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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.

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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.

SEE OUR PROGRAM IN ACTION

OUR COMMITMENTS

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

Riparia is putting down its paddles for the 2025 season as co-founder Dr. Andrea Reid goes on maternity leave. See you in 2026 for our program in the Poisson Blanc!

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

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