The Aquatic Youth Retreat trip to Tofino was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, learning, and community building. Hosted by the Conservation Department of BC Métis Federation, the trip aimed to connect youth with nature and foster a deeper appreciation for our coastal and aquatic environments.

Participants were immersed in a variety of outdoor activities, including helicopter and airplane tours, whale and marine animal watching, and hiking on picturesque trails. These experiences not only provided a thrilling adventure but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards conserving our marine ecosystems.

One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity for participants to engage in team-building activities, such as preparing meals together and participating in fire chat exercises. These activities encouraged teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, while also fostering a sense of camaraderie among the group.

In addition to outdoor adventures, participants had the chance to visit the Ucluelet Aquarium and the Wildlife Recovery Center, where they learned about marine conservation efforts and the importance of protecting our wildlife.

Throughout the trip, participants also engaged in cultural exchanges and storytelling sessions, deepening their understanding of Indigenous culture and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge.

Overall, the Aquatic Youth Retreat trip to Tofino was a transformative experience for all involved. It not only provided unforgettable memories but also inspired a commitment to protecting our coastal environments for future generations.

Relive the adventure of the Aquatic Youth Retreat in Tofino with our recap of this unforgettable trip. From thrilling outdoor activities to cultural exchanges and marine conservation efforts, discover the highlights of this transformative experience.

Zia Yazdani is a proud and active Coastal Water Protector who resides in the Lower Mainland. His neighborhood is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the hən̓̓qəmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples.

Zia moved to British Columbia, a place which has made it possible for him to grow as an individual and to pursue his studies and goals. He began his journey in Vancouver by taking the law enforcement diploma program through the Justice Institute of British Columbia and various courses through other institutes and organizations.

As a person with a strong passion for wildlife and wilderness conservation, he joined BC Métis Federation and became an engaged member of the Coastal Water Protectors with BCMF, working on various tasks ranging from spill management development, ocean conservation, and aquatic habitat restoration planning.

Throughout his time in Beautiful British Columbia and while being employed as an emergency response senior dispatch officer and an active member of Coastal Water Protectors, he has completed extensive training and courses, such as; First Aid level one and two, WHMIS, Bear Safety Resources and Stay Safe in Bear Country, PAL and RPAL licenses, Incident Command System 100, Introduction to Emergency Management, and SCAT with Environment Canada.

Zia has a strong passion for animal conservation and will always stop to help an animal in distress, having rescued and fostered countless animals. When not at work Zia can be found participating in a wide range of outdoor activities. His hobbies include hiking, camping, and visiting new places in the province.

Zia has a strong passion for wildlife and wilderness conservation, working on various tasks ranging from spill management, ocean conservation, and aquatic habitat restoration planning.


Zia Yazdani

Angel Fisher was born and raised in the Saskatchewan prairies by her Métis parents. Growing up with a fluent Michif-speaking father with ties to Métis politics and a mother actively involved and engaged with Métis through her work with provincial Métis organizations, Angel grew up fully immersed in the cultural and political world of the Métis.

After moving to British Columbia as a teen, Angel discovered her passion for assisting and serving Métis people in the province and has been doing so for nearly twenty years. Her journey began at the age of 18; having just graduated from high school, Angel began working for Métis Nation British Columbia. Throughout her time employed there, she took on various roles providing service to Métis people in British Columbia, such as Administrative Assistant, Provincial Registry Clerk, Data Health Clerk, and Employment and Training Assistant. After the birth of her son, Valentino Ace, Angel began her journey with BC Métis Federation, with various roles such as Program Support, Provincial Membership Clerk, Canadian Coast Guard Coordinator, and a political role as a Board of Director. Angel is now the Director of Coastal Conservation and leads a team of over 20 environmentally passionate people with the Coastal Water Protector program. Her love and deep connection to the ocean fuel her journey with the various projects, programs, and initiatives under the umbrella of Coastal Conservation.

Like his mother, Angel's son is emotionally passionate and invested in conservation, and at only age nine, he spends much of his free time researching climate change and the environmental crisis our home is in. Valentino’s curiosity, persistence, and compassion for the world were the driving force behind the development of the department’s ‘Coastal Pups’ project for children aged 5-11.

When Angel is not at work, she can be found photographing nature or capturing portraits. Having been internationally recognized and published over five times for her creative portraiture, she finds comfort in freezing moments in time. A naturally creative free spirit, Angel can often be found with a paintbrush creating abstract mixed-media art, a pen jotting down poetry, or barefoot in sand at the beach or the mossy earth of a West Coast rainforest.

Angel is the project lead for the Coastal Water Protectors. Her love of nature and deep connection to the ocean fuel her conservation journey.

Aquatic Youth Retreat - Tofino

February 29 – March 3, 2024

Trip • Tofino, BC

Trip Recap:

Aquatic Youth Retreat - Tofino

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