Island Region
Regional Rise Up! Spotlight: Island
These lands are home to the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish Peoples who have stewarded these lands from time immemorial.
Welcome to the Island Region!
My name is Benjamin Ziakin and I am the Island Regional Lead for the Rise Up! program. The Island Region includes Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and the Central Coast. These lands are home to the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish Peoples who have stewarded these lands from time immemorial.
During my first year with Rise Up! I am focusing my attention on Coast Salish Territory including what are now known as Nanaimo, Duncan, Victoria, and Saanich. In this area, I am excited to be connecting youth with opportunities to contribute to regenerative agriculture, food access and distribution, and ecological restoration.
I am looking forward to opportunities to expand the program to serve all of the Island region over the coming year.
A Bit About Me – Your Island Regional Lead
Benjamin Ziakin
I currently live and work in what is now known as Cedar, BC in Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus territory. Over the last 18 years, I have worked in mental health outreach and horticulture professions across southern Vancouver Island.
Sauerkraut and sourdough are my most recent passions and I love growing and sharing food across cultures. Being a part of Rise Up! is an honour and I cherish the opportunity to support young people of all backgrounds in connecting with food, land, water, and their communities.
The integration of purpose and place are at the core of my work and I look forward to getting my hands in the soil and cultivating relationships.
Meet Our Island Region Host Organizations
Cow-Op (Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace)
Cowichan Valley
Based in Q’uwutsun traditional territory, Cow-Op is an online farmers market dedicated to providing market access for small-scale farmers and distributing healthy, locally harvested foods across the central island.
Products include organic vegetables and fruits, local seafood, ethically grown meats, and many more. Their current warehouse is based at the historic Providence Farm.
As they continue to grow their capacity and prepare to move into a new, larger warehouse, Cow-Op is building economic opportunities for a diverse array of food producers in the Cowichan Valley and beyond.
Youth volunteers will gain experience and knowledge in food access, distribution, community-based marketing, and ethical business practices to support local entrepreneurs.
Growing Opportunities Farm Community Cooperative
Nanaimo
Growing Opportunities (GO) has been a critical part of the central island food security movement for more than 15 years.
From their current home at the historic Westwood Farm in Snuneymuxw territory, they continue to be a hub of mentorship and innovation for many aspiring farmers and community members seeking connection to their food.
Inclusion and education are central to the work at GO and they provide rich mentorship opportunities to people from all walks of life.
This year, GO has big plans to build up their compost and soil-building activities and look forward to hosting a Rise Up! youth in supporting this important innovation to improving their regenerative practices.
Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture
North Saanich
On 83 acres of land in North Saanich on the traditional territory of the W̱S͸ḴEM First Nation, Sandown Centre creates opportunities in regenerative agriculture for folks of all ages with a focus on education and empowerment.
With their programs, which include an incubator farm program, a community garden, and activities for youth and adults alike, they continue to expand their impact on food security and support the next generation of farmers.
Here, innovative new practices and traditional knowledge come together to create a rich learning environment and unique opportunities to practice sustainable farming, traditional foodways, plant medicine, seed saving, and restoration.
Other Organizations
Some of the other organizations we are excited and grateful to be partnering with include:
Ready to Get Involved?
Want to learn more about Rise Up!? Fill out our contact form below to connect with our Island Regional Lead. The Regional leads can walk you through next steps and work closely with you to shape volunteer opportunities that align with your organizational goals and values.
