heart of why we do what we do.”

Once the Ocean Wise AquaVan with its mobile aquaria containing sea stars, sea urchins, crabs and sea anemones arrives onsite at each school, the real excitement begins. Students will participate in a classroom visit and don their rubber boots to go streamside with the Ocean Wise educators and get their hands dirty. On September 30th, youth in Terrace will also have an opportunity to share what they learned in a special Climate Communication Showcase.

The award-winning Ocean Wise AquaVan delivers interactive aquatic programming to people of all ages at community events, schools and camps. The AquaVan features mobile aquaria with all the necessary life support to safely transport ambassador animals like sea cucumbers, crabs, sea anemones and other invertebrates from the Pacific Coast. Programs focus on encouraging ocean literacy and exploring the effects humans have on our rivers, lakes and oceans, through topics such as local history and regional environmental issues, so participants can learn how to work together to ensure Canada’s waterways are healthy and abundant now and in the future.

AQUAVAN SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

September 17 Skeena Middle School, Terrace, B.C.

September 18 Ecole Mountainview OR Mountain View Christian Academy, Terrace, B.C.

September 19 Thornhill Elementary School, Terrace, B.C.

September 20 ‘Na Aksa Gyilak ‘yoo School, Terrace, B.C.

September 24 Skeena Middle School & Parkside Secondary School, Terrace, B.C.

September 25 Suwilaawks Community School, Terrace, B.C.

September 26 Uplands Elementary School, Terrace, B.C.

September 27 Cassie Hall Elementary, Terrace, B.C.

September 28 Community event at Coast Mountain College (12pm – 5pm) Prince Rupert, B.C.

September 30 Kitselas Community Event

October 1 Strong Start and Day Care students, Kitimat, B.C.

October 2 Strong Start and Day Care students, Terrace, B.C.

October 3 Kitimat High/Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School, Kitimat,B.C.

October 4 Nechako Elementary School with Kitimat and Mount Elizabeth Secondary Schools, Kitimat, B.C.

October 7 Kildala Elementary School, Kitimat, B.C.

October 9 Haisla Community School, Haisla, B.C.

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Social Media: @OceanWise | #OceanWise

Media Contacts

Ocean Wise / Vancouver Aquarium

Laurie Skene
Communications Manager
Laurie.skene@ocean.org
publicrelations@ocean.org
Mobile: 403.819.1898

LNG Canada
media@lngcanada.ca
mobile: 604.761.5529

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