A Look behind the scenes with the Kwakwaka'wakw Revitalization Project
We are incredibly proud of the work carried out by the 2024 Youth Climate Corps BC cohort on Northern Vancouver Island.
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YOUTH CLIMATE CORPS BC - NORTH VANCOUVER ISLAND
Kwakwaka'wakw Revitalization Project, North Vancouver Island
YCCBC is proud to partner with the Kwakwaka'wakw Revitalization Project, an Indigenous-led organization committed to enhancing food security and land rights for the Kwakwaka'wakw People. This collaboration aligns with the Youth Climate Corps BC' (YCCBC) mission to empower young people to create a sustainable future for their communities.
The Kwakwaka'wakw Revitalization Project
At the heart of our collaboration is the revitalization of a village on Ma'amtagila territories, located at the Northern Vancouver Island, overlooking the Eve river estuary on the Johnstone Strait. This village carries profound cultural significance for the Ma'amtagila tribe, which is part of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation.
Decades ago, the Ma'amtagila People were unjustly uprooted from their ancestral village due to colonial policies. Today, this site is witnessing a remarkable transformation. New infrastructure has been established, and the village is now thriving year-round. It has become a vital centre for Indigenous resurgence, cross-cultural education, and overall well-being.
2024 Projects
2024 has been a busy year. Five young people from northern Vancouver island were hired to work on the project: A Resurgence of Culture and Land Reclamation. The season began with the team planting a fruit and vegetable garden that included apple, cherry, and pear trees, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, and onions.
The following week was centred around the Grassy Point Campground on 'Namgis territory. The team cleaned up garbage, constructed new outhouses, and graded the road.
In addition to these community projects the team participated in a cedar harvest, and the construction of an awak’was in Woss.
More projects are in the works.
YCCBC Collaboration
YCCBC supports the Kwakwaka'wakw Revitalization project through administrative assistance, fundraising efforts, and logistical coordination. We are committed to working under the guidance of Ma'amtagila Matriarchal leadership, Tsas, ensuring that our actions align with the community's vision and needs.
Amber Alfred – Project Manager
Amber Alfred, known as Humdzi’di, is the Program Manager for the Kwakwaka'wakw Revitalization Project. For the last 2 years, Amber has worked as a climate change researcher and has taken youth out on the territory to see environmental changes and presenting them with ways to make sustainable modifications where we can.
Amber volunteers with the Awina’kola Foundation and is on the Ma’amtagila Society Committee. She is an active member of her community and Nations, voicing her concerns around natural resources, keeping her territory clean, and healthy, and taking stands for a more sustainable future for the next generation.
Be Part of the Project
Visit our Contact Page to learn more about how you can contribute, support, or collaborate with us. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment, culture, and the generations to come.
Join the Movement
We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. As we continue to make strides in environmental stewardship and Indigenous resurgence, your support and engagement are crucial. Connect with us to stay informed about our projects and initiatives, and join hands in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.
Within Youth Climate Corps, crew members are between 17-30 years old; they earn wages, gain work experience, build networks, and develop themselves personally and professionally. Meanwhile, they complete projects that both benefit their own communities and support global efforts to act on the climate crisis.
If you or your organization wants to learn more about how to team up with us and move forward on projects in your community, or if you are interested in funding one of our projects related to our different focus areas, we are here to support you.
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