FROM THE EDITOR


Te spring issue of Voice is our environ- ment issue and an opportunity to recom- mit not only to educating our students about environmental justice but to mod- elling best practices as educators. With the re-election of a Ford majority gov- ernment for a third term, the protection of the environment, like the protection of all aspects of the public good, will be even more pressing. As President Karen Brown writes, “Ford’s track record on public education, workers’ rights, public services and environmental protections has been marked by cuts, privatization


and a disregard for the voices of experts and frontline workers. As we face another four years of Ford, it is more important than ever to stay engaged and active in the fight for fairness, equity and justice.” In Students Becoming Changemakers, Emily Chan interviews Cecilia La Rose-


Luciuk, one of 15 young people, aged 10 to 19, who filed a lawsuit in 2019 stating that the federal government of Canada is contributing to harms caused by climate change. Asked what she wants educators to know about engaging young people to become activists, La Rose-Luciuk says, “Kids are capable of more than we like to give them credit for…If students feel like they have a choice and that they have the ability to influence change, the skills and lessons they learn in school will serve them for the rest of their lives.” In Leading Together for a Sustainable Future, Sarah Lowes offers practical ideas


for creating a climate-centred classroom. “Young people are calling for education that goes beyond the scientific facts of climate change to focus on solutions-based, hands-on learning,” she writes. “As educators, we have a responsibility to equip the next generation with not only the knowledge but also the agency to address the cli- mate crisis in meaningful ways.” A strong thread through this issue, is the importance of protecting water and


centering Indigenous voices. In Advocacy from Asubpeeschoseewagong, JoAnne For- manek Gustafson considers the more than 50 years that Indigenous activists have been fighting for clean water for Grassy Narrows. She writes about the importance of centering the voices of communities impacted by environmental racism. In It’s All About Relationships, Jennifer Luxmore-Begin reflects on teaching her


students to protect water through her Land-centred music program. “In my pro- gram, students hear and see First Nations, Inuit and Métis people singing to water, praying for water and telling stories connected to this practice. Tey learn from in- spirational water activists and Knowledge Keepers and discover that water is our relative and needs to be cared for just like humans need care,” she writes. Also in this issue, advice on how to start a committee in your local, a climate- themed curriculum insert, book reviews and our spring crossword!


ETFO Executive Members


PRESIDENT Karen Brown, Elementary Teachers of Toronto


FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT David Mastin, Durham


VICE-PRESIDENTS Shirley Bell, Kawartha Pine Ridge Gundi Barbour, Upper Grand


OTF TABLE OFFICER Nathan Core, Waterloo Region


EXECUTIVE MEMBERS Tamara DuFour, Hamilton-Wentworth Mary Fowler, Durham Juan-Yahya Gairey, Peel Shideh Houshmandi, Hamilton-Wentworth Carolyn Proulx-Wootton, Grand Erie Mario Spagnuolo, Greater Essex County Mike Thomas, Thames Valley Sylvia van Campen, Upper Canada Jenn Wallage, Waterloo Sharon O’Halloran, General Secretary Lorna Larmour, Deputy General Secretary Sabrina Sawyer, Deputy General Secretary


ETFO Voice Izida Zorde, Editor Sharon O’Halloran, Business Manager Michelle Goddard, Advertising Sales David Beyer, Design Contributors not otherwise credited: Federico Carvajal, Dory Cerny


Member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) and Canadian Education Press Association


Indexed in the Canadian Educational Index / Répertoire canadien sur l’éducation


ISSN: 1481-4072


Articles contained herein reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily express official policy of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.


Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply ETFO endorsement of the product or service. Advertising contracts are subject to cancellation if members complain.


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4 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2025


PHOTO BY CHRISTINE COUSINS


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