Lifting Up The next generation of culturally connected practitioners of traditional foods and the environment in Coast Salish Country
RESTORING
TRADITIONAL Foods
Traditional foods connect us to our ancestors, our land, and our community. We are committed to sustaining these cultural practices and ensuring that the next generation has the knowledge and skills to carry them forward.
Through hands-on experiences, youth learn how to cultivate, harvest, prepare, and honor traditional foods, fostering a deeper understanding of their cultural significance and the ecosystems that support them. Read more
CHALLENGE
PADDLE
Coast Salish culture is carried in the canoe, connecting us to the waterways and to one another.
As we paddle across the waters, youth learn to depend on themselves and each other, building strength, confidence, and leadership and strengthening inter-tribal kinship ties. Canoeing with the CSYC involves carrying camp gear and supplies in the canoe, reinforcing the practice of packing wisely, minimizing our ecological impact, being resourceful, and making the most of what we have. Read more
Land stewardship lies at the heart of our mission to empower Indigenous youth. We believe that nurturing the land is not just about protecting the environment—it's about honoring the deep connections that exist between people and the places we call home.
LAND STEWARDSHIP
Through hands-on learning, youth participants develop skills in environmental science, natural resource management, and restoration practices. From surveying and mapping culturally significant plant communities to participating in habitat restoration projects, youth have an opportunity to learn about traditional ecological knowledge so that it can be integrated into today's stewardship efforts, and passed down to future generations. Read more
