top of page

CONNECTING YOUNG WOMEN & SCIENCE ON THE WATER

Free multi-day land-based learning programs on rivers and lakes to steward a love for science, learning and fresh waters in a next generation of water protectors. 

Home
About

OUR MISSION

To motivate and inspire young women (including cis and trans women) to enjoy and protect fresh waters.

OUR VISION

Free land-based learning programs that impart a lifetime of love and understanding of fresh waters.

OUR FOCUS

Young women interested in the environment and science with limited access to land-based learning opportunities.

WHAT WE DO

Riparia is a Canadian registered charity that works to connect young women (including cis and trans women) and science on the water. With our team of guides, scientists, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, youth learn and experience different ways of doing science, thinking about water, and learning from our environment through a series of hands-on workshops.

 

We run one multi-day program for diverse young women each year. We partner with experienced outfitters to prioritize safety and comfort for all. Our participants receive access to exciting tools, like underwater drones and portable microscopes and leave our program with robust outdoor skills, lasting friendships, and the know-how to protect fresh waters for life.

Click to see our program in action!

SEE OUR PROGRAM IN ACTION

OUR COMMITMENTS

Valuing different ways of knowing and learning.

Valuing different ways of knowing and learning.

OPEN

We create space for young women (including cis and trans women) from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. 

ACCESSIBLE

We offer a completely free land-based learning program, working with applicants to attend to specific personal needs and contexts.

SAFE

We implement measures to foster personal and collective safety, with consideration for physical, emotional, and cultural dimensions.

FUN

We break out of the typical classroom for hands-on learning experiences that centre curiosity, play, good  food and relationships.

DJI_0043.JPG

JOINING RIPARIA


Interested in joining a Riparia program?

We run one annual week-long program that alternates between the "backyards" of Riparia’s Founders: the Poisson Blanc Regional Park, Québec (in even years), and Ḵ’alii Aksim Lisims – the Nass River, British Columbia (in odd years). Applications open on this website each spring.

​

Who can apply? 

We welcome applications from young women (including cis and trans women), ages 13 to 19, from the regions where the alternating program takes place. We work with local youth, as we aim to build connections to water close to home.

 

Who joins?

Ten youth join Riparia each year. Priority is given to Indigenous participants, as well as recent immigrants. We focus on youth with limited access to land-based learning opportunities.

​

Who runs the program?

Each program is run by Dr. Dalal Hanna and Dr. Andrea Reid with a rotating team of safety experts & science supports!

​

How much does it cost?

This program is entirely free, thanks to Riparia's generous supporters!

​

Still have questions? 

Please get in touch with us! See the contact form below.

​

Expeditions
Gallery

GALLERY

OUR WORKSHOPS

Living

Streams

Get up close and personal with the insects living in stream beds. Learn what their presence tells us about the health of the water.

Water Quality Monitoring 

Contribute to community science initiatives that monitor water quality. Learn how water testing can also strengthen personal connections to water.

Photography & Storytelling

Practice the power of photography as a tool for communication, self expression, and visual storytelling. Start your own Riparia journal.

Courses
Team

OUR TEAM

Dr. Dalal Hanna

Dr. Andrea Reid

NatGeo_IntoWater_JDYSON_2019_0D6A8726_COMPRESSED.jpg
_TalonGillis_16817.jpeg

Riparia co-founder & program leader

Carleton University Professor

Riparia co-founder & program leader

University of British Columbia Professor

​​

Mikayla Wujec

Zofia Smeja

mikayla.jpeg
Riparia-167.jpg

Riparia co-founder

Alder Apparel co-founder

Riparia program leader

Water safety and wilderness therapy guide 

​

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

Evripos_Logo_Tag_RGB_Gradient.png
FjallRaven - Logo.png
Patagonia-Logo.png
RITR_DEFY_k.jpeg
National-Geographic-Logo CLear.png
BorealRiver_logo.png
Water Rangers logo.png
1200px-Nature_Canada_logo.svg.png
Eureka_Logo_Green_cmyk.jpg
Poisson Blanc Logo.png
ArcteryxLogo_Font.jpg
exp_logo_3663_en_2021_01_22_11_04_05.png
Contact us
bottom of page