Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a unique, culturally relevant non-formal, science-based environmental education (EE) program for grade four, inner-city youth, managed by Nature Manitoba in partnership with The City of Winnipeg Naturalist Services Branch. This year-long program provides grade four inner-city youth with free culturally relevant, science-based EE programming including full-day field trips to local natural areas, in-class activities, as well as opportunities to experience and learn about nature first hand by participating in stewardship initiatives such as gardening.

View Bridging the Gap's brochure (pdf).

Visit Bridging the Gap's website.
 

OUR OBJECTIVES

• Ensure that all youth have the opportunity to experience, enjoy, and learn about our natural ecosystems and engage in culturally relevant, science-based environmental educational activities.
• Facilitate rekindling of cultural world views for an urban, largely Indigenous population.
• Foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment and an understanding of humanity's place therein; and foster the development of the next generation of environmental stewards.

OUR GOALS & OUR VISION

The overall goal of BTG is to assist in developing genuine attitude and value changes in learners, fostering not only increased environmental awareness but also a sense of empowerment and commitment to stewardship principles.
Vision: Address local social, economic and environmental issues through a bioregional lens of curricular based science and cultural education.

ACTIVITIES

• Providing Grade four inner-city youth with:
  • free culturally relevant, science-based EE programming including full-day field trips to local natural areas and ongoing in-class activities;
  • an opportunity to experience and learn about nature first hand through safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences; and
  • opportunities to participate in stewardship initiatives;
• employing strategies to respectfully include traditional Indigenous cultural values with the program's science based learning outcomes;
• involving local Elders to share traditional cultural teachings.

VOLUNTEERING

Bridging the Gap is always looking for an extra hand to help out with programs. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please read through the volunteer positions that are available (download .pdfs). Then complete the Volunteer Application form and email to dkazina@winnipeg.ca.