Are you a Métis youth between the ages of 18 – 29? Consider applying for one of four spots in the 2026 Askîy Youth Guardian Program! Askîy Youth Guardians will spend February 16 – 21, 2026 learning sustainable harvesting practices and scientific fish health monitoring methods from Environment and Climate Change staff and harvesters. Accommodation and meal expenses will be covered.
HOW TO APPLY
All Citizens who wish to be considered for the program must read the full contest guide and complete the following application form before 11:59 p.m. MST on December 15, 2025.
You’ll be asked to answer the following question through a medium of your choosing (e.g., short essay, video, artwork, etc.): Tell us about yourself and what it would mean to be part of the ice fishing team.
Apply today for the chance to be a part of this amazing experience!
Questions? Reach out to environment@metis.org.
ABOUT THE ASKÎY YOUTH Guardian Program
In March 2021, we launched our Askîy Fish Health Targeted Monitoring Program, working with experienced harvesters to sample fish from select lakes across Alberta. Using both traditional gillnets and rod-and-reel techniques, harvested fish were measured and examined for fish health. All lethally-sampled fish were sent home with harvesters, who consumed them and reported on their internal fish health and palatability (e.g., taste, texture, smell). In 2022, we returned to many of the same lakes for sampling and collecting fish for toxicology testing.
In mid-February 2026, we will be continuing this work, and we invite Métis youth to participate. Participants will form the Askîy Youth Guardian team and participate in the Askîy Fish Health Targeted Monitoring Program. The youth will learn scientific Traditional Knowledge about ice fishing and fish health assessments from Métis harvesters. Additionally, they’ll learn Western scientific methods for monitoring fish health from Environment and Climate Change staff.
ABOUT THE ASKÎY COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING PROGRAM
The Environment and Climate Change Department conducts community-based monitoring programs through an initiative called Askîy (Cree for “Earth” or “land”) to investigate and address Citizens’ environmental concerns. We have developed programs to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity that braid Western science with Traditional Knowledge. Monitoring programs are designed to engage Citizens, facilitate knowledge sharing within the community, involve the community in monitoring, and keep Citizens updated on project activities and outcomes.