The Council of Canadians
A Growing Movement for Water Protection
As spring brings new energy and momentum, the Blue Community Schools movement continues to grow across Canada and beyond! This May, we’re excited to share inspiring school achievements, new educational resources, movement milestones, and exciting opportunities to help schools deepen their commitment to water protection, sustainability, and youth leadership. Thank you for being part of this growing movement for water justice and education.
Meet our new Water & Climate Campaigner!
🌊 Welcome Jessica Cheung!
We’re excited to welcome Jessica Cheung as the new Water & Climate Campaigner with The Council of Canadians! Jessica is a community organizer and somatic practitioner with over a decade of experience, at the intersection of environmental advocacy and Indigenous rights.
Based in Guelph on Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe territory, she brings creativity, depth, and a deep love of water to everything she does.
We’re thrilled to have her supporting the growing Blue Community Schools movement. We look forward to the ideas, connections, and inspiration she will bring as we continue working together to protect water and empower youth across communities.
NEW RESOURCE: the BCS Water Protector Colouring Book!
A fun and engaging resource created for K-6 learners, designed to help younger students learn about protecting water through creativity and hands-on activities.
Students will enjoy colouring pages, connect-the-dots activities, and interactive challenges while discovering how they can become Water Protectors in their school and community.
Students Taking Action for Water Justice
Thanks to the passion and leadership of students and educators across the country, the Council of Canadians’ office has now received more than 500 water drops carrying powerful messages of hope, action, and water justice.
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, these student messages will be delivered to the Prime Minister, calling for an end to drinking water advisories in First Nations communities once and for all.
The commitment shown by participating schools in the Water Drops initiative and the UCDSB Earth Day Challenge, beautifully reflects the heart of the Blue Community Schools movement. We sincerely commend all the students, educators, and school communities whose leadership continues to inspire meaningful change.
Water is Life Art Challenge
This Fall, the Council of Canadians is launching the Water is Life Art Challenge, a cross-Canada public art initiative inviting youth to express their love, grief, and hope for water through creative action.
In partnership with members of Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative, the challenge will connect classrooms and communities through art that honours water as a living relation. Stay tuned for details on how your school can get involved!
Celebrating Blue Community Schools ~ Global Ambassadors
We’re excited to announce that the new Blue Community Schools Global Ambassadors page is now live on the BCS website!
This inspiring new page celebrates the educators, advocates, and community leaders helping to grow the Blue Community Schools movement around the world. Discover the passionate individuals supporting water justice, sustainability, and youth engagement while helping connect and inspire schools across communities and countries.
Ambassador Spotlight
Matthew D. Arsenault, Teacher
Redcliff Middle School
Matthew is a dedicated water defender and educator whose advocacy and leadership continue to inspire students, schools, and communities. His work is deeply rooted in the teachings he received from Mi’kmaw grandmothers, fostering a deep respect for water, land, and community.
Movement Milestones
We’re proud to celebrate the incredible momentum within the BCS network:
- 42 schools are currently working toward certification
- 2 more schools have recently become certified Blue Community Schools:
- Caldwell Street Public School
– May 07, 2026 - Oxford on Rideau Public School
– May 08, 2026
- Caldwell Street Public School
- 6 schools will be sending in their signed Pledges.
The Blue Community Schools initiative is a growing movement of students, educators, and communities committed to protecting water for future generations.
If your school would like support exploring the Blue Community Schools initiative, using our educational resources, or becoming a certified Blue Community School, we would be happy to connect with you. You can reach us at info@bluecommunityschools.org.
To ensure you never miss the latest Blue Community Schools news, resources, and opportunities, please add info@bluecommunityschools.org to your safe senders list or address book.
Thank you for helping inspire the next generation of Water Protectors!
