Youth Water Leaders Program

Open to youth aged 17 – 25, the Youth Water Leaders Program will provide participants with the skills and tools necessary to identify and propose solutions to environmental issues within the Ottawa River watershed, while offering them hands-on opportunities to learn about the river and make a difference in their communities.

The program:

Solving complex water issues in the Ottawa River watershed can only come from a strong water movement: citizens who understand and defend our most precious resource. Ottawa Riverkeeper wants to empower the youth of today to become water leaders! They will be driving forces in their communities, working collaboratively to protect the Ottawa River watershed and ensuring a swimmable, drinkable and fishable future for all. With this in mind, Ottawa Riverkeeper has created the Youth Water Leaders Program.

Open to youth ages 17 – 25 who are interested in developing a stronger understanding of environmental water protection and have a passion for making a difference in their communities. The Youth Water Leaders Program provides participants with the skills and tools necessary to identify and propose solutions to environmental issues within the Ottawa River watershed. Participants work with experts in the fields of communication, science, education and volunteering to co-design and carry out meaningful community service projects addressing environmental water challenges in their communities.

Over a 8-month period, participants gain more than 120 volunteer hours through mentorship workshops, hands-on learning, and the completion of their co-designed volunteer projects. They get to know the watershed and learn about the different policies, regulations and authorities governing it. Participants also get to experience the Ottawa River firsthand as part of a paddle expedition they will help plan!

Upon completion of the program, participants will have developed the research, organizational and leadership skills that will serve them well in pursuing the future career of their choice. Youth participants will have made invaluable connections with scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, and community organizations, as well as fostered friendships through cooperative action to improve the health of the Ottawa River watershed.

“I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this program and connect with so many inspiring individuals. I promise to continue fighting for the Ottawa River (and all other rivers too!) by sharing the knowledge I gained and initiating conversations about water protection. Without Ottawa Riverkeeper staff as supporters and organizers, we would not be as engaged with the community or working together to solve a common issue that affects everyone. Thank you for planting the seeds and encouraging us to grow into water leaders.”
– Sydney, YWLP participant in 2021

“The Youth Water Leaders Program provided me with several valuable skills related to science and biology which gave me a better appreciation for my coursework at university, and I believe my experience has also made it easier for me to network with ecology and ecotoxicology professors due to my relevant knowledge.”
– Christopher, YWLP participant in 2021

Overview of the Youth Water Leaders Program

  • 8 months, part-time program
  • Hybrid format (Online and in-person), including a weekend river expedition
  • 120 hours of community service related to watershed health
  • Costs associated with travel, living expenses, training, and materials/gear are covered

Eligibility

  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person granted refugee status in Canada
  • 17 to 25 years old

How to apply:

Applications are currently closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive news on when the next cohort will begin recruitment.

Ottawa Riverkeeper operates throughout the Ottawa River watershed, on the Quebec and Ontario sides of the river, and in both French and English. We are dedicated to working with youth from the diverse communities within this region. We encourage youth from the Ottawa River watershed who live outside the National Capital Region to apply.

If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Water Leaders Program, please email youth@ottawariverkeeper.ca for more information.

Latest news:

In a year of uncovering difficult truths, reading Treaty Words: As Long as the Rivers Flow with Dr. Aimée Craft and learning about Indigenous water governance was an important way to begin the process of decolonizing water.

The 2021 Youth Water Leaders were inspired by Dr. Craft’s parting words of advice, which they collaboratively wove into a beautiful design in French, English, and Algonquin.

Funding: