Justin Langan
Justin Langan is a 25-year-old Indigenous advocate from the rural town of Swan River, MB. Since he was 15, he’s been a leader for Indigenous youth. He sits on many local, provincial, and national committees. Some of his achievements include the 2021 Métis Youth Indspire Award, the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, the Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25, the National Champion of Mental Health for Youth, and more. He’s in his fourth year of majoring in political studies at the University of Manitoba. After graduation, he will attend law school to study Human Rights Law. He intends to become a lawyer and a politician, advocating for Canadians' rights internationally.
O'Kanata Eco-Literacy Project
The O'KANATA Eco-Literacy Project aims to empower Indigenous youth to lead initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve net-zero literacy in their communities. This project will combine practical, hands-on activities with educational workshops to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
https://www.okanata.org/About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
Collaborate with local contractors to install solar panels on selected community centers and schools. Monitor and maintain solar panel systems to ensure optimal performance. Create community green spaces incorporating Indigenous plant species and traditional ecological knowledge. Conduct workshops on climate science, renewable energy, and sustainable living practices.
Project Impact
The O'KANATA Eco-Literacy Project aims to address these challenges by providing Indigenous youth with the education, skills, and opportunities they need to become leaders in climate action. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing climate literacy, and fostering community engagement, the project will create lasting benefits for both the youth and the broader community. This holistic approach ensures that the project not only addresses immediate environmental and economic needs but also supports cultural preservation and empowerment for future generations.
Project Mission
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate literacy within Indigenous communities through youth-led initiatives that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainable practices.
Project Team
Our team consists of Indigenous Youth Leaders
- Justin Langan (Project Lead)
- Role: Executive Director and Project Coordinator
- Responsibilities: Oversee the entire project, ensure goals and timelines are met, coordinate with stakeholders, manage the budget, and lead educational workshops and community engagement activities.
- Caleb Dupras (Technical Lead)
- Role: Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance Expert
- Responsibilities: Lead the installation and maintenance of solar panels, provide technical expertise, train youth participants in renewable energy technologies, and ensure all technical aspects of the project are executed smoothly.
- Daniel Terletsky (Educational Coordinator)
- Role: Workshop Facilitator and Curriculum Developer
- Responsibilities: Develop and facilitate educational workshops on climate science, renewable energy, and sustainable living practices, create engaging and interactive learning materials, and assess the educational impact of the workshops.
- Caitlin Fedoriw (Community Engagement Officer)
- Role: Community Outreach and Event Organizer
- Responsibilities: Organize community events and youth-led campaigns, promote the project within the community, engage local organizations and volunteers, and ensure strong community participation and support for the project.
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