Posted: April 4, 2023
Saying goodbye to the 2022-2023 Youth Water Leaders
February marked the end of the 2022-2023 Youth Water Leaders Program, with participants reflecting on how they will continue their advocacy for the watershed.
That’s a wrap for the 2022-23 cohort of the Youth Water Leaders Program! We’ve had a great year exploring the watershed with this fantastic group, and celebrated the end of the program with style at Relais Plein Air in Gatineau this February.
The Youth Water Leaders spent an afternoon skiing and snowshoeing among the trees of Gatineau Park. The morning had started out grey and cold, but the clouds began to clear just as the group had finished getting on their gear and it became a beautiful day to have fun in the snow! For some it was slow going at first, but the group quickly found their stride. After a couple of hours outside, everyone made it back to the Relais in time for dinner.
After a hot meal, the Water Leaders settled in for a few words by Riverkeeper Laura Reinsborough, who emphasised all of the different roles we have to play in protecting the Ottawa River. This was followed by a keynote discussion led by Karim Moussa of Future Ancestors Services. Together the Water Leaders reflected on how they will carry forward lessons from the program into their future studies, careers, and advocacy work. Participants talked about the importance of youth leadership, environmental justice, and of our responsibilities as the ancestors of future generations who will inhabit a world shaped by our choices. These ideas are essential to inclusive leadership, and to ensure a healthy watershed for all people and species in the years to come.
Finally, it was time for the Water Leaders to recognize and celebrate their achievements this year, and were each presented with a certificate in recognition of everything they have learned and worked on this year.
This year’s cohort of students, scientists, artists and activists have each demonstrated the characteristics of a Water Leader in their own ways. We’re grateful to have shared this time with them and wish them all the best wherever their journeys take them next!
The Youth Water Leaders Program is funded by the Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community.
Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.
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