Public Education and Outreach

SWCC public education initiatives provide accurate and current information on conservation issues and opportunities within the Skeena watershed. These programs take the form of film nights, slide shows, guest lectures, technical presentations, field courses and information brochures. They occur at all levels of the regional community including; schools, band councils, town councils, chambers of commerce, stakeholder groups and community meetings.

The Skeena watershed is a large complex ecosystem on an internationally significant scale. The recent pace of development proposed in the Skeena is challenging for any one person or group of people to keep with. Our public education programs utilize a well connected network of government, industry, NGO, First Nation and community service groups to deliver forward moving education and outreach products. Education is the foundation of effective stewardship and sustainable development planning.

Conservation Camps for Kids!

In collaboration with the Cliffs at Kispiox River, SWCC helps organize and instruct camps for youth aged 10-17. Over the years we have hosted 3 weeks of camps in August at the wilderness resort where participants learned to identify edible & medicinal plants, swiftwater safety, bear awareness, tracking and the art of wildlife identification, campfire cooking, oaring a raft, horsemanship, fly-fishing and MUCH more.

All these skills are integrated with a conservation based curriculum that helps instill our youth with a unique and passionate connection to nature. Most students come from the local area and the camps this year boast a number of international students including a group of orphans. SWCC donates the skills of our outdoor instructors and camp facilitators and would like to thank BC Parks, Raven Rescue, Chris Howard and Kispiox Fishing Company for donating their expertise as well.

For more information contact: Joy Allen at Cliffs at Kispiox River: [email protected] or phone: 240-842-6287 or check out the website.

Film Nights, workshops, presentations and guest lectures

Hosted in a number of communities within the watershed, our film nights are home to many of the initiatives working within the watershed and internationally. Film events in our communities have included the Vancouver International Film Festival and other fun outdoors film events! Admission generally always by donation and many stay after the film for a discussion.

SWCC hosts a number of workshops to educate our community about the importance of a healthy and sustainable river system. These workshops and presentations help to encourage community members of all ages to engage in conversations about developments in our watershed, learn about the risks associated with these developments, and about what we can all do to make a difference.

Examples of workshops and presentations include, keynote speaks such as Ali Howard and Wade Davis and other environmental leaders as well as workshops such as Conservation Leadership Action Workshops (CLAW) which are now in their second year. 

These workshops offer  a unique opportunity for local people who want to learn how to stand up for their communities, culture, economy and environment in Northwest BC.

Over 2 days of mega training with regional experts, participants learn all kinds of important skills including:

• How to give a good interview
• How does government work
• How to use social media for your cause
• How to get your story told
• How to fundraise for your cause
• How to build a campaign

 Contact us to learn more about any of these public outreach activities Cynthia McCreery.