The first ever marine conservation Nisga‚Äôa youth camp was delivered in August 2009.  Support was overwhelming, and the successes will be with us for years to come.

 Our goal for the camp was to provide Nisga‚Äôa Youth with:

• Increased level of awareness with marine environmental problems;
• Knowledge (experiential and scientific) about the marine environment;
• Attitudes that foster concern for the marine environment;
• Skills for dealing with environmental problems; and
• Eco-action initiatives to make positive changes for themselves, family, community, environment, and resources.

Reflections from 2009 -

Our Nisga'a Youth have a story to tell (Please Read on).

 ‚ÄúOf all the field trips, and activities, the Gingolx field trip was most memorable.  This trip featured a visit to the estuary and hatchery, but on the way we passed cultural sites, landmarks, and animals. It was a unique opportunity to name them in Nisga‚Äôa while the youth were actually seeing them. They were absolutely delighted to talk to me about their cultural stories (the lure of the Otter, the Weeping girl (stone lava cast), the Lava Lake Monster), see and touch the masterpieces at the Laxgalts‚Äôap carving shed, or operate the video camera, while we attempted to capture spawned out pink salmon from the banks of the Gingolx. This eagerness to learn and experience was, in my opinion, the key to the camp‚Äôs success. During the two weeks, interest and motivation in the activities we introduced never diminished and all youth completed every task. Each activity was focused on a different intelligence, sometimes a combination of two or more. These kids are truly talented!‚Äù RB

 Milestones in 2009:

• Nisga'a Fisheries designed, documented, implemented and assessed an interactive-integrated teacher curriculum guide (including over ten lesson plans) for teachers in the Nisga‚Äôa community, BC, and beyond. The unit theme focused on the framework ‚ÄòMarine Ecosystems, Habitat Protection & Conservation, and Abalone Species at Risk.‚Äô
• Delivered a 2 week, intensive marine conservation summer camp for over 24 students (ages 6-12), from all Villages and Urban Locals, and as far away as Squamish.
• Established an interim Community Working Group (NLG HR (chair), NF&W, Communications, YOY) with a shared vision for Nisga‚Äôa Youth & Environmentalism.
• Fostered a Youth Mentorship Program with 3 Youth (ages 15-25) actively involved as teacher-assistants, including project evaluation.
• Increased funding base by building corporate sponsorship (LGL Limited, Inspirus Education) and public donations (> $8,000).
• Delivered a community fundraiser special event owned and operated by the Youth. Prizes valued at over $2000 donated by local businesses Quantum Helicopters, Neids Enterprise, North Coast Anglers, Staples, Compusmart).

We would like to thank all the Program Volunteers and Youth Participants for making this program a complete success.

Guest Speakers

• Joseph Gosnell (Elder)
• Herbert Morven (Elder)
• Bobbie Clarke (NLG Tour)
• Corrine McKay (NLG Tour)
• Bill Moore (Elder)

Youth Mentors

• Rebecca McMillan -Youth Volunteer
• Bertrum McKay -Youth Volunteer
• Kaitlyn Stephens -Youth Volunteer

Nisga’a Lisims Government Resource Assistants

• Nita Morven
• Kimi Hisanaga

Transport/Cook Volunteers

• Olive Azak ‚Äì Gigi
• Kenneth Azak - Parent
• Stephanie Azak ‚Äì Parent/NF
• Tanya Adams - Parent
• Cheryl Stephens ‚Äì Parent/NF
• Michelle Olemen - Parent
• Vanessa Morgan - Auntie
• Derek Azak - Volunteer
• Charles Morven - Parent
• Bertrum McKay ‚Äì Youth Volunteer
• Anne MacLeod -NF
• Reginald Robinson -NF
• Tanya Clayton -NF
• Niva Percival -NF
• Tracey and Richard Bussanich
• Blair Stewart -NF

And all the Youth Participants

To learn more about 2010 Nisga’a Fisheries Youth Initiatives, please contact Blair Stewart (250-633-2617)