Our Pembina Trails Canada 150 Project

We believe it was one of the biggest school-based Canada 150 events in the country. 

More than 15,000 Pembina Trails students, staff and honourary speakers and performers gathered at Investors Group Field on May 24, 2017 for a Canada 150 event unlike any other.

“We value being as diverse as all 36 million people that call Canada home,” says Superintendent Ted Fransen. “We are truly a global village. While our family roots may be planted elsewhere – we are grounded in Pembina Trails, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The purpose of this project is to unite.”

Highlights from the Pembina Trails Canada 150 Project program included:

•  A 2,400 piece student band performing O’Canada 

• Speeches by The Honourable Janice C. Filmon and Indigenous youth advocate Michael Champagne

• A 15,000 person living flag which will wrap the entire lower bowl of the stadium 

• Performances by the Aboriginal School of Dance and Peaceful Village Team

• A display of 34 unique Canada 150 floats, one from each school

• A division-wide 34 km relay along the Trans Canada Trail 

• Event Emcee Ace Burpee

Since the fall, students across the division have focused on three areas of study: diversity and inclusion; environment and sustainable development; and reconciliation of indigenous and non-indigenous people.

Each Pembina Trails student and staff have created a pledge that articulates how they will make Canada a better place. These pledges are based on learning topics including diversity and inclusion, environment and sustainable development, and reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.  Thousands of promises have been turned into a massive Pembina Trails Book of Pledges, which was unveiled during an empowering program at Investor’s Group Field. 

“We believe education is intended to be transformative both personally and collectively,” says Fransen. “The intent of education is to improve the human condition both locally and globally and the Pembina Trails Canada 150 Project really aligns with this philosophy. Our future, where we are headed in the development of our communities and as a country, will depend on our youth. It is our belief that providing a memorable Canada 150 experience will deepen connections and expand minds for students to reach incredible potential.”

The Canada 150 Project wrapped up with a evening gallery. Community members were invited to visit the stadium and witness how we transformed 15,000 promises into a massive book of pledges. Parents, guardians, and students also enjoyed the opportunity to get up close to the 34 unique floats.

We want to thank the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for opening their doors and allowing us use of their field once again.  In 2015, we held our Human Rights event at Investors Group Field.  Learn more about that project here.   

On social media our #official hashtag: #PTC150 

Our Pembina Trails Book of Pledges were on display at the Manitoba Legislature over the summer.   The public had the opportunity to take a firsthand look at the thousands of pledges created by students and staff.