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
Allie Wang,
Regional Co-Director
Allie Wang is studying medicine at Universite de Montreal, and 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.
Action Team
Andrea Solymoss,
Initiatives Coordinator
Andrea Solymoss is a student at McGill University working towards a bachelor’s degree in environmental science in the domain of biodiversity and conservation. After taking an environmental ethics course at Marianopolis College while completing a DEC in Health Sciences, Andrea decided to orient her studies in science towards the processes involved in the creation and maintenance of biodiversity. She especially enjoys studying botany and marine ecosystems. As someone who has lived in Montreal her whole life, Andrea is dedicated to getting involved in local projects that can better her city on an environmental standpoint. Passionate about the issue of food security, she has been volunteering at a food bank dedicated to supporting members of the Peter-McGill community. She is looking to build a career in the non-profit sector and is grateful to be a part of the SYC Steering Committee in Montreal as it allows her to encourage youths to participate in sustainable projects and initiatives.
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.