Expedition with Indigenous women in the Salish Sea – request for applications

We are looking for applicants to take part in an expedition in the Salish Sea.

We are currently accepting applications from Indigenous people (specifically women, two-spirit and femme-identifying) to join us on board Raincoast’s education and research vessel, Achiever for a five-day expedition.

This trip has been planned in collaboration with Kayla MacInnis, a Métis multidisciplinary artist and journalist with a keen curiosity for the land and culture. As a sailor, Kayla noticed a need for more opportunities for women to connect and grow together on the sea. She mentioned her dream for an all-Indigenous-women’s sailing expedition to Asta Mail while they were out for the Salish Sea Emerging Stewards Expedition in October. Two weeks later, she received an email from Asta, who said she couldn’t stop thinking about the trip. 

The expedition will take place in the Southern Gulf Islands between July 9-13, 2022. The expedition will include experiential education techniques using the Two-Eyed seeing approach, a concept from Albert Marshall, sharing and gaining support for stewardship initiatives, leadership development, and education in First Nations communities. 

This immersive experience will provide participants with an opportunity to network, learn, and gain nautical and leadership skills, all while creating greater community connections. Participants will be included in all aspects of life on the boat including boat operation and meal preparation and clean up.

The trip is offered free of charge to participants (participants must cover travel to the Van Isle Marina dock, in Sidney, BC, W̱SÁNEĆ territory) thanks to the generosity of the Chawkers Foundation, Patagonia, and the Vancouver Foundation’s Indigenous Priorities Grant. 

Those who are interested in participating and available for the full five days of the expedition are welcome to submit an application through the online form. There are eight spots available for women to take part in the program. The last day to apply is June 10.