The BC Métis Federation’s Conservation Department recently visited Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo as part of its Plastics Action Fund project, delivered in partnership with Alacrity Canada.

The visit included a tour of the Gathering Place and an opportunity to meet with the President of the Vancouver Island University Indigenous Club. Shq’apthut provides a welcoming space for Indigenous students to connect, access support, participate in cultural activities, and engage with community.

As one of the recipients of BCMF Conservation’s Plastics Action Fund project, Shq’apthut received reusable dinnerware products from Fable to help reduce reliance on single-use plastics and support more sustainable practices.

It was a meaningful visit, and a good reminder of the community connections made possible through the Plastics Action Fund.

BCMF is proud of the work carried out by Angel Fisher, Director of Conservation, and Zia Yazdani, Conservation Manager. Their approach to conservation begins with people — showing up in person, building relationships, and making sure the work reaches the spaces where community already gathers.

Supporting one another and finding more sustainable ways of living are not separate goals. Every gathering held without single-use plastics is a small act of care for the land, the water, and the generations who will inherit them. BCMF looks forward to continuing this work alongside partners and communities across British Columbia.