This magazine shares the stories and reflections from the spring 2026 Indigenous Youth Marine Education Program, hosted by the Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative. It features first-person accounts from participants and educators, describing their experiences snorkelling in Squamish Nation waters, identifying marine species, harvesting traditional foods, and reconnecting with…
This magazine documents the spring 2026 Indigenous Youth Marine Education Program, hosted by the Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative for eight Indigenous participants. It is a record of a three-day program designed for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation) youth to learn snorkelling, marine species identification, and traditional food harvesting through the lens of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language and culture.
The first section contains personal reflections from participants Kwewawtennat (Virginia) and Dlugwala (Jasmine), an auntie and niece duo. They describe their experiences snorkelling in eelgrass beds, encountering a bay pipefish, cooking sea cucumber, and observing barnacles feeding. Jasmine reflects on overcoming a fear of deep water and the impact of colonialism on traditional seafood harvesting.
The magazine includes a collage titled 'Ocean Fever Dream' by Sierra Tasi Baker, depicting creatures seen during a preparatory snorkelling trip in Deep Cove. It also features a brief quote from participant Konner S., who joined a boat trip to snorkel in Howe Sound.
A repeated passage from participant CoCo expresses gratitude for the experience of seeing sea creatures and feeling comfortable underwater. The document captures the program's emphasis on hands-on learning, cultural reconnection, and stewardship of Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound waters.