The Routes to Roots pilot project’s aim is to build a framework for a self-sufficient regional supply chain network, which strives towards a socially and environmentally circular economy, driven by youth. This means retaining both the material and human resources within the region; providing educational opportunities for local youth to support the supply chain as future professionals; and fostering democratized knowledge-sharing across the region.
The initial pilot project (based along the Central Coast & Central Interior of BC) will serve as a model for other regions to replicate and scale it across Canada; to do so, we will develop an open-access regional supply chain toolkit. We will launch a sister project in year three in a different region; both projects could complement one another through knowledge-sharing opportunities and by using best practices while adapting to local needs.
Routes to Roots builds youth-driven, circular regional supply chains in BC’s Central Coast & Interior. Rooted in Nuxalk Stl’mstaliwa values, this pilot creates sustainable economic opportunities while retaining local talent and resources for community sovereignty.