Posted: June 14, 2022
Youth Water Leaders & Environmental Justice
A month into the program, the 2022 cohort of Youth Water Leaders are learning about issues of environmental justice, sustainability, indigenous relations to water and land, and have begun getting out into the field to explore the watershed.
It’s been just over a month since the first meeting of the Youth Water Leaders, and so much has happened!
This month the youth have been approaching watershed issues through the lens of environmental justice. Together they learned more about the impacts of environmental racism on Indigenous and minority communities and discussed the concept of sustainability. Though it’s become something of a buzzword, sustainability focuses on protecting the health of the environment while ensuring social and economic equity.
Sustainability was front of mind when the Water Leaders learned about the mining industry from Quebec Meilleure Mine and Eau Secours. Mining is one of the most wasteful extractive industries, producing tens to hundreds of tons of solid waste for every ton of mineral mined. Mines can also have a negative impact on water quality and divert water away from surrounding communities. While they can present economic benefits, they can also affect other industries like tourism and seriously impact Indigenous communities. As the demand for minerals increases in the transition towards green technologies like electric vehicles, it is important to consider how they can be sourced sustainably. In the watershed, a growing consumption of lithium has already affected Long Point First Nation, who are voicing their concerns about how a new mine will affect water quality and access to traditional hunting and fishing territory
The Water leaders have also been reflecting on the importance of Indigenous languages, which are central to Indigenous cultures, knowledges, and connections to land and water. Together with Mariette Buckshot, Language and Cultural Coordinator at Kitigan Zìbì, they learned words to describe water in Anishinaabemowin: nibì (water), zìbì (river), sàgahigan (lake), pimidjiwan (flowing), pimàdige (to swim). Mariette generously shared some of her water stories, and how her community is working to preserve and adapt their language.
The youth also made their first field trip to Mud Lake, where they performed a nest survey for at-risk turtles, with Canadian Wildlife Foundation Turtle Specialist David Seburn. Did you know that all 8 turtle species in Ontario are classified as at-risk? Vehicle collisions and habitat loss have had a huge impact on their populations. What’s more, turtles face an uphill battle before they even hatch: with nests facing high risks of predation or destruction when laid in areas of heavy traffic. Excavating and incubating nests in high risk areas helps give hatchlings a fighting chance.
Stay tuned for updates on the Youth Water Leaders and their community action projects in the coming weeks!
What an amazing opportunity for the youth leaders. Thanks to the organizers and specialists.