The Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI) hosted a pilot Indigenous Youth Marine Education Program for five Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw / Squamish Nation youth in the spring of 2025.

This hands-on, in-water program focused on knowledge sharing about marine species, and building skills in marine food harvesting and snorkelling. Participants’ ages ranged from 14 to 30. The program was supported by multiple knowledge holders, who provided support with marine species identification, snorkel / equipment safety, Skwxwú7mesh language, and Skwxwú7mesh cultural teachings.

The program ran over the course of three days. The first day was in a classroom, where the participants learned about marine species (including herring, Dungeness crab, eelgrass, seastars, sea cucumber, salmon, and more), Skwxwú7mesh names and relations to these species, and familiarized themselves with their wetsuits and other equipment.

On the second day, we were welcomed to səlilwətaɬ / Tsleil-Waututh Nation territory in Deep Cove. In a sheltered bay, the youth put on their gear and snorkelled over eelgrass and alongside rocky reefs.

On the third day, we gathered together on a boat to head to Ḵw’émḵw’em / Defence Islands in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound, a location of significance to the Squamish Nation. On our way to the islands, we stopped at pre-set prawn and crab traps, which we pulled up to reveal what would become our lunch later that day. Once we arrived at Ḵw’émḵw’em, Skwxwú7mesh educator Charlene Williams welcomed us with words and a song. The youth and marine educators then snorkelled around the island, bringing up urchins, sea cucumber, crabs, and starfish for everyone to look at. We wrapped up the program by sharing a seafood feast together and reflecting on the teachings, highlights, and challenges the Skwxwú7mesh youth faced throughout the program.

A summary video of the program was produced by Kieran Brownie:

Thank you to the Pacific Salmon Foundation for supporting this program with funding, to Immenso Diving Equipment Ltd. for providing the wetsuits, Sea Dog Expeditions for providing boat services, and to our educators for making the program so impactful.