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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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!
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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
OUR TEAM
Dr. Dalal Hanna
Dr. Andrea Reid
Riparia co-founder & program leader
Carleton University Professor
Riparia co-founder & program leader
University of British Columbia Professor
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Mikayla Wujec
Zofia Smeja
Riparia co-founder
Alder Apparel co-founder
Riparia program leader
Water safety and wilderness therapy guide
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