Our Living Ecosystem: What are the Interconnections among the Elements Surrounding Us? A Classroom-based Activity in Nunavik

Natural environment (water, soil, air, etc.) and built environment (houses, schools, roads, etc.) are part of a larger global ecosystem; all elements are tightly interconnected and affect each other. People, plants, animals and other living beings are also integral components of the ecosystem. An ecosystem includes not only elements that we see, but also intangible ones such as culture, spiritual beliefs, music, arts, and the economy. Emphasizing the dynamic links among these elements and how they relate to each other is central to understanding the intimate interdependence between an ecosystem and the health of all its living beings. Drawing from this premise, we developed an environmental education activity that was conducted in high schools in two villages in Nunavik (Northern Quebec) during February and March 2012. In this report, we share our methods and rationale to promote the adaptation and modification of this activity in other schools.