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Participants at Atuomkuk/Wentzell Lake.
“I would have never imagined being able to be in a space like the Rooted in Rest retreat. It was such a positive and unique experience that I hope more BIPOC youth in the climate space get to experience.”
Participants visiting Hirtle Beach.
SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST Cameron Armstrong Reflects on FRTS:
Cameron hanging out in the rain.
In 2021, I was working as a Research Assistant under an Anishanaabe scholar at the University of Manitoba in 2021. Our projects worked in collaboration and partnership with Lake St. Martin First Nation and Dauphin River First Nation to understand the impacts of environmental racism and water control structures on the communities’ cultural, environmental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
This experience solidified my understanding that anti-oppression, justice, and environmental work are deeply connected - one cannot exist without another. I will forever be grateful to Lake St. Martin and Dauphin River First Nation for sharing such profound teachings with me that I have carried with me throughout both my professional and personal life.
The mainstream environmental movement has excluded many groups. It also has strong historical ties to white supremacist and colonial values. These ties affect the climate and environmental movements today. BIPOC youth face unique challenges in climate activism; they come up against racial capitalism, colonialism, and white supremacy culture in their struggle. These factors work against their existence in the movement. Climate change is also a result of these long-standing systemic issues. We need to create spaces and programs that centre the experiences, knowledge, and leadership of BIPOC folks in the climate movement.
“To me, creating spaces like From Root to Sky are only a small part in re-writing environmental and climate work to be more inclusive and shift towards anti-oppressive solutions. BIPOC youth are powerful agents of change and have been leading incredible climate solutions and projects. Their voices are those that need to be heard in order to care for all people and the planet.”
Cameron at Atuomkuk/Wentzell Lake.
Young climate advocates frequently report feelings of exhaustion, burnout, and hopelessness. BIPOC youth face heightened effects of climate change and oppression in the world. Still, they are active in climate action and often lead the youth climate movement. There is a strong need to create spaces for BIPOC youth to process and heal from climate impacts. This support is vital for their mental health; it helps them continue their important leadership in climate justice.
During our pilot year of virtual programming, participants expressed a need for in-person programming to deepen connections. Additionally, while many young people work and hold deep relationships to place and land, intentionally accessing nature to rest and connect can be a barrier for many BIPOC youth.
Upon hearing these needs of our community, we launched Rooted in Rest Retreat in 2024, a gathering that centered the experiences and wellbeing of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) climate organizers. By taking time to connect with each other and with the land and waters, participants were able to refill their cups and slow down, breathe, and rest.
Through collaboration with participants and local facilitators, and under the shelter of ancient hemlocks, the retreat was a co-created space by participants and staff to prioritize rest, community, learning, laughter, and solidarity. Participants expressed so much gratitude for a space that accepted and catered to who they were as whole people. The space was truly something special.
“I hope to continue creating spaces for BIPOC youth that prioritize rest, care, community, learning, laughter, and solidarity. These spaces are vital for young people within the movement to continue caring for themselves and their communities.”
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From Root to Sky (FRTS) is a closed space for Black Indigenous People Of Colour (BIPOC) youth climate activists, who are at the frontlines of the climate justice movement. Youth Climate Lab developed FRTS to prioritize rest, healing and wellness for BIPOC youth climate leaders. Learn more about FRTS here.
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Anti-DEI sentiments are on the rise, and programs like FRTS are affected by this. We know that this program truly matters to the YCL community. We stand together to prevent burnout for our friends at the frontlines of the youth climate movement!
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Kindly note that YCL is an incorporated non-profit, and is not currently able to issue tax receipts for donations!
Meadow walk at Asitu’lisk during Moving in Mi’kma’ki with Sarah Prosper.
Thank you for supporting From Root to Sky below!
“A wonderful experience for young folx involved in climate work to be intentional about resting, collectively. With time spent in nature, insightful workshops, and creative experiences, this retreat has reenergized me to continue moving in my work with a renewed sense of purpose.”