The NSWA Youth Water Council (YWC) is a groundbreaking initiative that places youth at the forefront of water conservation and watershed management. Led by the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, this program equips high school students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take meaningful action in protecting Alberta’s water resources. Throughout the school year, students from across the watershed come together through collaborative workshops, virtual learning sessions and a weekend camp.
Through a two-phase experiential learning model, participants first learn from subject-matter experts to build a strong foundation of leadership skills and environmental knowledge, exploring topics on watershed science, land-use planning, climate change and Indigenous Knowledge. In the second phase, participants design and implement an innovative project of their own, ensuring that learning is directly applied to real-world environmental challenges.
The impact of YWC is both measurable and far-reaching. The 2024 cohort created and distributed 9,500 copies of an educational comic book on watershed protection, reaching students across Alberta. Participants have also contributed to watershed planning discussions, appeared in media interviews, and gained direct experience in environmental leadership. Surveys show that council members experience an average 64% increase in environmental knowledge, reinforcing their ability to become lifelong advocates for water sustainability.
“My favourite part of the YWC program was being able to meet like-minded people who were passionate about creating change in our watershed. The program brought us together and helped give us the power to express our opinions and ideas in a way that mattered.” – 2024 Youth Water Council member
