Summer Youth Eco-Stewards Program
Growing Restoration and Resurgence

After two summers of COVID restrictions, our Living Lab community was excited to host in-person events again! From July 18th to August 11th Living Lab hosted four weeks of eco stewards summer camps in Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ / Salish Sea territories and at UVic.

Fifteen participants from the Songhees, Esquimalt Nations and five members of the SȾÁ,SEN TŦE SENĆOŦEN Language Revitalization Program (W̱SÁNEĆ School Board) took part in hands-on learning about local history with elders and knowledge keepers. The youth aged 13-28 experienced the amazing outdoors, ecosystems and restoration projects in local forests and oceans. They also engaged in the hands-on revitalization of local sea and camas gardens, archaeology, and stream restoration. An additional day was spent on the Malahat Skywalk and swimming at Elk Lake.

The youth were joined by approximately thirty other family members and community-and campus supporters throughout the weeks. Plans are now underway for events throughout the remaining year, especially with core support from the REFBC. A special thank you to the Esquimalt and Songhees Nation Education departments (especially Ellie Dion and Maya Hamel) and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board for supporting this summer program. Stay tuned and visit our website for more info!