Thank you to the fabulous young folks who are participating in our 2025-26 Youth Advisory Committee! we couldn’t do it without you!!!
The 2025-26 FBC Youth Advisory Committee is comprised of 16 representatives (aged 16-30) living in eight major regions of BC, representing 11 different communities, adding a voice for youth on sustainability and climate change issues. The Committee shares their unique insights into key sustainability and climate priorities facing their regions and provides high-level input on Youth Program initiatives.
The Fantastic 2025-26 YAC
Ann Duong
(she/Her)
Prince George (Northern interior)
The lands you reside on: Unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, otherwise known as Prince George
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a fungus, specifically mycelium, as I’m drawn to the idea that from life comes death, to cycles of renewal, and to the quiet persistence of something that can, in a way, live on indefinitely
3 words that describe your personality: Creative, motivated by a strong sense of justice and a desire to make things better, and endlessly curious
What is one wish you have for our earth?: That it continues to sustain the beauty and diversity of life long after humans are gone
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: The lessons I’ve learned while stumbling through my own youth
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: To be inspired by the diverse perspectives of young people growing up in an increasingly complex and challenging world
Fernanda Osorio Diaz
(She/Her)
Vancouver (Metro VancouveR)
The lands you reside on: The traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a mycorrhizal fungi because they form symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them access water and nutrients. I find them scientifically fascinating and I appreciate their deeply collaborative nature
3 words that describe your personality: Curious, kind, driven
What is one wish you have for our earth?: For the earth to continue to host diverse, thriving ecosystems that future generations -human and non-human -can enjoy
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: My hopeful perspective on watersheds in British Columbia, informed by my lived experiences across different contexts
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: Mentorship from the other youth on the committee
Aiyana Terry
(she/Her)
Mount currie (Squamish/lilloet)
The lands you reside on: Unceded territory of the Lil’wat Nation and Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Kwikwetlem Nations (50/50 on/off reserve)
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: Moss for eco-system support, water-retention, low-maintenance and the environmental adaptability
3 words that describe your personality: Land-rooted (my strength, identity, and decisions grow from teachings of the land), resolute (committed to my values, community and work) and gentlehearted (leads with compassion, care and warmth)
What is one wish you have for our earth?: To heal
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: A perspective of youth from my Nation
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: More knowledge to bring back home to my community
Carter Mochinski
(He/Him)
Lake country (central okanagan)
The lands you reside on: Traditional unceded Sylix Okanagan land
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a western painted turtle, which is the only native turtle to the Okanagan. I would be a turtle because I love how calm, slow, and observant they are
3 words that describe your personality: Changemaker, observant, courageous
What is one wish you have for our earth?: I wish that the beauty of our natural lands and biodiversity is conserved and protected for future generations to enjoy, just like I have
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: To provide a unique perspective on the challenges we face
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: To join like-minded individuals who are motivated to make change!
Ethan Hunlin
(He/Him)
Williams Lake (Cariboo Chilcotin)
The lands you reside on: I am from Tsideldel First Nation, two hours west of Williams Lake
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a crow. Crows are family oriented and I don’t like being alone, so being able to fly around in the sky with family sounds like a lot of fun
3 words that describe your personality: Dependent, helpful, introverted
What is one wish you have for our earth?: For everyone to treat each other with kindness and respect
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: My thanks. It is people like the youth who work towards making a better future for those not yet born
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: I look forward to meeting the young people who are serving their own communities
Guowei Li
(He/Him)
prince george (northern interior)
The lands you reside on: The traditional territories of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in Prince George, British Columbia
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a beaver because they engineer ecosystems, create habitat for others, and demonstrate how nature-based solutions and community building can shape landscapes over time
3 words that describe your personality: Curious, reflective, collaborative
What is one wish you have for our earth?: That we learn to restore damaged ecosystems with humility, listening not only to science but also to Indigenous knowledge and the rhythms of the land itself
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: My experience in environmental engineering, river restoration, and climate resilience, along with mentorship for students who are exploring sustainability focused careers
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: To learn from diverse youth perspectives, build community, and strengthen my understanding of how young people imagine a sustainable future
Jerin Jeejo
(He/Him)
kamloops (thompson)
The lands you reside on: The traditional and unceded territory of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc within Secwepemcul’ecw
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a cedar tree as I believe that I am strong, resilient, deeply-rooted, and connected to the ecosystems and the communities around me
3 words that describe your personality: Curious, dedicated, and compassionate
What is one wish you have for our earth?: A future where communities work together to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and ensure a safe, sustainable planet for all generations
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: A willingness to help wherever needed
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: New perspectives and meaningful connections
Kaylee Ryde
(she/Her)
Kamloops (Thompson)
The lands you reside on: Tk’emlups te Secwepemc
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a sagebrush because I think it’s a big part of my community and reminds me of home
3 words that describe your personality: Invested, optimistic and creative
What is one wish you have for our earth?: That people will start caring more about climate change and taking action
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: Multiple different perspectives from youth groups
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: Knowledge about what is being done to help reach sustainability goals
Lauren Whitman
(She/Her)
