Earlier this summer, I was eating breakfast on the porch. An American Robin flew above and landed in the tree beside me. Between the branches and new leaves, was a nest. Five blue eggs were nestled in tight. Over the course of the next couple weeks,
the eggs hatched into fuzzy, hungry chicks. A couple weeks later the nest was empty and five more robins flitted amongst the trees. It’s incredible to think those little chicks and I were eating breakfast in the same place although I preferred my pancakes to regurgitated insects.
Currently I am enrolled in the Environmental and Conservation Science Program through the U of A at the Yukon University. This program intersects hard science with First Nation’s history, economics, and policy. Tailored to the Yukon, the Northern
Systems major focuses on landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that I have grown up alongside. It took me a couple tries to find the right school and program, but I am thrilled to be studying the natural history and ecosystems in the Yukon. I look forward to continuing into graduate school and contributing to the body of knowledge within environmental conservation through research and fieldwork. I am particularly interested in ecology. I was compelled to study in this field for several reasons. Firstly, to feed my curiosity for plants, animals, mountains, and waterways as well as to learn how to best support Indigenous voices. Ultimately, I hope to further develop my ability to think critically and advocate for environmental conservation.
I first became interested in Northern ecology during my time as a YCS trail guide at Miles Canyon. I loved learning about the cultural and geological histories as well as the biodiversity of the Whitehorse region. Although learning about the subject was part of the job, it became a newfound passion.
In my past work as an Outreach Assistant for Zero Waste Yukon, I delivered classroom presentations to students by educating and encouraging them towards environmentally conscious action. I enjoyed this work and hope for other opportunities to promote
stewardship and habitat preservation. The awareness that I am developing through my program will enable me to be a better informed advocate for environmental conservation.
I really look forward to continuing my studies at Yukon University. I have begun to bird after my father gave me a pair of binoculars for Christmas. I have enjoyed getting out on the trails near my home to see many species throughout the seasons. Birds play an integral role in our ecosystem, and I hope to continue my studies in ornithology throughout the rest of my career as a hopeful biologist.