Jessi has both Gwich’in and Inuvialuit heritage and has lived in Aklavik, Northwest Territories for 22 years. She has completed the Environment and Natural Resource Technology Diploma Program (ENRTP) in Fort Smith, NT and Inuvik, NT. She now plans to get a certificate or diploma in the political and media industry. She has always been intrigued by the beautiful Richardson Mountains alongside the Peel River, which influenced her completion of the ENRTP. She believes in the scarcity of the Peel River and Traditional Lands. She has built a cabin with her father, canoed the Peel River with friends, fished to feed her dog during winter and summer months, walked up Black Mountain, and boated in the Mackenzie Delta region.
How do you think Traditional Knowledge can help address climate change?
Having both expertise in Traditional Knowledge and modern knowledge are key factors in figuring out ways to mitigate the changes that are currently happening. We can listen to our elders today on the differences they see. If you have gone out on the land since you were a child, you can see what types of changes have occurred and have a timeline on when things will affect our animals, land and water. All you have to do is pay attention to our land and climate. For example, I have gone to Shingle Point, Yukon every summer since I was born. I remember seeing snow on the hills and icebergs behind us. Today, there is nothing.
Why were you interested in participating in this program?
I wanted to expand my knowledge and help find ways to get youth more involved in climate change action in my community. Our climate is important and only some youth realize that.
What does climate action look like to you?
Climate action to me, means that a change will happen. We will educate our communities, be aware of our footsteps, figure out ways to mitigate and preserve what we can for the future generations.
Jessi’s Project
Jessi’s Project involved taking photos and videos to showcase climate change effects in her community, Aklavik. She will share what she creates locally so that people can see the effects, along with information that will help them understand what they can do about it.
We are proud to watch Jessi become a community leader for other youth to take action on climate change.