CONNECTING YOUNG WOMEN & SCIENCE ON THE WATER
Free multi-day programs on rivers and lakes to steward a love for science, learning and fresh waters in the next generation of water protectors.
OUR MISSION
To motivate and inspire young women (inclusive of all identities) to enjoy and protect fresh waters and the outdoors.
OUR VISION
To run free outdoor programs that impart a lifetime of love and understanding of fresh waters.
OUR FOCUS
To serve young women who are interested in the outdoors and science but have limited access to outdoor learning opportunities.
WHAT WE DO
Riparia is a Canadian registered charity that works to connect young women and science on the water. With our team of guides, scientists, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, participants learn and experience different ways of doing science, thinking about water, and learning from our environment.
We run one multi-day program for diverse young women each year. We partner with experienced guides from Boreal River Rescue 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.
SEE OUR PROGRAM IN ACTION
OUR VALUES
Valuing different ways of knowing and learning.
Valuing different ways of knowing and learning.
DIVERSITY
We create space for female-identifying young people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences.
ACCESS
We offer a completely free program, providing all gear and equipment needed on trip.
ACTIVE
LEARNING
We use the questions and interests of participants to drive learning.
STRONG
BONDS
We emphasize loving relationships with each other and the world around us and work to uphold these with responsibility and reciprocity.
JOINING OUR ANNUAL PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Interested in joining a Riparia program?
Applications for our five-day canoe-camping and freshwater science trip in the Poisson Blanc Regional Park (Quebec, Canada) open in January of each year and are due mid May.
Decisions are shared by end of May.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from female-identifying individuals, 13-19 years old, from Montreal, Ottawa, and surrounding areas as we aim to build connections to water close to home. We are working to expand our programming to northern British Columbia in the years ahead.
Who gets selected?
Ten candidates will be selected each year. Priority will be given to Indigenous individuals and recent immigrants, as well as to youth with limited access to outdoor learning and skill-building opportunities. Riparia has established a partnership with the New Frontiers School Board (Montreal region) enabling students from their schools to earn a Grade 11 credit through participation.
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Who runs the trips?
Each program is run by Dr. Dalal Hanna and Dr. Andrea Reid with a rotating team of safety experts & science supports!
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How much does it cost?
This program is entirely free, thanks to Riparia's generous supporters!
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Still have questions?
Please get in touch with us! See the contact form below.
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GALLERY
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SAMPLE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
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 important community science initiatives that protect and monitor water. Learn how hands on water quality testing can also strengthen personal connections to water.
Photography & Storytelling
Practice the power of photography as a tool of communication, self expression, and visual storytelling. Start your own trip log and photo journal.
OUR FOUNDING TEAM & PROGRAM LEADERS
Dr. Dalal Hanna
Riparia co-founder & program leader
Professor of Conservation Science at Carleton University
National Geographic Explorer
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Dr. Andrea Reid
Riparia co-founder & program leader
Citizen of the Nisg̱a’a Nation
Professor at the Centre for Indigenous Fisheries at the University of British Columbia
National Geographic Explorer
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Mikayla Wujec
Riparia co-founder
Alder Apparel co-founder
National Geographic Explorer
Zofia Smeja
Riparia program leader
Water safety expert and wilderness therapy guide
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Kate Mussett
Riparia program leader
Fisheries program lead for Malahat First Nation
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GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
