Concepts and Definitions (What)

To collectively advance towards a more sustainable Seneca, there are a variety of interpretations, models and framework to consider and explore. Let’s start with the definition from Seneca’s Sustainability Plan, 2021-2026:

Sustainability is the “integration of environmental health, social equity, cultural vitality and economic responsibility to create and maintain thriving, diverse, resilient communities for this generation and those to come.”

Sustainability is a set of actions that reflect understandings, worldviews, and actions that connect us to the land and to all living beings. Living sustainably and educating students about sustainability can positively impact the quality of our environment and promote health and well-being for all, not just the privileged few.

• What does sustainability mean to me?
• What role does sustainability play in my value system, my day-to-day life and my work life?

-Repurposed from Bringing Sustainability into our Classrooms

Rationale & Context (Why)

"Indigenous teachings speak of a “seventh generation principle.” This emphasizes that decisions made today should consider the impacts that will be seen seven generations from now. Our individual and collective decision-making must consider the generations to come if we are to realize a truly sustainable future" (Seneca Sustainability Plan 2021-2026).

By integrating sustainability into the classroom, we are recognizing the potential impact of our decisions and actions on future generations. We are also inviting multiple perspectives towards our behaviours and attitudes about the land.

• How have the actions of our ancestors impacted the quality of our environment and our collective well-being?
• How do other communities around the world practice sustainability in ways that may not always be recognized or described as such?
• What climate crises are taking place in regions where my students are from?

Integration Strategies for curriculum & classroom (How)

Regardless of your subject matter and program credential, you can bring sustainability into your classroom. You can explicitly include relevant concepts and understandings explicitly in course learning objectives, assessments and materials, but you can also weave sustainability themes throughout your lessons through discussion. You can also model behaviours which demonstrate sustainability values.

Bringing sustainability into the classroom can also mean:

1. encouraging “ah-ha” moments that deepen our personal connections to global sustainability issues.
2. introducing real-world, complex challenges for students to explore through data collection, active learning activities, and authentic assessments.
3. Introduce students to global sustainability topics and fostering an environment for students to share their cultures, languages, and nationalities.
4. weaving Indigenous principles into materials, assessments and discussions, and by strengthening our personal relationships with the land.

Guiding Questions

• How do my teaching topics align with sustainability themes?
• What does the literature say about embedding sustainability into the teaching and learning of my discipline?
• What examples can I find from colleagues or other academic institutions that integrate sustainability with my subject matter?
• How can I initiate discussions with students about contemporary sustainability issues?

Resources, References and Community of Practice (Where)

Here are some sustainability resources to help get you started. One consideration as your review these resources is the strong interconnection between environmental sustainability and Indigenous worldviews, social sustainability and climate justice

• How might I take action to support the development of sustainability education in my course, my program and beyond?