Gracelynn Edgars learned something surprising this summer about black bears and hibernation. “I didn’t know that taan can fit inside of a hole the size of its head,” she says. It was a discovery for Gracelynn as she took part in a four-week stewardship program. “Bear den surveys was by far the coolest day (on the schedule); they are amazing animals.”

Olivia Beeching says that she was first interested in the program because she needed money. “But I quickly realized that this is not about the money,” says Olivia. “It’s about the team and the beautiful islands we live on.”

Gracelynn and Olivia both had an extraordinary life-expanding summer. Since 2005, the Haida Gwaii Youth Stewardship Program (HGYSP) has employed over 100 local youth to explore what “Stewardship” on Haida Gwaii really means. The HGYSP offers them the opportunity to build confidence, a sense of connection with neighboring communities on Haida Gwaii, and the ability to think critically about issues that the archipelago faces. They also learn about potential solutions and see them in action.

Traditionally the program engages youths from the north and south, and the cohorts take part in four weeks of field-based programming with a broad range of professional partners. This year’s program was the first since 2019 and was launched in July with five Masset-based jaadas (young women in Xaad Kil). Under the gracious roof of the Haida House, the jaadas were met by the three program partners: Council of the Haida Nation (CHN), Gwaii Haanas/Parks Canada and B.C. Ministry of Forests. They were welcomed into their positions as stewards and heard from partner professionals about their own jobs, the work the organizations do on the land and waters of Haida Gwaii, and paths to getting there.

Prior to entering the field for work, the stewards participated in team-building activities and a safety orientation, and they built a foundation of trust and respect with one another, their community and the land. Jaskwaan Bedard led a workshop on yahguudang and conflict resolution. In the workshop, the stewards brainstormed a collective agreement that reflected their expectations for one another, and incorporated Haida laws that they would follow throughout the program. Jaskwaan’s workshop was foundational for the stewards to reference as they grew throughout the program.

The stewards had 18 days of in-thefield learning and experiences. Some highlights defined by the stewards included learning about wildfires through a modified S-100 course, bear den surveys, cultural features identification (CFI), stream surveys, fish fence removal and setting fish traps, Haida Watchmen duties at Hlk’yah GawGa Windy Bay, trail maintenance around the islands and European green crab invasive species removal.

This year’s YSP was unique because all the successful applicants were jaadas, a fact that held special meaning for the young women. “Being in an environment of all girls felt amazing,” said one. “I felt like I could openly speak my mind and didn’t fear judgment of others, like I could just say what I needed.” Said another: “I think having all girls had a huge effect on the energy of the group which was really positive, supportive and empowering.

We really talked about some of our problems as women and held each other up [...].”

There’s no question that the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are largely dominated by men. Therefore, having this year’s group of jaadas support one another and dig deeper into their experiences and learnings as an all women- crew, shed light on the importance of having role models who identify as women or non-binary. It seems clear that all future stewards can benefit from the island-wide support network that the HGYSP connects them with!

Háw’aa/hawaa to all organizations and governments involved in making another HGYSP season a great success: Council of the Haida Nation, Gwaii Haanas Archipelago Management Board, Parks Canada, BC Government; Ministry of Forests and BC Parks, Haida Fisheries, Haida Fisheries Watchmen/Guardians, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Masset Market, Delkatla Sanctuary, Gwaii Haanas Watchmen Program, Haida House, Stream Keepers, Haida Gwaii Recreation, Taan Forests, and Northern Savings.

Calling all youth who are eager to have a memorable summer experiencing diverse natural resource jobs in their communities, working outdoors all over the islands and building professional skills! Be on the look-out next spring 2024 for HGYSP applications. You can find them on our social media, as well as through school.

Photos by Nadja Smith-Hanson