2025

To provide Moose Cree youth with hands-on experiential science and cultural learning that will increase their knowledge and employability for environmental conservation-oriented roles and inspire them to care for their natural environment.

This initiative will empower Indigenous youth to become future conservation professionals and stewards of their homeland through hands-on conservation education with intertwined environmental stewardship and professional skill-building activities. By learning specific skills such as water testing and fish sampling, participants will further their knowledge of how to safely care for lands and waters and gain valuable skills that support future employment in environmental fields. By participating in cultural workshops, the youth will connect to their Elders and culture. Conducting these workshops on-the-land while camping provides youth an opportunity to connect with and build a relationship with the lands and waters of their homeland. This program is grounded in both cultural and scientific teachings and is designed to support personal growth, community connection, and long-term environmental leadership. The below are key outcomes of this event:

1. Transferrable skills: Skills learned at this event are advantageous for youths’ future employment applications for roles in conservation, land monitoring, and outdoor education.
2. Connection to lands and water: Many youth do not have the resources and support to be able to spend time on the lands and waters of their homeland, and so this opportunity provides an opportunity to be on-the-land and have an opportunity to connect with the land and develop a relationship and care for their homeland.
3. Strengthening connections to community: Youth can connect with one another, as well as with Elders and Knowledge Holders, to build and strengthen relationships within the local community.
4. Improved well-being: Time spent in nature is proven to have physical, mental and spiritual benefits.