U of R Community Recognized at 2026 RCE Saskatchewan Awards
Members of the University of Regina community were among the sustainability leaders recognized at the 18th Annual Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan Awards for Achievement in Education for Sustainable Development. The ceremony celebrated 51 initiatives from across Saskatchewan that are advancing sustainability through education, innovation, community engagement, and action.
Presented by Her Honour the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, the awards recognize projects that inspire and empower others to contribute to a more sustainable future. Since 2007, more than 340 awards have been presented to organizations, institutions, communities, and individuals across the province.
The 2026 awards showcased the breadth of sustainability efforts taking place throughout Saskatchewan, addressing topics such as climate resilience, Indigenous leadership, wetland restoration, responsible consumption, food security, renewable energy, and community inclusion. These initiatives demonstrate that sustainability extends beyond environmental stewardship to include social well-being, economic resilience, cultural vitality, and community collaboration. By educating, engaging, and empowering others, award recipients are helping build a more sustainable Saskatchewan for current and future generations.
We are proud to support RCE Saskatchewan and celebrate University of Regina-affiliated faculty, students, campus partners, and community collaborations for their achievements in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and creating positive change on campus and beyond!
Special Awards
mamawiitohtewak: Walking Together
Project team: Dr. Elder Lorna Standingready; Dr. Brenda Anderson
Award: Dr. Garth Pickard Award for Post-Secondary Excellence in Education for Sustainable Development
Luther College was recognized for mamawiitohtewak: Walking Together, led by Dr. Brenda Anderson and Dr. Elder Lorna Standingready. The initiative has engaged hundreds of community members in inclusive, accessible, and participatory learning opportunities that supports reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge sharing, and relationship building through community engagement.
Climate Education & Resilience Program
Project team: Abhay Sachal; Break The Divide
Award: Lyle Benko Future Generations Award for Outstanding Education for Sustainable Development in Kindergarten to Grade 12
The Climate Education & Resilience Program, led by Break The Divide, was recognized for empowering students to engage with climate issues through education, dialogue, and action. The program helps participants build their understanding of climate change, sustainability, and community resilience while developing leadership skills and confidence to contribute to positive change.
Dr. Brenda Anderson and Dr. Elder Lorna Standingready (left) and Break the Divide (right) were recipients of Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Special Awards.
Main Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Awards
The University of Regina's Microgrid Living Laboratory
Project team: Dr. Irfan Al-Anbagi; Lisa Vindevoghel; Douglas Wagner; Mike Hodnefield
This project serves as a real-world platform for research, innovation, and experiential learning focused on renewable energy systems, energy resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the University of Regina's Microgrid Living Laboratory helps prepare students and researchers to address complex energy challenges while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.
Dr. Irfan Al-Anbagi (left) was the recipient of a Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) award.
Wellness Through Expression: Safe Space for Creative Healing
Project team: Vanshita Agarwal; Uzair Tariq
Wellness Through Expression: Safe Space for Creative Healing, led by Vanshita Agarwal, was recognized for creating opportunities for individuals to explore wellness through creativity, self-expression, and connection. By providing a supportive environment for participants to engage in artistic and reflective activities, the initiative promotes mental well-being, resilience, and community belonging.
Vanshita Agarwal (left) was the recipient of a Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) award.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness and Disability Advocacy
Project team: Vanshita Agarwal; Dr. Brenda Rossow-Kimball; Drashti Dave
FND Awareness and Disability Advocacy received recognition for advancing understanding and support for individuals living with FND and other disabilities. Through education, awareness-building, and advocacy efforts, the initiative works to reduce stigma, increase accessibility, and promote inclusion.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Symposium 2025
Project team: Dr. Alasdair Morrison; Sheena Stewart; Heather Toews; Jocelyn Crivea
The CEA Symposium brought together researchers, industry leaders, students, and community partners to explore innovative approaches to sustainable food production, helping advance knowledge and collaboration in a rapidly growing field.
Acting Up: Enhancing Allyship and Anti-Racism
Project team: Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Walter Strydom; Victoria-Uchenna Ike; Lynden Wiome; Mark Veneziano; Harmony Owens, Annika Danielson, and Sydney Gayle
The Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre was recognized for Acting Up: Enhancing Allyship and Anti-Racism, an initiative that uses theatre and participatory learning to examine issues of equity, inclusion, and systemic discrimination while developing practical skills for allyship.
The Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre was the recipient of a Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) award.
The Carillon Newspaper
Project team: Ziyang Li
The University of Regina's student newspaper, The Carillon, was recognized for its role in fostering informed dialogue and community engagement. The Carillon provides coverage of social, environmental, cultural, and campus issues that matter to students and the broader community.
Trash Music
Project team: Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger; Sheena Stewart; Jocelyn Crivea
The Sustainability Office was recognized alongside Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger for Trash Music, an innovative project that uses music and creative expression to engage participants in conversations about waste reduction, consumption, and environmental stewardship.
Self-Powered Water Device for Remote Areas
Project team: Dr. Gordon Huang; Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities
Self-Powered Water Device for Remote Areas focuses on developing innovative water solutions that can operate independently of conventional power sources, helping improve access to safe and reliable water in underserved communities.
Wetlands Fest 2026
Project team: Juleah Duesing-Bird; Shivangi Sharma; J'lynn Pratt; Michela Sisti; Sheena Missens; Gracie Farago
Wetlands Fest 2026, led by Biology Undergraduate and Graduate Society and the ta-tawâw Student Centre, was recognized for creating opportunities for experiential learning and environmental stewardship. The event connected participants with the importance of wetlands through hands-on activities, education, and community engagement.
BUGS and the ta-tawâw Student Centre were the recipient of a Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) award.
Monitoring of Effluent Impacts Using Machine Learning
Project team: Tara Hatami
Monitoring of Effluent Impacts Using Machine Learning, led by Tara Hatami, enhances ability to detect patterns, improve decision-making, and support evidence-based environmental management. It demonstrates how emerging technologies contribute to the protection of ecosystems and water resources.
International Mother Language Day Celebration by URBSA 2026
Project team: N M Eftakharul Alam Bhuiya, Mahadi Hasan Anik; Abu Zafor Obidullah Chowdhory; Asad Abdullah Sakib; Towsif Suhad; Saima Khan
The University of Regina Bangladeshi Students' Association received recognition for its International Mother Language Day Celebration. The event highlighted the importance of cultural diversity, inclusion, and linguistic heritage while fostering dialogue and understanding within the campus and broader community.
Honourable Mention Awards
Modular Polymer System for Sustainable Water Treatment
Project team: Dr. Stephanie Young; Sania Sami; Bryabella Bula; Pearl Kawoozo
Modular Polymer System for Sustainable Water Treatment was recognized for developing innovative solutions to improve water treatment processes. By addressing challenges related to clean water access and resource management, the initiative contributes to environmental protection and public health.