Two Indigenous students from Mamawi Atosketan Native School (MANS) flew to Abu Dhabi to attend the January 13, 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize Award ceremonies and are bringing home the $150,000 USD prize in the ”Global High Schools — The Americas” category. MANS’ proposal for a student-led hydroponic farm project was chosen from more than 7,700 applications from 173 countries. MANS was the only North American finalist.
MANS’ “Growcer Farm Project” competed with two schools in South America for the category prize. The high school finalists are participating in four days of panels and activities along with finalists in other categories during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The proposed hydroponic garden, which would be housed in a container, would diversify the school’s sustainable food production education. Two years ago, the K-12 school‘s traditional “dirt” garden expanded to include hydroponics in a classroom and was recognized by ATCO with a “greenUp Award” in March 2025.
The proposed year-round hydroponic garden could bring fresh produce to the school and the Maskwacis community while giving students hands-on experience in leadership, science, and environmental stewardship connected to food security and sustainability.
As the only Canadian finalist, Mamawi Atosketan Native School is honoured to represent Canada and North America and to stand on the global stage among inspiring schools from around the world that are working to build a better, more sustainable future.
“We are filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement,” said Melanie Dussaye, who submitted the grant application. “For us, this project is not only about food, but also about possibility. It’s about empowering young people to see that their ideas matter, their actions make a difference, and their voices can create real change. Being recognized at this level reminds us that even a small school in rural Alberta can have a global impact when passion and purpose come together.”
Hydroponics consultant Ray Fankhauser accompanied Dussaye and the students. The group will be returning January 17. MANS is an accredited independent (not-for-profit) K-12 First Nations school located near Maskwacis, Alberta. MANS provides Cree youth with an education that integrates physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Since its establishment in 2003, MANS has successfully guided graduates into trade programs and universities, adding a distinctive dual-credit carpentry program in 2024.
MANS is an accredited independent (not-for-profit) K-12 First Nations school located near Maskwacis, Alberta. MANS provides Cree youth with an education that integrates physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Since its establishment in 2003, MANS has successfully guided graduates into trade programs and universities, adding a distinctive dual-credit carpentry program in 2024. Click here to read more about MANS.
Kim Harrington is the principal at Mamawi Atosketan Native School. Lynn McDowell is the director, Planned Giving and Trust Services/Philanthropy, for the Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
