An ever growing mark on the Jasper landscape, the Palisades Stewardship Education Centre (PSEC) has been nominated for the 2009 Premier’s Award for School Board Innovation and Excellence

The nomination was put forward by the school board due to it’s ongoing partnership between Parks Canada and Grande Yellowhead Regional Division (GYRD). 

According to trustee Betsy DeClerq,  the board agreed that there was no other project as innovative as the PSEC. “They all just said, ‘well of course’.”

Dean Lindquist, superintendent for GYRD, who as a crucial player in the establishment of the centre, said the project was “phenomenal.”

“What this project does is enable the students to put their learning at the school into action at the Palisades,” he explained.

This sentiment was echoed by James Bartram, stewardship education project lead, who has played an integral role to get the project to a point where there are now with five educators at the centre.

For Bartram, an important part of this nomination is to be able to showcase the relationship forged between federal, provincial and local entities.

The partnership between Parks Canada and GYRD means that students have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with people working in the field. For example, a biology class from Grande Cache had the opportunity to speak directly with a University of Montana student who was studying the Jasper National Park caribou.

“It’s great that they can learn hands on from someone working in biology like that,” said Lindquist, “it’s the application of curriculum in that environment... quite often we get caught up in the academic, but when we can apply biology, that’s when the true learning can occur.”

Lindquist also acknowledged that the PSEC is reliant upon a variety of partnerships that have been forged within the Jasper community. For example, the learning centre at Marmot Basin is a combined effort between Parks Canada, GYRD and the ski hill.

“We really rely on the resident experts in this whole area and field of outdoor studies,” he said.

Bartram is also quick to point out the variety of unsung heroes that have worked with him over the last six years to help establish the PSEC. “They did it because they believe in it,” said Bartram citing members of the public safety crew, fire management, visitor experience and teachers from Jasper Jr./Sr. High School who have offered their time, persistence and dedication to the project.

“You know, they were doing it before it was even part of the direction,” he said.

Furthermore, DeClerq said that students walk away from the PSEC with memories for a lifetime and things that they’ll always remember – be it white water rafting, cycling to the icefields or learning to rock climb.

“It’s the pinnacle of their experience,” she said noting that students from each school in GYRD’s boundaries have come to the PSEC. 

“One of the key reasons that we nominated this one is because we always want to encourage others to be a part of this as well,” Lindquist said, “to access the program there.”

For all three, the nomination is also another way to continue the expansion of the PSEC so that it can be a sustainable, ongoing establishment.

“Hopefully it will bring more students,” said DeClerq.

“It’s just basically sharing the wealth,” added Bartram, “it’s a good opportunity for people to realize what partnerships can do.”

According to Lindquist, it’s just another opportunity for the board to receive the benefits of the landscape and environment that GYRD is nestled in.

“Fundamentally, our board looks at more than just academics. We understand the importance of conservation, and have an appreciation of what we have in Canada.”

“It’s truly as much an application for an award, but also to invite people to join in with us... and help others receive the benefits of where we live.”