SOI Foundation Announces 2024 Blue Futures Pathways Expedition: Youth Skills Development in the Sustainable Blue Economy
30 July 2024 - 2:46PM
SOI Foundation is excited to announce the 2024 Blue Futures
Pathways (BFP) Expedition, a flagship program endorsed by the UN
Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Travelling
from Nunavut to Newfoundland aboard the Mi’kmaq-owned icebreaker
Oqwatnukewey Eleke’wi’ji’jit (MV Polar Prince), this expedition
will empower a group of young adults aged 18-35 to participate in
hands-on training and explore diverse career pathways within the
Sustainable Blue Economy.
“The 2024 Blue Futures Pathways Expedition is a testament to our
commitment to fostering skills and knowledge to empower the next
generation of leaders in the Sustainable Blue Economy,” says SOI
Foundation’s Director of Programs Tara Mascarenhas.
The BFP Expedition will bring together youth participants from
across Canada, as well as Indigenous leaders, scientists,
educators, industry professionals, and artists for 19 days of
hands-on skill-building. With objectives to explore the Sustainable
Blue Economy across disciplines, gain relevant skills and
certifications, and understand a Two-Eyed seeing approach to coastal
and freshwater science, ocean technology, fisheries, biodiversity,
and conservation, the expedition promises a transformative learning
experience.
“This journey will provide participants with invaluable
experiences, insights, and certifications, empowering them to chart
their own pathways to employment and make meaningful contributions
to a truly sustainable blue economy in Canada," says Peter
Keenainak, Vice President, Fisheries at Qikiqtaaluk
Corporation.
Participants will engage in various activities such as science
methodology, botany, bird observations and environmental (e)DNA
sampling, building and operating remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),
drone operations and piloting, building a communications portfolio,
seafaring and Zodiac training. Activities will also provide a deep
dive into Indigenous history, culture, Traditional Knowledge
Systems, science, arts, biodiversity, coastal and freshwater
conservation and climate change.
The expedition's expected route includes visits to Hantzsch,
Lower Savage, Resolution Island, Torngat Mountains National Park,
Nain, Hopedale, Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve, Quirpon, Fogo
Island, Baccalieu Ecological Reserve, and Holyrood.
For more information and updates on the expedition, please visit
SOI Foundation's expedition webpage.
About the SOI FoundationSOI is at the forefront
of expeditionary education, offering transformative experiences
to diverse youth worldwide. Our expeditions to the Polar
Regions and places in between unite youth and educators,
foster lasting connections, and encourage global citizenship.
Our mission is to provide transformative experiences that
educate, inspire, connect and empower youth. For more
information, visit soifoundation.org.
- SOI Foundation Announces 2024 Blue Futures Pathways Expedition:
Youth Skills Development in the Sustainable Blue Economy
Craig McCallion
Students on Ice Foundation
(819) 827-3300 X 3030
craig@soifoundation.org
Mac White
Students On Ice Foundation
(819) 827-3300 X 3107
mac@soifoundation.org
Justin Sadler
Students On Ice Foundation
Justin@soifoundation.org