Meet the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Every journey begins with curiosity.
For some, it’s a fascination with marine life. For others, it’s a passion for climate action, mapping ecosystems, or simply spending time outdoors. This year, those passions brought Charles, Kara, and Teagan to the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government’s Lands & Resources Department.
Charles recently joined the team as the Junior Climate Action Coordinator, a year-long role supporting climate resilience, clean energy initiatives, environmental planning, and community engagement. Meanwhile, Kara and Teagan are spending the summer as Marine and Terrestrial Stewardship Summer Students, gaining hands-on experience in everything from fisheries monitoring and habitat restoration to GIS mapping, environmental data collection, and stewardship projects across the ḥaḥuułi.
We sat down with each of them to learn about the journeys that brought them here, what inspires them, and what they’re most looking forward to during their time with Uchucklesaht.
Meet Charles
“We’ve been blessed with these lands. I believe we all share a responsibility to care for them with respect and take action whenever it’s needed.”
What inspired you to join UTG?
Charles says his love for the environment made the decision an easy one.
“I’ve always had an affinity for caring for the land. This role gives me room to grow, build confidence, and contribute in meaningful ways.”
Over the coming year, he’ll help advance the Nation’s Climate Action Plan while supporting projects that strengthen environmental resilience and community well-being.
He’s especially excited to visit the village, deepen his connection to the community, and support projects that make a lasting difference.
When asked about a place that inspires him, Charles immediately thought of a quiet hill behind the Friendship Centre.
“It’s a peaceful place where I like to sit and write. Whenever I’m there, I’ll often clean up the area and the nearby dog park too.”
Rapid Fire
Favourite outdoor activity: Tossing a football with friends
Favourite animal: Wolves and Turkish Boz Shepherds
Coffee or tea? Coffee most days, but tea is my favourite
Beach or forest? Forest
Dream destination: Osoyoos
Meet Kara
“Healthy ecosystems support healthy communities, and protecting them today helps ensure future generations can enjoy them too.”
What brought you to Port Alberni?
“I grew up in Langley but always felt drawn to smaller communities where people know one another and life moves at a gentler pace. Since moving to Port Alberni, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it.”
Kara recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology along with an Advanced Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). When she’s not in the field, she’s embracing what she laughingly calls her “craft era,” teaching herself embroidery and clay sculpting while carefully tending a new garden.
“So far I’ve harvested three strawberries,” she laughs. “I’m calling that a success.”
What excites you most about working with UTG?
For Kara, the opportunity is about far more than collecting environmental data.
“I want to learn from the people here. I’m excited to understand Uchucklesaht values, stewardship practices, and hear the stories people are willing to share.”
Her current project involves building a geodatabase for monitoring invasive European green crabs, creating tools that will help protect local ecosystems for years to come.
Rapid Fire
Favourite place: Any beach or coastline
Favourite animal: Bears (especially during Fat Bear Week!)
Coffee or tea? Both. “Any form of caffeine.”
Dream destination: Peru
Friends describe you as: Whimsical
Meet Teagan
“Everything in our community relates back to our lands and waters. Looking after them means future generations can experience the same beauty we do today.”
You’ve lived in some fascinating places. Tell us about your journey.
Born in Victoria, Teagan spent part of her childhood in France before returning to Canada. After university she headed overseas again, this time to Scotland, where she worked alongside local wildlife.
She earned a double major in Geology and Biology from the University of Alberta, but says the ocean has always felt like home.
“Whether it’s the Pacific Northwest, the North Sea or the Gulf of Naples, I’ve always been drawn to the water.”
What made UTG the right fit?
Teagan loved that the position blends science with community.
“One day you’re conducting marine bird surveys or checking crab traps. The next you’re helping distribute fish or working with local youth. Everything is connected.”
Her internship offers the opportunity to gain practical experience while supporting environmental stewardship across Uchucklesaht territory.
Her goal is to become a marine biologist on Vancouver Island, helping conserve the region’s rich marine ecosystems.
Rapid Fire
Favourite outdoor activity: Camping
Favourite animal: Hopkins’ Rose Nudibranch
Coffee or tea? Tea
Beach or forest? Beach
Dream destination: Tierra del Fuego
A Shared Purpose
Although their paths have been very different, Charles, Kara, and Teagan share something important in common: a genuine curiosity, a passion for the natural world, and a desire to make a positive difference.
Whether they’re supporting climate action, restoring habitats, mapping ecosystems, monitoring wildlife, or learning from community members, each is contributing to the stewardship of the lands and waters that have sustained the Uchucklesaht people for generations.
We’re delighted to welcome them to the team and look forward to seeing where their journeys lead.
With thanks to Charles, Kara, and Teagan for taking part in these interviews
Story written and edited by Rippon Madtha