ABOUT
Chuntoh Education Society is a nonprofit society and registered charity (S-0044521/853258937RR0001) supporting K-12 place-based education in the Fort St. James area of British Columbia. Since 2002, our programs have prioritized activities that are outdoors, hands-on and culturally relevant.
Mission, Values, Strategic goals
Mission: To support PK-12 science programming that is experiential, culturally relevant, and place-based (incorporating local ecosystems and economies).
Vision: We will improve retention of local youth in science streams throughout their elementary and secondary school experiences, encourage them to pursue post-secondary studies in the natural sciences, and support their return to our communities as natural resource managers and stewards.
Values
⬥ Respect for the Land
We value maintaining and strengthening our connection to and stewardship of the land that sustains us.
⬥ Respect for the People
We value Indigenous Ecological Knowledge, which represents the knowledge and experiences of people on the land in an ever-changing ecosystem.
⬥ Respect for Learners
We value diversity in learning preferences and honor the many ways individuals grow through discovery, exploration and sharing.
Strategic Goals
1. INVITE families with children aged birth-6yrs to participate in nature exploration.
2. ENGAGE K-7 learners in hands-on, culturally-relevant outdoor science.
3. MENTOR G8-12 learners in project-based science and post-secondary transition.
4. SUPPORT Elders and educators with co-teaching models and strategies.
5. SUSTAIN support to our communities through capacity development.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUSAN GRAINGER, RPF
Past President
A founding Director of Chuntoh, Sue was our Board Chair for 21 years and remains as a director at large today. A Registered Professional Forester, Sue also served as the Executive Director of the John Prince Research Forest for over 20 years before retiring in 2024. She has bachelor’s degree in Forest Management from Oregon State University. Originally from Prince George, B.C., she has worked in forestry since 1978 for a variety of employers including government, consultants, licensees and academe throughout British Columbia, the United States and the Philippines.