The Fraser Basin Council Youth Program (FBC YP) is thrilled to announce our new project in collaboration with Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC) with support from the Canada Water Agency.
Vedder River Restoration, Youth-Led Action for Freshwater Health will provide youth aged 16-25 in the Fraser Valley with an opportunity to participate in the stewardship of a local ecosystem. This project will empower youth with practical skills and leadership in sustainability, while monitoring and improving freshwater quality and habitat for salmon and other native species along the Vedder River in Chilliwack.
The Vedder River Watershed is a diverse ecosystem located on the traditional lands of the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe of the Stó:lō Nation. Holding significant ecological, cultural, spiritual, and recreational value, this floodplain area is crucial for the survival of salmon populations as well as many off-channel habitats for animals, and plant species.
We are currently recruiting youth (16-25 years old) from the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford to Agassiz).
Apply by February 8th, 11:59pm
WHY JOIN?
Youth voice and youth participation matter, and if you’re seeking to make a difference, go for it! By the end of the Vedder River Restoration Project, you will walk away with confidence in your ability to participate in restoration activities, knowledge about Indigenous and western approaches to stewardship, exploration with related career paths, experience creating a storytelling campaign and a sense of empowerment gained through co-creating a healthy and thriving community.
WE ARE HERE FOR THE YOUTH!
The FBC Youth Program is all about uplifting youth and empowering them to take a solutions-oriented approach to action. It’s vital that youth are involved in taking action towards addressing the issues that will affect their future!
Intersectional perspectives are foundational to equitable and fair sustainability solutions. We welcome and strongly encourage BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour), newcomers, LGBTQ2S+ youth, youth with disabilities, and youth of different religious backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all youth and can work with applicants to reduce any barriers to participation. Please feel free to reach out at youth@fraserbasin.ca to begin a conversation around how we may best support you.
WHAT IS THE COMMITTMENT?
Between March 2026 until the end of August 2026, participants can expect to allocate ~6-8 hours / month to engage in:
- One Online welcome event – March 2026
- Three In-Person Work Parties in Chilliwack– March, May, June 2026
- Three Online Learning Opportunities – April, June 2026
- Three Online Storytelling for Change Workshops – May, July, August, 2026
Participation in most meetings is strongly encouraged for full experience. Youth attending 70% or more of the sessions will receive a small honorarium for participation.
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Thanks to funding through EcoAction, a program of the Canada Water Agency, you will be able to participate in this initiative at no cost. EcoAction supports partner-led projects across Canada that improve water quality and protect fresh water and ecosystem health through local actions and innovative solutions. Your travel and meal expenses from participating in workshops and events are covered, and the appropriate safety equipment and tools will be provided. We are committed to removing barriers to participation. If you foresee any accessibility barriers or challenges, such as requiring outdoor gear for the work parties, please contact us at youth@fraserbasin.ca and let us know how we can make the initiative accessible for you.
The Vedder River Restoration Project is made possible with funding through EcoAction, a program of the Canada Water Agency, which supports partner-led projects across Canada that improve water quality and protect fresh water and ecosystem health through local actions and innovative solutions.
Funding Partners
project partners
