ENVIRONMENTAL & CULTURAL STEWARDSHIP

At the Coast Salish Youth Coalition, 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 between people and place. These programs blend traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, creating a holistic approach to managing ecosystems that have sustained our communities for generations.

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 enhancement projects, youth have the opportunity to learn about traditional ecological knowledge so it is passed down and integrated into today's environmental efforts.

Key activities include:

• Restoration Projects: Working in traditional food ecosystems to restore native plant populations.

• Cultural Mapping: Documenting and mapping important plant communities for protection and management.

• Ecological Education: Engaging with environmental science to understand the interconnectedness of our ecosystems.

• Youth Leadership: Equipping tribal youth with the tools, training, and mentorship to become the next generation of environmental leaders.

Our goal is to inspire the next generation of stewards to protect the land and help restore the ecosystems that our communities have always relied on. Together, we can deepen our understanding of the land and uphold the power of Indigenous knowledge.