Graeme Lee Rowlands

Born in Honduras and raised in California, Graeme Lee Rowlands moved north to study at Quest University Canada in Squamish, B.C. There, he completed an interdisciplinary degree in Water Resource Sciences with a special focus on the Columbia River Basin and the Columbia River Treaty. His written work has since appeared in English and French in more than 50 publications. Graeme has also traveled extensively throughout the watershed to learn directly from people and place. Most notably, in 2017 he followed the entire length of the Columbia from sea-to-source by bicycle and kayak while reading key texts and engaging with local residents and experts. He has served as an organizer, advisor, facilitator, and speaker for numerous conferences and forums throughout the watershed. Over time, Graeme's work has broadened from a focus on the Columbia River to a focus on climate action and resilience in this special part of the world, though empowering young people has always remained at the centre of everything.

As Director of Water and Climate with Wildsight, he supports an array of water and climate change focused work across the organization including the Youth Climate Corps, Columbia River Field School, and Teach the Columbia programs. Today, Graeme is based on Ktunaxa and Secwépemc homelands in the town of Golden but frequently travels to visit familiar places and faces across the Columbia Basin.