MONTRÉAL
Land Acknowledgment
We would like to acknowledge that our organization is located on unceded Indigenous lands, where we are uninvited settlers. The island of so-called Montréal was originally named Tiohtià:ke, by the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation are recognized as the original custodians of the lands and waters on which we plan to gather. We offer recognition and support of all Indigenous people and nations who have and continue to call these lands and waters their homes. Land back!
Our Mission
SYC, Montréal is in a period of growth. We are excited to work with dedicated youth around Montréal to plan environmental initiatives and conferences motivating youth to take action in making Montreal a greener city. Stay tuned for more updates on SYC Montréal.
Project Pheonix
SYC and Trash Talk are assessing and restoring Angell Woods, a 210-acre green space in Beaconsfield, QC, historically used as an informal dumping ground. Since 2021, we've organized cleanups, removing 18,140 pounds of trash, developed a protocol for waste categorization, and collected data on soil contamination. We're now working with stakeholders, including the Cities of Montréal and Beaconsfield, to turn our findings into policy. Our long-term goal is to preserve and restore the biodiversity of Angell Woods in collaboration with the community.
Meet the Team
Regional Directors
Nico Serreqi,
Regional Co-Director
Nico Serreqi is a student in Environmental Science and Biology at McGill University. She previously held the position of Media Chair for three years and worked to use film as a medium to illustrate climate change in a way that will engage the general public to take action. As a scientist, she has participated in field research related to cetacean biodiversity and population health in the Mediterranean. Throughout her studies she has worked part time in the health care system as an assistant pharmacist and currently as an administrative agent. Her diversity of experiences has permitted her to understand the deep rooted connections climate change has to all other domains such as health, justice and education. As Regional Director she hopes to lead her team to safeguard the environment to help spread the message of sustainability and make our future greener.
Supervisory Team
Lise Fernandez,
Finance Coordinator
Lise’s interest for sustainability and eco-consciousness started early on, being instilled into her core values by her family’s practices and ethics. It thus seemed logic to go on and focus her own time towards these issues as they have become more and more prevalent. With a B.Sc. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (majoring in Environment and minoring in Economics) from McGill University, Lise is deeply motivated to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future. Currently pursuing a master’s in management and Sustainable Development, she is passionate about addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable economic systems while focusing on their intersectionality to find creative and innovative solutions. Growing up with a strong appreciation for environmental stewardship, Lise believes in the power of youth-driven initiatives to create meaningful change. By participating in Sustainable Youth Canada, she hopes to collaborate with like-minded individuals, support innovative projects, and drive collective action both with and within her community.
Action Team
Allie Wang,
Outreach Coordinator
Allie Wang is studying nutrition at McGill university, she is also a sprint kayak athlete who spends most of her days training outdoors. Her love for nature and for beautiful landscapes carries over into a drive for environmental protection and sustainability. Allie’s passion for the environment and for social justice first arose during her 5 years in high school where she participated in a program that encourages students to fight social inequities and engage themselves in environmental issues. In fact, Allie concluded her high school with a 3-week trip in Cambodia where she offered help in a local orphanage and filmed a short documentary on the development of fair trade organizations in Phnom Penh. From then on, she realized that she had the power to offer solutions, big or small, and bring changes to the various social and environmental issues she cares about.
Communication Team
Rain Cakir,
Communications Coordinator
Rain graduated from McGill University’s Macdonald Campus with a B.Sc. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, holding a major in Environment (Water Environments and Ecosystems) and a minor in Geography. Growing up near the Mediterranean coast and witnessing environmental damage first-hand, she is especially passionate about protecting aquatic and coastal ecosystems, marine conservation and urban sustainability. After participating in research projects about local environmental issues, she believes that people care deeply about their nature and communities, and possess the power to make the necessary changes with adequate resources and education. With SYC, Rain hopes to raise awareness in climate problems, and promote collective action towards sustainable methods, social, and environmental justice.
If you have any questions about this region, please don't hesitate to contact the regional directors at montreal@sustainableyouthcanada.com