Meet the Next Generation of Innovators with a Passion for the Environment - the Youth Water Council
For nine high school students, joining the 2024 Youth Water Council was an easy decision. The council gave them an opportunity to learn about the environment, work on their own project and meet like-minded peers. The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance put a call out for applicants in early December 2023 and was impressed with the results - a council of nine driven, energetic, and hard-working high school students. They all live and attend school in the watershed; a few even go to the same school.
The more we can act now, the better off things will be for the next generation to come. - Humza Khan, YWC member
We might have different backgrounds but we all have a shared interest in the environment. - Roy Li, YWC member
What made them want to join?
While a boost to their resumes was alluring, council members revealed that their experience provided much more than recognition on paper. Jemimah was surprised by how the council offered more than she’d imagined and how it helped her “improve (her) leadership skills and meet like-minded people.” For Humza Khan, the freedom the council had to create their own project was especially noteworthy. “I like how the Youth Water Council gives students like me actual power and decision making... we actually have funding to work with.”
With funding from the TD Friends of the Environment fund, Enbridge Fueling Futures, Sherritt International, and the Richard Easton Estate, the students worked with a budget of $7,500 to get their project off the ground. The results? An educational comic book about watershed health.
River Time Vortex Extravaganza - A Watershed Time Travel Story is the product of months of learning, collaboration, and deliberation.
In the comic, two siblings camping near the North Saskatchewan River are taken on a journey back in time to discover the importance of watershed health and respecting our rivers. They make new friends and gain a new perspective on the waters that give them life in this River Time Vortex Extravaganza!
As the program began, council members knew that their project would be the outcome of some hard work and learning. But they had to build a foundation first. Meeting over virtual sessions every second Thursday night, the group got to know each other and learned a lot along the way.
Future Pathways
Following an introductory virtual session, things kicked off with a Saturday workshop at the University of Alberta. The council was joined by Dr. Maricor Arlos, an Environmental Engineering Professor who is a big advocate of experiential learning and involvement in local water-based initiatives. Arlos provided a thought-provoking overview of the ins and outs of environmental engineering. She also told them a bit about her own career journey - another important aspect of the council.
- Dr. Maricor Arlos at the Kick-off Workshop
Facilitators, NSWA Watershed Planning Technicians, Jillian Peterson and Kaila Belovich explain that this was a key objective when building the program. “It can be difficult coming out of high school with only a general idea about future opportunities. We wanted to show the students some real-life examples of career pathways they could consider. And a bit about what it takes to get there, what education is necessary and when professional designations are valuable.”
Council member, Josie Camilleri expressed that the council “opened up a lot of opportunities and showed me how many careers there are in water conservation." Two council members are now enrolled in environmental science programs as they begin their post-secondary journey in the fall.
Expanding knowledge and understanding
Expanded understanding and a clearer picture of our environment is a big part of the program’s mission. Jillian Peterson notes that “there can be a lot of noise and misinformation about environmental issues. We wanted to clear things up... and hopefully, tame any anxieties the council might have about climate change, or other big issues.” During virtual sessions, the students were empowered through factual knowledge, while also seeing examples of some of the positive work being done.
Amy McLeod, Provincial Riparian Specialist with Cows & Fish, provided a great overview of some of the conservation measures local groups are tackling. Wetland conservation, riparian restoration, wildlife coexistence –are all seemingly small, but important ways to improve overall watershed function. The council members were inspired by these projects and began to see their own role in the watershed. As Tanya Chaudhary said, "I didn't know how impactful our decisions are, but I hope that other people might be able to learn as much as I have now."
"It was interesting to learn how the community gets involved with things like water testing. Local residents also play a big role in the preservation of our environment. - Roy Li, YWC member
- Council members meet during a virtual zoom session
During another session, the council tried out the Alberta Tomorrow Land-use simulator. Council members saw the big picture - wetland loss, urban expansion, and habitat fragmentation. Peterson suggests that this session provided key inspiration for their comic book, “Traveling back in time and seeing what our environment used to look like inspired them to represent this concept in a much more creative way.”
Sharing what they learned
A weekend camp held at the Battle Lake 4-H Centre provided inspiration for decisions about what kind of project to pursue. While being inspired by the scenery, the students got to try their hand at archery, hang out around the campfire, and learn from two presenters. Bradley Peter (ALMS) spoke on careers in the aquatic sector and led them through an aquatic plant ID session. Azure Johnson spoke on Indigenous knowledge, reconciliation, and holistic health. Story Brokers Media House also captured the weekend’s events, producing a video all about the council, viewable here.
- Around the campfire at the Battle Lake 4-H Centre
For Jemimah, the ability to change other people's perspectives was "very important," and this was echoed in the council's decision to focus on watershed health for their project. After considering an educational art installation or a riparian planting project, the council decided that a comic would help them share their message with the broadest audience, a factor they felt passionate about.
"I'm hoping that people understand it's not just the big things that can help... these small things add up to bigger things... I'm hoping that with our initiative, we can get more people to feel emotional about our watersheds, to understand that they provide a lot for us, and that we should take care of them" – Apoorva Bhadane, YWC member
"Our main idea was that if we educate people it will empower individuals to make a change. The comic book was the best way to get other youth to learn about the watershed." - Humza Khan, YWC member
The students lead the project with the guidance of NSWA. Ailee Brownrigg coached them through the initial writing sessions, assisting with brainstorming, character building and the storyboarding process. The comic’s illustrator, Amanda Schulz, brought their story to life!
- Council members try archery at the 4-H Centre
Indigenous Perspectives
“There are several different cultures represented in the council. In our generation, we are starting to see doors open for Indigenous peoples. Inclusivity matters, so that we can also be a part of these spaces and these projects." - Azure Johnson, Indigenous Knowledge Holder
For the council, Azure’s weekend-camp presentation was a big inspiration for their story’s message. Understanding that water is sacred, and the collective responsibility to protect it for future generations. With Azure’s help, the students wove these messages into their story.
On their journey cruising the river ‘back in time’, the two comic characters wash up on the shores of an Indigenous village. They learn about the past and are shown a way forward.
“The river is strong and resilient. Nature is powerful and it will give you much more if you give it something in return. Respect the water, respect the land, respect the air, and most importantly, don’t lose sight of what truly matters.” - a quote from River Time Vortex Extravaganza
Look out for copies of the comic book in local schools and libraries this summer!
- Learn more about the 2024 council here.
- Learn about the general program and fill out the information sign-up form if you would like to receive updates about the 2025 council application! (For teachers, students & anyone interested in getting involved.)
- The Youth Water Council video story, produced by Story Brokers Media House