Connection to land and water from Indigenous perspectives

Let’s talk about tourism. In a world focused on travel as the main form of adventure, what can a recalibration of tourism offer those of us fighting for change? How can we create more grounded, connected experiences for people wanting to experience new places? In this episode of Down to You, hear from Shaelynn Trottier in New Westminster, an artistic and active youth involved in changing the conversation when it comes to tours. Part of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Trottier works with Talaysay Tours, an Indigenous- and woman-owned tourism company, who conduct nature walks in Stanley Park, on the Sunshine Coast and in Squamish.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

Creative use for available land

How can we be creative and active in our relationship to the land? How do we create good practices to engage with the earth and each other? In the sixth episode of Down to You, we discuss how we can work together to educate and innovate how we use the land we live on. Our guests address the gaps in access to eco-friendly practices and examine how a thoughtful relationship to the planet is necessary for climate action. Hear from Katie Forsyth in Kamloops, BC, and Tessa Mckamey in Mission, BC, who share their grassroots efforts to cultivate the earth with friendly composting and regenerative farming.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

The potential of AI to help address climate change

In our ever advancing world, there are new technologies and tools made available everyday, transforming our world and our capabilities to enact change within it. AI is one such tool that could alter the fate of civilization and the climate. Most conversations around AI and how it is already affecting work aren’t very positive, but could AI’s story be different regarding conservation and climate change? Join us on the fifth episode of Down to You to discuss the ways software innovation and marine conservation have found a unique, symbiotic relationship. Hear from Alexander Dungate in Vancouver, who specializes in finding ways to use software and computer science to support sustainable fisheries that are improving ways we care and conserve our marine resources in today’s world affected by climate change.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

Making space for conversation, listening and being heard to create foundation for action.

How do we ensure everyone has the necessary information to engage in a meaningful dialogue and take action on climate change? How do we act and converse with care? In this episode of Down to You, join us for a discussion on creating a foundation for action that’s accessible to all, starting with diversifying the ways we convey climate information to a variety of audiences. Hear from Chloe Nguyễn in Vancouver and Teegan Walshe in Qualicum Beach, who divulge the unique ways they practice environmental leadership, imagine stewardship and cultivate supportive community engagement systems.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

Getting started on your community energy project

In this episode of Down to You, we catch up with amazing young individuals from remote communities in BC to learn about their journeys of implementing sustainable energy solutions in their communities. Some of our guests embarked on their journeys with little or no prior experience in sustainable energy but they were driven by their dedication to climate action and their commitment to protecting the cultural and natural heritage of their surroundings. Reimagining the way we produce and distribute power could be one of the most radical actions our society can take to combat climate change. Through the eyes of Elijah Mecham in Bella Coola, as well as Mackenzie and Tristan Walker, and Gavin Anderson in Terrace, we experience the transformative steps they've undertaken and the invaluable support they've received on their path towards helping their communities transition to more sustainable energy solutions.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

From watersheds to oceans, healthy water affects us all

Are you ready to dive into the story of oceans and water? Beyond being the critical component to all life and ecosystems on this planet, water can be a barometer for the health of a community and society and the effectiveness of our collective efforts toward climate action. In the second episode of Down to You, we speak with two avid conservation activists: Bodhi Patil, co-creator of Ocean Uprise, and Caio Krause Conradt, a high-school student, and a proud community and ocean protection volunteer. These youth share not only a clear passion for oceans, but they also both see water as a lifeblood of our planet that connects us all. What can we learn from the waters that surround us to better take care of ourselves and our planet? Tune in to find out.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

What does sustainable transport look like where you live? What steps can be taken to overcome barriers in access to sustainable transport, and how can youth empower themselves and improve their communities by advocating for changes to current transportation systems? In the first episode of the Down to You podcast, we connect with Paolo Bigit, a videographer from El Salvador now living in Kamloops, and Kyle Ross, a university student and community organizer in Prince George, who have challenged themselves to choose and model transportation methods that reduce carbon emissions in the car-centric cities where they live.

Learn more about the podcast at downtoyou.ca and the Fraser Basin Youth Program at fbcyouthprogram.ca

In the race to NetZero, what can individuals do to help their communities meet the challenges of the climate crisis? In Down to You, we speak with young leaders across BC on what initiatives they are undertaking where they live to reduce or remove emissions. To help situate these discussions within Western and Indigenous science, we sat down with two esteemed researchers: Janna Wale, an Indigenous policy advisor and scientist at the Canadian Climate Institute, and Simon Donner, a UBC professor working in the field of climate science.