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About Blue Futures Pathways
Making Waves in the Sustainable Blue Economy
Blue Futures Pathways, an initiative of the SOI Foundation, is a bilingual program that connects young people aged 15-35 with education, employment and funding opportunities that inspire and support them in exploring successful careers in the emerging Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE).
In line with SOI’s mandate, Blue Futures Pathways places particular emphasis on under-represented and Indigenous young people, and activities that support those in remote and rural areas. Blue Futures Pathways also offers partner organizations a platform to communicate opportunities, as well as support to employers and educators wishing to engage and retain young people along their pathways.
As an endorsed action of the United Nations Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, Blue Futures Pathways supports career development for youth and young people, with the view to contributing towards the conservation and management of at least 30% of the world’s lands, inland waters, coastal areas and oceans by 2030, as well as multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Journey
Phase I (2019-2020)
Landscape Analysis to determine and understand the needs of youth, young people and employers in the Sustainable Blue Economy
Phase II (2020-2023)
Launch of Blue Futures Pathways
Phase III (2023-Present)
Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, expansion of international partnerships and growth and development of core programming
Our Commitment
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Blue Futures Pathways (BFP) is deeply committed to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) across all facets of its program. From the hiring of staff to program development and partnerships, we prioritize meeting the needs of youth, educators, and employers in diverse communities. Our EDI strategy encompasses a core project team and regional coordinators that reflect gender, linguistic, cultural, and demographic diversity. We place special emphasis on engaging diverse youth and young people, offering flexible internships, mentorship, and partnerships while integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Western Science in our programming and resources.
We emphasize targeted outreach to Northern communities, share stories from diverse backgrounds, and offer resources in multiple languages. Collaborations with EDI partners further enrich our commitment to inclusivity. Through training and workshops, we empower individuals with differing world views, supporting multiple initiatives for Indigenous youth. BFP’s dedication to EDI extends organization-wide, ensuring staff undergo regular training on Indigenous cultures, EDI, and decolonization, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
Meet the BFP Team
Blue Futures Pathways is led by a committed and diverse team who are passionate about creating programs and experiences in support of youth across Canada. Together, we connect youth to the knowledge, opportunities and support they need to make a difference in the Sustainable Blue Economy.