University of Saskatchewan
EN-9: Community Partnerships

The University of Saskatchewan has the following community sustainability partnerships: Canada Green Building Council – Saskatchewan Chapter: The Office of Sustainability was instrumental in establishing the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council and is actively involved in the development and organization of its annual “Building Saskatchewan Green” Conference. Habitat for Humanity RE-Store: The University of Saskatchewan provides surplus building material assets to Habitat for Humanity for resale at its RE-Store, the proceeds of which support the construction of new homes for economically disadvantaged families. Good Food Box Program: The USSU Food Centre partners with CHEP - Child Hunger and Education Program - by signing up with the Good Food Box program. Students can come to the Food Centre to sign up to receive a Good Food Box at an affordable price. CHEP works with local producers and volunteers pack and deliver the boxes.

The Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve (RLBR) is located in central Saskatchewan and is one of a handful of reserves in Canada designated by UNESCO as an area with worldwide ecological significance. Biosphere reserves address the challenging issues of how to maintain the health of natural systems while meeting the needs of communities and are learning places for testing and demonstrating integrated management and protection of land, water and biodiversity. In April 2012, the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) and RLBR signed a Memorandum of Understanding which allows the school and the biosphere reserve to expand the scope of research and education projects relating to the environment and sustainability sectors. This memorandum formalised an already established partnership between the organizations. SENS students and faculty have been conducting research at the reserve for the past few years, and one course (ENVS 801) holds a field trip there annually. A key feature of the MOU is the continued offering of the field trip to RLBR for three days of hands-on training on field research methods in different ecosystems like rivers, wetlands and grasslands. Students also talk to local farmers, ranchers and other community representatives about their concerns and ideas on how to preserve this land for future generations and, at the same time, make a living in today’s economic challenges.

The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) is a conservation organization dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural heritage resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley in Saskatoon and area. With the support of the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan, Meewasin undertakes programs and projects in river valley education, development and conservation. As well, it provides education and volunteer opportunities to a broad spectrum of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan citizens. Each of the partners appoints four members to the Board of Directors. Of the four appointees from the University of Saskatchewan, one is the University President. The relationship with Meewasin is transformative in that: - U of S support was instrumental in establishing the Authority - The partnership is and has been long term and is also written into provincial legislation. - The mandate includes open, transparent public input. - The U of S contributes $600,000 annually to Meewasin. - U of S staff and faculty sit on the Board together with other stakeholders.

Our Master of Northern Governance and Development program enables northern Saskatchewan students to remain in their communities while completing their degree, and to deliver community-directed research that will seek innovative solutions to governance and development challenges facing northern Saskatchewan communities. Two University of Saskatchewan school outreach programs, Ecology Camps for Kids and Science Ambassadors, brings science and ecology education to high school students in Saskatoon and northern, remote communities. http://words.usask.ca/news/2012/05/23/nserc-promoscience-backs-u-of-s-ecololgy-camps-and-aboriginal-school-outreach-programs/