The Askîy Youth Monitor Contest will give four new Askîy Youth Guardians aged 18-29 a chance to learn sustainable harvesting practices and scientific methods to monitor fish health at Alberta lakes. Accommodations and meal expenses will be covered.
To enter, youth must submit a maximum 500-word essay explaining, “What would being part of the Askîy Youth Guardians Team and participating in Fish Health Monitoring mean to you?” (i.e., connection to culture, learning a new skill, learning to feed yourself/family).
CONTEST BACKGROUND
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- Read and fill out the Youth Monitor Contest Guide.
- Write an essay up to 500 words explaining, “What would being part of the Askîy Youth Guardians Team and participating in Fish Health Monitoring mean to you?” (i.e., connection to culture, learning a new skill, learning to feed yourself/family).
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY
Complete submissions, including signed forms and essay must be emailed to Environment@metis.org by 11:59 p.m. on January 7, 2024.
To hear about the youth’s experience in 2023, check out our recap video below.
ABOUT THE ASKÎY YOUTH MONITOR CONTEST
In March 2021, we launched our Fish Health Monitoring Project, 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 to later fillet, eat, and report back on internal fish health and palatability (e.g., taste, texture, smell). In 2022, we returned to many of the same lakes to sample again and collect fish for toxicology testing.
In mid-February 2023 we continued this work but also invited Métis youth to participate and learn both traditional ice-fishing methods and fish health assessment techniques from our harvesters, as well as scientific monitoring techniques from MNA staff. Youth participants formed the Youth Ice Fishing Team and learned and worked together throughout the week to complete fish monitoring activities.
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 Citizen environmental concerns. We have developed programs to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity using methods which braid western science with traditional knowledge. Monitoring programs are designed to engage with Citizens, facilitate knowledge sharing within the community, provide opportunities for community involvement in monitoring, and keep Citizens updated on project activities and outcomes.