IQALUIT - Nakasuk school principal Brian Manning said winning Parks Canada's Ambassador in Education Award earlier this month came as a "real surprise."

Nakasuk School principal Brian Manning in his office on Feb. 2. Manning is the first Nunavut recipient of Parks Canada's Ambassador in Education Award. - Kassina Ryder/NNSL photo

"I’m certainly honoured to be a recipient of this," Manning said.

Manning, former principal of Qarmartalik School in Resolute, is the first in Nunavut to receive the award, Parks Canada's Northern Canada education specialist Elise Maltin said.

Parks Canada began awarding educators last year, Maltin said.

"It’s a new program and it was piloted in southern Canada last year and it is to recognize educators who have made significant contributions to Parks Canada," she said.

Manning was selected because of his passion and commitment to Parks Canada's educational programs, Maltin said.

"He was very enthusiastic about on the land experiences and our partners in education program," she said. "All of that really encouraged both staff and students to learn about our national parks."

Manning began collaborating with Parks Canada while working as principal in Resolute seven years ago.

Being located in Resolute, the jumping off point for many Arctic projects, provided the school with unique learning opportunities, Manning said.

"Resolute is on the doorstep," he said.

Students at Qarmartalik School were able to travel with Parks Canada staff to Quttinirpaaq National Park on Ellesmere Island and also assisted Parks Canada staff to construct an exhibition now on display at the Resolute airport.

The partnership is beneficial to both Nunavut's schools and Parks Canada, Manning said. Students and staff learn more about the land and the territory while providing Parks Canada with venues to distribute information, Manning said.

"They are a source of enrichment to the curriculum," Manning said.

Manning said the educational resources obtained through Parks Canada along with elders provides students with different perspectives within Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

"It is most important for us to know Nunavut. As we get to know Nunavut, we get to know ourselves," he said. "Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is not just words, it's the reality of living in the North."

Manning also said the knowledge gained by staff at both Qarmartalik and Nakasuk schools have provided a better learning experience for students.

"If you have well-educated teachers about the North, then you have well-educated students," he said.

The partnership with Parks Canada has continued in Manning's new position as principal of Nakasuk School in Iqaluit.

Manning is expected to receive his award during teachers' conferences taking place at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit the week of Feb. 22, Maltin said.