Living Lab Eco-Culture and Science Camp – July 2019

 

Living Lab’s 2019 Eco-Culture and Science Camp was our first regional effort,  building on last year’s  2 day Songhees Academic Youth Leadership (SAYL) – UVic  Camp.  16 youth aged 11-18 from Songhees, WSANEC and other indigenous nations from across Canada – and who now live in Coast Salish territory – came together with a diverse adult facilitation team  to enjoy two action and fun-filled days on and off campus.  Elders  Skip Dick and Frank Joseph (Songhees) and Earl Claxton Jr. (WSANEC) guided the youth and they experienced  ecological , cultural and biological diversity and hand –on learning on the beach and in the forest.  Swimming, ice cream, eco-art, and the amazing movie The Great Bear Rainforest at the local IMAX Theatre which features eco-cultural restoration and monitoring led by coastal First Nations was included. Feedback from the youth suggested (yes) more hands-on activities, options for different ages and exploring the creation of a year long club and/ or monthly activities.