The Westcoast IPCA Ambassador Program is offered by the Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP). The Ambassador Program is designed to increase the impact of two existing projects: 1) the BigCoast Forest Climate Initiative, and 2) the Indigenous-led West Coast Stewardship Corridor, which both offer opportunities and challenges for the 35 First Nations whose territories encompass these project areas. We invite youth ages 18-35 from these 35 First Nations to participate in the Ambassador program to increase their capacity to be conservation leaders and to mobilize knowledge within their Nations and communities.

Applications for the 2023 Westcoast IPCA Ambassador Program are currently closed. Please email Abby Sparling, wisp@ipcainnovation.ca, if you meet the program criteria (below) and are interested in future opportunities to be involved.

“Resource extraction on Vancouver Island has left our territories in a dire situation. What happens in the environment affects our people and our cultures. Change is possible, but it takes strong leadership from First Nations. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) offer powerful alternatives and solutions.”

Terry (Seitcha) Dorward, Conservation Director, Westcoast IPCA Support Program (WISP)

Join the Westcoast IPCA Ambassador Program

We are inviting First Nations people ages 18-35 along the west coast of BC to participate in a special and unique program. This program is about giving you the tools to bring attention to the issues that matter to you and your Nation. Those that are selected will take part in a series of on-the-land and virtual experiences and workshops starting in the summer of 2023. All expenses paid for selected participants.

Please share your contact information by emailing Abby Sparling, wisp@ipcainnovation.ca, to stay up to date with our programming and opportunities to be involved.

To Apply:

Applications are currently closed. Please email wisp@ipcainnovation.ca if you would like to be notified when applications reopen.

Program

Learning Goals:

To inform participants about the challenges and opportunities of the BigCoast Forest Climate Initiative and Indigenous-Led West coast Stewardship Corridor.

Filmmaking/ Visual Storytelling

Identify desired skill sets and areas for professional development. Build capacity in these areas by convening knowledge holders to share and transfer skills.

The Ambassador Program includes two in-person training weeks, with ongoing virtual engagement to ensure that learning outcomes are aligned with participants’ individual learning journeys.

  1. Ambassador Training Week 1: August 8th-11th

    Participants meet and learn from each other in Tla-o-qui-aht territory at the Clayoquot Campus. This week is about building the tools and capacity to be conservation leaders by learning about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).

  2. Online Zoom sessions including reflective work

    Co-create tailored learning experiences to be delivered in training week 2.

  3. Ambassador Training Week 2: October 16th-20th

    Knowledge holders who possess skill sets that the Ambassador cohort have identified as desired skills are engaged to deliver training.

  4. Return to your community with tools, resources, and knowledge products

Possible skill development areas during Ambassador Training Week 2:

Graphic Recording

For participants to feel a sense of connection to their learning cohort so that they will be supported in a community of practice beyond the program.

Storytelling

Radio/ Podcasting

Public Speaking/ Presentations

Eligibility Criteria:

Successful applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Between the ages 18-35

  2. A member of one of the following First Nations:

  • Ditidaht

  • Hupačasath

  • Huu-ay-aht

  • Pacheedaht

  • Scia’new

  • Tla-o-qui-aht

  • Tseshaht

  • T’Sou-ke

  • Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

  • Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government

  • Hesquiaht

  • Toquaht

  • Ahousaht

  • Ts'uubaa-asatx

  • K'ómoks

  • Penelakut

  • Cowichan Tribes

  • Qualicum

  • Qualicum

  • Snaw-Naw-As

  • We Wai Kai

  • Wei Wai Kum

  • Skidegate

  • Old Massett Village Council

  • Halalt

  • Snuneymuxw

  • Klahoose

  • Malahat

  • Tsawout

  • Homalco

  • Tla'amin

  • Ehattesaht

  • Mowachaht/Muchalaht

  • Stz'uminus

Journalism

Social Media Campaigns

Gallery