How We’re Collaborating with a University of Ottawa Alumni on Ecological Protection and Natural Resources Management Initiatives Within Indigenous Communities  

The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) is an educational experience designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Canada by connecting youth to nature and their local communities.  

The 2021-2022 season is well underway. The program consists of three phases:

1. A wilderness expedition: this year, we took participants on a two-day white-water canoe and camping trip along the Noire River.
2. A volunteer project: an educational or environmental stewardship project. 
3. A summit: an opportunity for participants from across Canada to gather, share ideas, and further develop leadership and advocacy skills. 

We had the opportunity to speak with Angélique Tardivel, a CWSP participant, about her experience and project. 

Can you tell us about yourself? 

I’m 28 years old and was born and raised in the French Alps.

My interest in the environment stems as far back as my childhood. My father was a professional alpinist and skier, and he instilled a love of nature and the environment in our family. 

Is that what kicked started your passion for the outdoors?

Yes! 

I also loved reading as a child. I learned about Indigenous history through books. My grandmother introduced me to Jack London’s writing. Although some of his writing was problematic, the way he described Canada’s landscapes and Indigenous cultures was very interesting to me. 

Throughout high school, I knew I wanted a balance between my French and English post-secondary studies. Canada has so many options to choose from and the University of Ottawa seemed like a perfect fit with options to study politics, anthropology, and history in both languages. 

I came to Ottawa for school and fell in love with the community.   

What did you study in school?

I received an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Aboriginal and Canadian Studies from the University of Ottawa. I also hold a master’s degree in History with a specialization in Indigenous Ethnohistory from the University of Saskatchewan. 

While out West, I had the opportunity to connect with more of Canada’s nature. I did a 300-kilometre hike across the Rockies, while helped me connect what I was learning in school to the real world. 

How did you learn about CWSP?

After graduating, I began camping and hiking more often. A friend introduced me to the program. 

The more I learned about CWSP, the more excited I became about going beyond an academic understanding of these topics to being able to learn on the land. 

Learning concrete skills in nature and leading a community project drew me in, so I applied. 

Are you happy with your decision to join CWSP?

I’ve really enjoyed how the program brought so many different elements together. 

We explored the idea of preparing new generations for the future and how to foster them as environmental stewards. Often, protecting the environment seems like a lofty task. We discussed how to break this down so it isn’t such a large, daunting thing and how individuals can make meaningful contributions.

CWSP has also helped me explore my community better. When I arrived in the Ottawa Valley, I hiked and canoed but hadn’t explored the broader Pontiac area. This program is helping me connect to my natural community and explore topics I’ve learned in textbooks.

I’m very impressed with not only how organized the program is, but the depth of knowledge shared. The wilderness expedition to the Noire River was the perfect setting for conversations to happen organically between program participants and leaders, unlike lecture halls in a university. 

CPAWS-OV also accommodated my leg fractures, ensuring I was comfortable and safe throughout the wilderness expedition. The outdoor experience was made accessible, and I had a great time! 

Can you tell us about your project?

My project focuses on the intersection of Indigenous studies and environmental conservation.

I plan to curate a list of Indigenous communities in the Ottawa Valley and their projects related to conservation, connect with these communities, and explore how I and CPAWS-OV can support their work through outreach, funding or research. 

What impact do you want your project to have?

My goal is to support Indigenous communities, establish a connection between CPAWS-OV and these groups, and raise awareness of their projects.

Often, the media focuses on struggles within Indigenous communities or cultural events. There’s much more to Indigenous peoples than solely these two topics and my goal is to bring visibility to their environmental stewardship efforts. 

What are your goals for the summit? 

I want to connect with other CPAWS chapters’ participants to learn about their projects and any parallels between our regions. I’m looking forward to meeting the participants from different provinces and learning about their projects’ impacts.