Pre-Award ceremony visit to Canadian Embassy--Zayed Sustainability Prize escort, Kenyon Bull, Elias Mykat, David Leach, Political Counselor at the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dahbi, Ray Fankhauser, chaperone and hydroponics consultant. (Image Credit: Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Zayed Sustainability Prize Award

Mamawi Atosketan Native School represents Canada and North America, wins global sustainability prize in Abu Dhabi

Jan 15, 2026 | 11:12 AM

Two Indigenous students from Mamawi Atosketan Native School (MANS) have garnered some prestigious recognition.

The students flew to Abu Dhabi to attend the Jan. 13, 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize Award ceremonies and will be bringing home the $150,000 USD prize in the “Global High Schools – The Americas” category.

Officials say the MANS’ proposal for a student-led hydroponic farm project was chosen from more than 7,700 applications from 173 countries. They say MANS was the only North American finalist.

According to officials, the MANS’ “Growcer Farm Project” competed with two schools in South America for the category prize. They say the high school finalists are participating in four days of panels and activities along with finalists in other categories during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Officials say the proposed hydroponic garden, which would be housed in a container, would diversify the school’s sustainable food production education. Two years ago, it was noted 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.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

6h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

12h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

12h ago

School officials say 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, officials acknowledge that Mamawi Atosketan Native School is honoured to represent Canada 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,” Dussaye added.

Officials say hydroponics consultant Ray Fankhauser accompanied Dussaye and the students. The group will be returning Jan. 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.