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Youth Environmental Stewardship Program

The Youth Environmental Stewardship Program, officially the "Swan Lake Indigenous-Led and Community-Based Wetland Restoration Youth Program", led by David Scott and Finn Rachul focuses on the utilization of Indigenous knowledge and Western science to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth regarding key issues related to wetland restoration and watershed health. 
It is also focused on providing a neutral space in fostering reconciliation by engaging both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and connecting with several non-Indigenous partners.

The team of instructors for this program teach traditional Ojibwe environmental knowledge and Western scientific perspectives to train crew members to read the environment using that knowledge. Throughout the programs years from 2020 onward, we have frequently visited a wide range of ecosystems from parks like Spruce Woods and Riding Mountain, to areas like Morden Hills and the Swan Lake Valley. Crew members spend their time outdoors learning from David and Finn, participating in various restoration projects in the area. Likewise, the crew engages with a wide range of knowledgeable individuals and groups including Ducks Unlimited, NCC, Watershed Districts, scientists of various organizations, and more.

 

The programs runs for 6 weeks during the summer months. We are accepting inquiries into the program, as either a participant or supporter. Please use the contact section below for more information or to send a resume. Age range is 18-25, located in the Swan Lake area.

2025 Highlights

The 2025 program year saw the crew visiting a wide range of ecosystems, traversing creeks, dodging deadfall, sheltering from storms, and building friendships across communities.

Each crew member was asked to present and teach a subject they learned through the program's six weeks. To see those and more, click here.

For the program's best moments, see the gallery below.

 

 

(Left to right) Crew members Zavi Braun, Ben Goderis, Tatiana Catcheway, Terrel Scott-Catcheway, David Scott, Olivia Goderis, and Caleb Hofer.
 

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2025 Supporters

Get in Touch

David Scott 

Text - 204 526-4304

Email - scotta.research@gmail.com

Finn Rachul

Text - 204 720-2729

Email - finn.rachul@gmail.com

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