Advancing Indigenous Leadership in Marine Stewardship: Clear Seas and Partners Expand Internship Program Français
MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH, TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATIONS' TERRITORY, VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Clear Seas, in partnership with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Mitacs, and the Students On Ice Foundation, is proud to announce the start of its fourth and largest-ever cohort of the Indigenous Internship Program. This national initiative supports Indigenous-led research and builds long-term capacity in marine and environmental fields.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has become a vital platform for emerging Indigenous scholars, providing a unique opportunity to explore critical topics such as Indigenous-led marine stewardship, sustainable harvesting practices, and whale strike mitigation strategies.
"As a Tsleil-Waututh Nation woman, this program means more than research to me, it's about restoring community connections, amplifying Indigenous voices, and transforming how marine knowledge is created and shared," says Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous Programs at Clear Seas. "I'm proud to support interns whose work uplifts their communities and challenges conventional approaches in environmental science."
The internship is a paid, part-time program that allows interns to work remotely from their home communities across Canada, ensuring nationwide accessibility. Co-developed with Indigenous knowledge holders, academic institutions, and industry partners, the program promotes inclusive knowledge-sharing that centers Indigenous values and Traditional Knowledge.
The program's success is best captured by the interns themselves, who have applied Traditional Knowledge to real-world issues and preserved cultural heritage.
Chanessa Perry, a member of the 2023–2024 cohort, explains, "This internship gave me the opportunity to reconnect with Traditional Knowledge while working on a real-world issue impacting my people. [I studied] how Traditional Knowledge can be applied to prevent whale strikes on BC's coast."
Another intern, Zoe George, is returning for a third term to expand on her initial project. "I got to explore the history of my nation's canoe culture and share stories from Elders that might have otherwise been lost," she says. Her work culminated in an exhibit at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, ensuring this knowledge is shared with a wider audience.
Tia Rose, who studied the impact of invasive species on traditional food systems, adds, "This was more than just an internship—it gave me direction."
Clear Seas' partners also highlight the program's importance in bridging Indigenous and academic knowledge.
Dr. Jennifer Figner, BCIT's Provost and Vice President, Academic, states, "BCIT recognizes the immense value of integrating Indigenous knowledge with scientific research. Our involvement in Clear Seas' Indigenous Internship Program allows us to support a unique model of knowledge sharing that strengthens marine stewardship and creates pathways for Indigenous leadership in environmental fields."
Echoing this sentiment, Tara Mascarenhas, Director of Programs at the Students On Ice Foundation, says the program reflects her organization's belief that "youth leadership rooted in equity and knowledge-sharing is key." She adds, "We are excited to support a program that is grounded in collaborative science, guided by culture, and driven by a deep respect for the land and waters that connect us all."
Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO of Mitacs, concludes, "At Mitacs, we are proud of our ongoing partnership with Clear Seas through the Indigenous Internship Program. Empowering Indigenous business entrepreneurship through funding and mentorship strengthens Canada's economy for everyone."
Get Involved
Clear Seas invites individuals, educators, funders, and industry professionals to support this growing program. You can get involved by donating, collaborating, or partnering.
About Clear Seas
Clear Seas is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides independent fact-based information to enable industry, governments, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues. We work to build awareness and trust so that all people can feel a part of the marine sector. Our vision is a sustainable marine shipping sector that is safe, vibrant, and inclusive, both now and for future generations. All publications are available at clearseas.org.
About BCIT
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is one of British Columbia's largest post-secondary institutions, known for its hands-on, applied learning model. BCIT works with industry and community partners to deliver real-world education and training that meets the evolving needs of students and society. Visit bcit.ca for more information.
About Mitacs
Mitacs is a national not-for-profit organization that powers innovation through partnerships between academia, industry, and communities. Mitacs supports research and training programs that prepare students and postdocs to tackle real-world challenges. For more details, visit mitacs.ca.
About Students on Ice Foundation
The Students on Ice Foundation empowers youth for a sustainable future. Through its Blue Futures Pathways program, it connects people aged 15-35, particularly Indigenous youth, with education, jobs, and funding in the emerging Sustainable Blue Economy. This initiative is endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
SOURCE Clear Seas
Media Contact: Lysa-Marie Rochon, Exponentiel, [email protected], 514-910-3664
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