Coast Salish Youth Coalition Honored with 2023 Forward Award for Environmental Excellence
Pictured: Marco Hatch (Samish Tribal Member & CYSC Advisory Coalition Member) and Matt Axling (The Nature Conservancy & CSYC partner) accept the 2023 Forward Award at the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition Fall Celebration.
Pictured: Marco Hatch, Samish Tribal Member & CYSC Advisory Coalition Member, accepts the 2023 Forward Award.
Seattle, WA - On October 11th, The Coast Salish Youth Coalition (CSYC), also known as the Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps, was honored with the 2023 Forward Award by the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition (WWRC). This recognition comes in light of the vital contributions made by the CSYC as they wrap up another successful year of community programming. The award was presented at WWRC’s Fall Celebration held at Stoup Brewery in Seattle on Wednesday, October 11, against the ancestral lands of the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Suquamish and other Coast Salish people.
The Fall Celebration, hosted by the WWRC, was a gathering of 200 passionate outdoors lovers from all corners of Washington. Against the backdrop of Stoup Brewery, attendees were treated to a memorable evening filled with camaraderie, reflections on environmental achievements, and a shared commitment to the preservation of the state's natural beauty. The event not only celebrated the CSYC, but also acknowledged the vital work being carried out by the Hunters of Color and Climbers of Color. The CSYC feels honored to be acknowledged next to such change-making organizations.
The 2023 Forward Award reflects the CSYC's dedication to environmental stewardship and youth empowerment. The CSYC was nominated by our committed and generous partners at The Nature Conservancy. Thank you, Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition and The Nature Conservancy for the wonderful night and recognition of our work!
Pictured: Matt Axling, The Nature Conservancy, discusses why TNC nominated the Coast Salish Youth Coalition for the nomination.
What is the Coast Salish Youth Coaltion?
The Coast Salish Youth Coalition (CSYC), also known as the Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps, was founded in 2017 and serves inter-tribal indigenous youth ages 14+ from Coast Salish Tribes who have ancestral ties with the San Juan Islands. This program organizes inter-generational cultural events while pairing education with environmental stewardship and providing employment opportunities. This program is coordinated by a 100% Indigenous inter-tribal board and is fiscally sponsored by The Madrona Institute. Learn more on our page.
What is the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition?
The Coalition is a nonprofit organization that leverages the voices of a large and diverse group of allied interests working together to obtain public funding for new local and state parks, wildlife habitat, and preservation of working farm and forest lands. Their mission is to create a greener, healthier, more equitable, and better Washington for all through community outreach, network building, and advocacy for conservation and outdoor recreation funding. Learn more on their website.
