Nisga’a Fisheries & Wildlife is planning to repeat the Nisga’a Youth Marine Stewardship Program in 2010 with its partners. Direct and in-kind funds from Nisga’a Lisims Government and LGL Limited valued at $17,400 have already been committed to the program. Delivery of the program is contingent on receiving an additional $16,000 requested from the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP, Fisheries & Oceans/Environment Canada) in November 2009, for release in June 2010.

So what can we expect..? for full details please read on...for previous CoastWatch blogs, check out our group via nnkn/NLG/Fisheries&Wildlife/Coastwatch.

For more info:

Please contact Blair Stewart, Coastal Manager, Nisga'a Fisheries & Wildlife

250-633-2617

Ultimately, our goal is to build a ‚Äòvehicle‚Äô with School District 92 & Nisga‚Äôa Youth Organizing Youth Project for implementing a Youth Driven Marine Stewardship Program.  The core elements include: sharing knowledge, gaining self esteem, and promoting a higher standard of living through conservation, restoration, and preservation of marine resources.  

 Meanwhile, some of the short-term outreach and education activities could include: 

• Re-implementing a summer field program to motivate new participants, Grades 3 ‚Äì 8, to learn about marine conservation, become familiar with the Nisga‚Äôa Fisheries program, and think-and-act as change agents for the Nation;
• Facilitate a Youth exchange, or Youth Forum for North Coast Stakeholders, ages 13 ‚Äì 25, to increase the Coast Watch profile and position as leaders in marine conservation and stewardship;
• Field trips by Nisga‚Äôa youth to high profile marine conservation centers (e.g., Vancouver Aquarium, BC, Monterey Bay Aquarium, California (USA)); and
• Continue to build stronger media relations with Bamfield Marine Research Station and Vancouver Aquarium and design/publish marine outreach materials by Nisga‚Äôa youth.

What about 2010?

Under the direction of a Youth Environmental Coordinator (or 'E-marine' Coordinator), a"Marine Habitat Protection-Conservation, and Abalone Species at Risk" teaching unit designed by NF in 2009 will be re-implemented, documented, and re-assessed according to BC curriculum for elementary (K-7).

Rather than implement an intensive 2 week youth camp, NF will implement brief camp sessions (2-3 day period) over a few weeks.  We hope delivering a few short sessions versus one long session will meet the large demand for enrollment we experienced in 2009, plus accommodate parents/youth schedules during the fishing season.

The 2010-2011 program will continue to foster an E-team model geared towards youth ages 6-12, and mentored by youth ages 15-25. Tasks to be completed by the youth team include: present digital-ready media of video and still frames collected in 2009, with supplementation of the Nisga'a language translation of activities.

We also plan to campaign the Nisga'a Lisims Government for long term funding to reduce reliance on HSP funding and sustain the program (as long as the program adds value to the community and our citizens).

More reflections of our summer camp 2009 - and what to expect in 2010.

"Creating a safe learning environment."

“Another activity was called Seven Values of Our Ocean Canoe and was held daily. The goal was to help students identify feelings, express emotions adequately, educate for human values and gain awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. This activity was repeated first thing in the morning, advocating concepts of generosity, courage, helpfulness, love, and respect.” rb

For more info:

Please contact Blair Stewart, Coastal Manager, Nisga'a Fisheries & Wildlife

250-633-2617