abbotsford (fraser alley)
The lands you reside on: The traditional and unceded territory of the Sto:lo people, specifically the Sema:th (Sumas) ad Mathexwi (Matsqui) First Nations
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would hope to be a willow tree. They have always been a statement of peace, strength, and wisdom for me. Each of those are things I hope to learn to master in my time on the planet
3 words that describe your personality: Passion, whimsy and kindness
What is one wish you have for our earth?: Peace on our planet. A future where we all work together, humans and the planet alike. The best thing for our earth would be to reconnect and regain a balance between giving and taking
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: My ideas and knowledge on local environment to help foster community and sustainability in BC
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: New connections and meet like-minded people I can work with to drive us towards positive change
Megan Johnson
(She/her)
kimberly (kootenay)
The lands you reside on: Ktunaxa
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would choose a beaver to represent myself. I think beavers are very hard working and creative. They support themselves while also supporting others. Beavers are very intelligent, generous and community minded
3 words that describe your personality: Collaborative, generous, open-minded
What is one wish you have for our earth?: My wish is that we can work more towards sustainability. I want to be able to implement smaller practices into my own day to day that feel normal, but ultimately lead to a happier, healthier planet
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: Optimism and a strong willingness to learn and listen. I’m excited to be able to work with others who have similar passions to me
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: A stronger ability to speak up. I don’t always act on my passion for this planet and hope through the Youth Advisory Committee I gain more confidence to speak out about the environment. I’m thrilled to be a part of something that pushes my comfort zone
Nela Harshini
(She/Her)
prince george (Northern Interior)
The lands you reside on: The traditional lands of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in Prince George, BC
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a black cat. People often see them as bad luck because of myths and misunderstandings, and I feel the same thing happens with many environmental problems that are ignored until we look closer. Black cats remind me that with better understanding, we can see true value. I also admire how they are independent, curious and find comfort wherever they go. They move through the world with confidence and ease, which is something I admire
3 words that describe your personality: Independent, caring, optimistic
What is one wish you have for our earth?: My wish is that everyone takes small every day actions to protect our planet and chooses to treat people and all other organisms with love, compassion and respect instead of hate
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: Creative ways to break down environmental problems into fun and easy to understand ideas, shaped for the audience, so we can learn from each other and work toward a better world. We don’t have a planet B, and I want people to feel hope, connection, and the belief that their actions truly matter
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: I’d like to receive support, real learning opportunities, and a space where we can motivate each other, grow together, and genuinely make a difference
Riley Unaru
(They/He)
Vernon (Okanagan)
The lands you reside on: Syilx (Okanagan) lands
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a raccoon as they like to climb and are nocturnal, mischievous, scavengers, who utilize their resourcefulness to survive. These are all things I do in different ways, plus I think I would enjoy living in a hollow tree den
3 words that describe your personality: Silly, analytical, caring
What is one wish you have for our earth?: I wish for land stewardship to be returned to Indigenous peoples and that we care for the land as it cares for us, through Indigenous teachings and practices
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: To be a strong advocate for accessible and Indigenous-centered initiatives
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: To learn more about different ways we can contribute towards climate action within a variety of capacities and communities
Raaynaa Madaan
(she/her)
abbotsford (fraser valley)
The lands you reside on: The traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Sto:lo people in Abbotsford, BC
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a deep-sea creature: mysterious, resilient and open to exploring the unknown. I like the idea of having a calm, quiet strength; living in the depths offers a different perspective on the world above
3 words that describe your personality: Empathetic, thoughtful and curious
What is one wish you have for our earth?: I wish the earth had environmental loading bars, something that shows, in real time, how close we are to pushing the planet past its limits. It would make the invisible impact of our choices visible in the simplest way
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: A perspective grounded in psychology and ethical awareness, helping raise questions about how we treat one another, how we think about justice and care, and encouraging thoughtful, compassionate discussion in our committee work. I care deeply about mental well-being, fairness and kindness, and I believe those values can help shape meaningful conversations and action
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: A variety of perspectives from others, hearing different life journeys, experiences, ideas and worldviews. Growing together with people from diverse backgrounds and learning from each other to build stronger understanding, community, and shared vision
Riddhi Sood
(she/her)
delta (metro vancouver)
The lands you reside on: Delta (Fraser Valley) unceded territories of the T’swwassen First Nation, and other Coast Salish peoples who have stewards of land since time immemorial
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: Jellyfish even though I fear the other deep sea creatures, as what is life without uncertainty and a little fear
3 words that describe your personality: Curious, empathetic and driven
What is one wish you have for our earth?: To give back when all we do is take
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: Innovative ideas and action plans and the will to execute them
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: Support, experiences and connections
Makayla Bales
(she/her)
merrit/nicola valley (okanagan)
The lands you reside on: Nlaka’pamux Territory
If you could be another organism, what would you be and why?: I would be a nudibranch. They are just so colourful and powerful for being such small creatures. They are pretty cool
3 words that describe your personality: Kind, selfless, awkward
What is one wish you have for our earth?: For there to be peace (political and environmental)
One thing to offer the Youth Advisory Committee: My passion for all things, big and small
One thing to receive from the Youth Advisory Committee: I love to learn so I’d like to connect with others and learn, expanding my knowledge
