Wandering and learning about Canada's wild spaces

Graeme Hopkins takes a selfie with a group of youth, aged 13 to 18, as they explore wild spaces in Prince Albert National Park. Photo submitted by Graeme Hopkins

By Patricia Lane & Graeme Hopkins

Graeme Hopkins is passionate about immersing young people in nature. This 20-year-old from Saskatchewan takes groups of youth, aged 13 to 18, into wild spaces in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. In his hometown of Saskatoon, he runs a free outdoor club for new Canadian children. His book, Prehistoric Saskatoon, is accessible to all ages and available through the Saskatoon Public Library. He is a 2024 recipient of the Youth Climate Activism Award from the Institute for Sustainability, Education and Action (I-SEA.CA).

Tell us about your weekend experiences.

Ocean Wise funding allowed me to host the first Youth Environmental Leadership Summit at Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert Park, Saskatchewan, and another near Pinawa, Manitoba, in 2024. That year Volunteer Alberta also helped me take another group to the Barrier Lake biological research station near Kananaskis. Participants learn from experts on topics, like biodiversity, beach cleanups and microplastics, and enjoy hiking, water-quality testing, canoeing or other outdoor activities, and are encouraged to start their own projects. I plan to offer more this year.

The participants are often deeply affected. For example, when they put a bucket into the lake and pull out some of its aquatic life, they are amazed at what lies out of sight. Their sense of time is changed as they handle fossils. They might see a live deer or a herd of elk close up, which allows a different view of reality than watching a screen.

Their subsequent emails telling me about starting sustainability clubs or organizing beach clean-ups are very rewarding!