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Experiencing the Sustainable Blue Economy
Blue Futures Pathways Expeditions
With Canada’s rapidly changing climate, the opportunities for young professionals to engage in the Sustainable Blue Economy only grows. At the intersection of environmental conservation, economic growth, and climate change resilience, the Sustainable Blue Economy holds immense potential for positive impact.
Expanding on SOI Foundation’s world-renowned ocean and polar expeditions, BFP is proud to offer Sustainable Blue Economy Expeditions. Through hands-on opportunities, immersive learning experiences and connecting with leaders in local Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, young people not only gain a profound understanding of our planet’s interconnected ecosystems but also the tools to build impactful careers.
August 3-19, 2024
2024 Blue Futures Pathways Expedition: Iqaluit to St. John's
In August 2024, the Blue Futures Pathways expedition united young people (aged 18-35) from across Canada with Indigenous knowledge-holders, scientists, industry professionals and artists for a hands-on journey exploring various career pathways within the Sustainable Blue Economy.
Sailing from Iqaluit, Nunavut to St. John’s, Newfoundland, the expedition demonstrated how Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Western approaches can collaborate harmoniously to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and explore Canada’s international role within the Sustainable Blue Economy.
Over the two-week expedition, participants focused on relevant skills and technologies in the industry and developed a stronger understanding of Indigenous-led marine stewardship, science, biodiversity, climate change and the arts. In collaboration with our partners, participants from coast-to-coast-to-coast received on-the-water learning experiences that empowered them to explore and envision their role in the Sustainable Blue Economy.
July 29 - August 10, 2023
2023 Blue Futures Pathways Expedition: Nunatsiavut to Newfoundland
In August 2023, the Blue Futures Pathways expedition convened 21 young people alongside 25 industry experts, educators, and support staff for a transformative journey across Newfoundland and Nunatsiavut. Embarking from Happy Valley-Goose Bay aboard the Polar Prince, this immersive experience provided participants with hands-on exposure to the multifaceted sectors of the Sustainable Blue Economy. The expedition also merged both Indigenous and Western knowledge through a Two-Eyed seeing approach. Along the way, meaningful connections were produced during community visits, fostering lifelong relationships and expanding horizons.
December 3 - December 22, 2022
2022 Antarctica
In December 2022, SOI Foundation sent a Youth Delegation to the Antarctic to explore pressing issues of conservation, climate change, bipolar linkages, and Canada’s role (past, present and future) in Antarctica. The delegation was engaged in workshops, meetings, and hands-on experiences that built a better understanding of why this southernmost continent is a window to the world, a symbol of peace, understanding and conservation, and a cornerstone of the global ecosystem.
This educational journey underscored the imperative of incorporating the cryosphere—the frozen regions of the Earth—within the framework of the Sustainable Blue Economy. This critical insight is now an integral part of the programming offered through Blue Futures Pathways, reinforcing the program’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of environmentally-conscious leaders poised to tackle the challenges of our time.
July 25 - August 11, 2022
2022 Blue Futures Pathways & National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition
In collaboration with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, a select group of youth embarked on an exhilarating Blue Futures Pathways Expedition aboard the Polar Prince. This exciting expedition presented a one-of-a-kind experiential platform for multiple disciplines within the Sustainable Blue Economy. It allowed the youth not only to engage in a Pristine Seas research mission but also to be a part of a documentary film production set against the stunning backdrop of Hudson Bay and James Bay.
The primary focus of this extraordinary expedition was to highlight the accomplishments of ongoing Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at establishing multiple marine conservation zones across the Canadian Arctic. The invaluable data collected during the expedition will play a pivotal role in the development of scientific papers, shedding light on the rich biodiversity and intricate ecosystems of James Bay and Hudson Bay. This collaboration represents the synergy between science, conservation, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and youth engagement, promising to drive positive change for these vital regions.