By:
Charlene Bearhead
Vice President, Learning and Reconciliation
Canadian Geographic Enterprises
We often hear people say, “the youth are our future” but in reality, we have a responsibility and opportunity to impact their future in the best way possible. The time, energy, love and support that we offer to our young people today is our investment in a better future for them and the generations to follow.
Supporting Indigenous-led youth expeditions and experiences that focus on nurturing the inherent relationship that Indigenous youth have with the land and water is a beautiful, engaging and powerful way to invest in the dreams, goals and hopes of the youth. There is an indescribable joy that comes from witnessing the look on the face of an Indigenous young person when they realize the love of their lands and waters that they may have never had the opportunity to explore or experience before. When they are surrounded by Indigenous water protectors, land guardians, deck hands, engineers, scientists, educators, photographers, researchers, writers and more… that’s where the real inspiration and the belief that anything is possible in their own lives hits home for many of these young people.
Miawpukek Horizon Maritime and Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association (MAMKA) are creating these opportunities for Mi’kmaq youth and looking to expand their offerings to other Indigenous youth over time, by opening up space for partners organizations to find our own roles and place in contributing to these experiences for the youth. As Vice President Learning and Reconciliation at Canadian Geographic I had the privilege of partnering with Miawpukek Horizon and MAMKA in June of 2024 to contribute the learning resources, education and editorial support, along with photography on behalf of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. We were able to bring in Jacksen Friske, a young Anishinaabeg journalism student who was employed as the summer student on the Canadian Geographic editorial team along with Cree photographer and RCGS Fellow Fred Cattroll to contribute to the programming and the coverage of the incredible vision and initiative of Miawpukek First Nation. Our time and education resources were what we brought to the table to enhance the rich program that Miawpukek had pulled together including programming contributions from Marine Institute at Memorial University, Ocean Networks Canada, the Audubon Society just to name a few.
This is one example of what authentic reconciliation can look like, Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, organizations and societies coming together as allies and partners to support Indigenous-led experiences for youth. It’s time for those of us who are non-Indigenous to recognize our place and space in supporting Indigenous youth. We all have a role, but we need to be diligent in our allyship. Rather than occupying spaces that are not ours to consume, we can listen to what Indigenous Nations, communities and very importantly youth want to see us contribute. As Miawpukek Horizon Marine, MAMKA and the Miawpukek First Nation continue to lead the way in their work within ocean, land and water science and career advancement, we all have the opportunity to uplift and highlight their efforts by promoting and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. This is why the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Ocean Supercluster, Workplace Warriors and others see such tremendous value in investing in these community-driven opportunities. Join us and find your place in advancing these important experiences and expeditions for Indigenous youth as we do our part for their future.