This summer, Ecotrust Canada brought Amanda Albers on board to support the Food Systems team on Metlakatla First Nation’s regenerative ocean farm. During her eight-week internship supported by the Canada Summer Jobs program, she assisted in hands-on farm operations and applied her graduate studies in environmental practice to the project. Discover what she packed in over her tenure.
Introduction
I’m an engineer and master’s student in the Environmental Practice and Climate Change program at Royal Roads University, driven by a passion for creating innovative solutions to combat climate change. Growing up in Northern BC, I developed a deep connection to the environment and an awareness of the unique challenges faced by remote and rural communities. Securing a master’s placement in Prince Rupert, on Coast Ts’msyen territory, has been especially meaningful. The remote city’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community have been a source of inspiration throughout my placement. As an intern with the Food Systems program, I had the opportunity to work on Metlakatla First Nation’s Regenerative Ocean Farming (ROF) Project, where I gained invaluable insights into climate resilience strategies and bridged the gap between my theoretical studies from my master’s and practical, hands-on experience.
About the Regenerative Ocean Farming (ROF) Project
Metlakatla First Nation’s ROF project is a transformative initiative that is revitalizing a former scallop farm into a thriving multispecies operation. By converting these farms into ecosystems that support both kelp and shellfish, the ROF project aims to combat monoculture and environmental degradation and, where possible, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, values and priorities identified by Metlakatla members. This project also promotes ecological restoration, biodiversity, food sovereignty, and community resilience, contributing to a sustainable future for Northern BC’s remote and Ts’msyen communities.
Supporting Indigenous stewardship and celebrating cultural traditions
One of the highlights of my role was supporting Metlakatla’s ocean farming team with tasks. Between July and August, my responsibilities included collecting water and mussel samples and assisting with boat operations. I learned essential maritime skills like knot-tying, kelp husbandry, and grappling longlines from Andrew Llewellyn, one of the skilled team members.
On July 25, I was honoured to be invited to take part in Metlakatla First Nation’s celebration of the Gathering Strength Canoe Journey. This is an annual Indigenous event in the Pacific Northwest where Nations travel their ancestral waters in canoes. It concludes with a gathering of cultural protocols, songs, dances, and gifting, hosted by a different Nation each year. I met with paddlers and offered locally harvested, freshly cooked scallops with our Food Systems team (Celine Trojand, Mary Williams, Dianne Villesèche, and Danielle Simard from MDC).
Internship tasks
My placement offered a blend of fieldwork, research, and community engagement that enriched my academic and professional development. During my internship, I made several key contributions:
- Ongoing Farm Operations: Scallop and kelp husbandry tasks, including grading, cleaning, and harvesting, as well as maintenance duties such as cleaning floatation devices, maintaining longlines, preparing and repairing equipment, and addressing infrastructure needs to ensure smooth and effective farm operations.
- Environmental Monitoring: Testing water temperature and salinity, as well as collecting mussel samples for biotoxins testing to ensure ecosystem health and compliance with safety standards.
- Survey Development: I helped design a survey with Metlakatla Stewardship Society to understand community perspectives and integrate their feedback into the ROF project. The survey aims to understand local socio-economic and community well-being values, focusing on food security and environmental health.
- Regulatory Collaboration: Working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), I gained insights into harvesting regulations and documentation. This was vital for ensuring that the farm’s operations adhere to legal and environmental standards, aligning with sustainable practices and regulatory compliance. I also conducted a comparison study on harvesting methods for optimizing current farm conditions for the growth of wild mussel seed versus buying seed directly from a supplier.
- Feasibility Research: I conducted an annotated bibliography to evaluate the feasibility of cultivating purple laver (Porphyra umbilicalis) on the farm. This research involved analyzing cultivation methods, environmental conditions, and integration strategies. The findings will inform decisions on expanding species diversity and enhancing the farm’s environmental and economic impact.
Academic and professional growth
This internship has been pivotal in advancing my academic and professional development. The hands-on experience I acquired has complemented my theoretical studies in environmental practice and climate change. By integrating practical activities with academic research, I have gained a nuanced understanding of climate resilience strategies. For further insights into my placement, the global impact of regenerative ocean farming on climate change, and the contributions of Ecotrust Canada and Metlakatla First Nation, I will share my research report later this fall.
Final reflections
The Regenerative Ocean Farming Project represents a model of how environmental and community-focused initiatives can drive sustainable change. My time with Ecotrust Canada and the Metlakatla First Nation has deepened my appreciation for the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern environmental practices. This placement has not only advanced my career but also strengthened my commitment to integrating climate resilience into practical solutions for remote and Indigenous communities.
[Published September 24, 2024]