On September 22, 2021, Capilano University (CapU) launched Skw'cháys (pronounced skwa chaýs), the University’s legacy canoe. The launch honoured the designation of the UNESCO Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region, Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region. Read more here.
Our partnership with CapU began in early 2019 with the formation of a working group committee to explore opportunities that align with HSBRIS’ mission of connecting more youth to nature and to build capacity toward our objectives, as well as CapU’s Envisioning 2030 and Illuminating 2030. This evolved into a Memorandum of Understanding between our two organizations. In June, 2023, the lead of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative, Ruth Simons, was awarded the highest form of recognition granted by Capilano University through an honorary degree. This is given to acknowledge persons who are distinguished by their significant contributions and accomplishments and whose excellence will, through their association with Capilano University, bring honour to our name.
Together, the working group has created opportunities for faculty and students to work on projects that deepen their connection to the region and connect the youth to nature, real, local issues and community partners.
Read more about the projects below and contact us if you have ideas and opportunities for future projects.
Donors can support these student and faculty-led projects through donations to the Capilano University Foundation Cap. U/Howe Sound Biosphere Fund. Donations will directly support the purchase of equipment, field trips and teaching resources that benefit future generations of learners and the future of Howe Sound. Learn more here.
Current Fundraising Campaign:
You can support place-based learning in Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound by helping us raise $2,500 toward transportation costs for Dr. Tom Flower’s Biology students from Capilano University to conduct monitoring in the Squamish area. The monitoring contributes to important biodiversity data gathering supporting our Wildlife Connectivity Project. Dr. Flower's project will use trail cameras and remote sound recorders to explore what mammals, birds and bats are present, what habitat they prefer and which areas they use as corridors to move between patches. Maintaining such connections between habitat areas is essential to maintaining healthy population genetics and demographics.
