Unveiling Sustainability — Wildsight Youth Climate Corps at work

WILDSIGHT YOUTH CLIMATE CORPS - WEST KOOTENAY
Exploring Resilience and Sustainability
Wildsight Youth Climate Corps, West Kootenay program, has now been running since 2020. West Kootenay Region is the first location where YCC started! Our journey has been an incredible adventure of learning, engagement, and collaboration.
Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional territory of the Sinixt, Syilx and Ktunaxa Nation, who have been stewards of this land for time immemorial. We honour their deep connection to the land.
Meet the West Kootenay Team
Allow us to introduce our dedicated crew members who are passionate about driving positive change in the West Kootenay region. From waste reduction to energy-saving initiatives, our team is committed to making a difference. Guided by Melissa Lavery, the crew is this year formed by: Angela, Rhiannon, Diety and Daniella.
Impactful Projects
Our journey involves engaging with local government staff, exploring regional and municipal programs, and understanding the unique needs of each community. Through hands-on experiences, we've dived into the heart of local initiatives. From learning about resource recovery programs to understanding the potential of waste reduction and organics diversion, we're dedicated to fostering resilient communities. Our journey takes us to various locations within RDCK, including Castlegar, Creston, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Nelson. Engaging with residents at farmer's markets and community events, we share insights about waste reduction, water conservation, and energy efficiency programs. Collaborating with municipalities, we've explored Nelson's innovative sustainability initiatives, including energy retrofits and renewable energy generation. Our interactions with Nelson Hydro and the Solar Garden project have showcased the power of community collaboration.
Within Youth Climate Corps, crew members are between 17-30 years old; they earn wages, gain work experience, build networks, and develop themselves personally and professionally. Meanwhile, they complete projects that both benefit their own communities and support global efforts to act on the climate crisis.
If you or your organization wants to learn more about how to team up with us and move forward on projects in your community, or if you are interested in funding one of our projects related to our different focus areas, we are here to support you.