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Location: Greater Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, and Langley Project Summary
SUMMARY To expand the network of people who care about the important salmon resource and the watersheds that we collectively depend on within the South Asian community. Engaging young minds towards sustainable stewardship that not only improves local watershed health for salmon but through action, influence others within the vibrant South Asian community (south of the Fraser River) to care and contribute towards its resiliency. DESCRIPTION Goals: Methods: Key Issue - and rationale: The project will address the lack of understanding (and lack of engagement) within the South Asian community of the importance of the salmon resource to communities across this province, both from a commercial and subsistence level. Given the older generations have come to Canada and focused much of their efforts on building a foundation for their families through a job, shelter and basic needs fulfillment, the aim will be to engage the active minds of our youth towards being good social citizens through activity. The older generations look to our youth to prioritize important issues; we want to elevate the importance of salmon as their sustainability determines the health and well being of watersheds and the communities that depend on them. The network of people who care about these issues needs to expand if we are to collectively address threats and opportunities to salmon and with the activism within the South Asian community that already exists, we feel this is the time to build for the future, a healthy future for all. For far too long, we have been sitting on the sidelines and watched as governments and user groups struggle to protect the resource. We want to be a part of the solution and feel we can make a difference through education and engagement first. OBJECTIVES
METHODS This section builds upon conceptual phase identification of methods. We believe that our detailed description of activities also serves as outlining our project methodology. During the conceptual phase, we identified three main methods: Our methodology is based on a simple philosophy that has always worked. It includes empowering people in process and project that will facilitate them taking ownership over results and reaching success. That’s why you will notice, in any activity, there is a lot of emphasis in allowing youth to lead through creativity. In addition, we will re-iterate our detailed activities below: Youth will be provided an orientation on project expectations. Topics will include: commitment, behavior, team activism, policies and procedures, attendance (mental and physical). Youth Leaders will undergo specific training to instill values around team building, communication, leadership, and environmental stewardship. (these sessions will also include educational components explaining the history of salmon with respect to the main user groups (First Nations, Commercial, Recreational) and the role of government agencies. Youth leaders will establish teams in Richmond, Delta, Surrey, and Langley and will be supported to develop a team charter and rules of engagement. YSC will undergo (through contractor) Wilderness and Remote First Aid Training. A minimum passing grade is yet to be established. All YSC (across 4 localities - up to 60 participants) will take a two day Streamkeepers training session covering a minimum of six modules: stream habitat survey (both introductory and advanced), stream invertebrate study, streamside planting, juvenile fish trapping and identification and water quality survey. Establish municipal linkage with each YSC to ensure the youth learn and appreciate municipal role in protecting the resource and synchronize their activities with municipal priorities. Establish YSC Vaisakhi Day 2012 parade committee and start planning participation including, PR materials, booths, building of a salmon float and external supporter (governments, first nations, etc.) participation. Parade will be in April 2012. Monthly community awareness functions targeting South Asian families, led by the YSC within each locality. Activities could include education on specific watersheds/streams, stream/watershed clean ups, and senior and youth recruitment. End of summer workshop (North Vancouver Outdoor School) to review, celebrate, learn, and plan activities for fall and winter 2011/12 one week program to include learning activities from NVOS and also scoping of elements for a culturally sensitive engagement strategy. Community update - massive one day workshop that focuses on sharing information and experiences of all youth involved with the program at a central location. This will be a family event. This will also serve as an opportunity to sign up senior volunteers and business support. Building of a salmon float for Vaisakhi Day parade YSC committee will be established to help develop the engagement strategy YSC speaking tour through school districts in each municipality Finalize culturally sensitive engagement strategy and final report to each Mayor. BENEFITS We believe any time humans can change their behavior that considers other beings under the banner of “CARE” can only be of benefit to the salmon resource and watersheds. All the communities we currently aim to build capacity in are situated along the Fraser River. The targeted communities are home to large segments of the South Asian community and members of our community are involved in industries that all have the potential to harm salmon and their watersheds or improve them. We recognize this point and want to do what we can to bring awareness to the issue but ultimately facilitate change of behaviors, where people think before they act. We also believe that improving areas we live and work in are great alternatives (specifically for our youth) to drugs and gangs.
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