Blog Post: Meet Elias, Camp Programs Instructor

Hi there! My name is Elias (he/him) and I am an environmental and life sciences student at Trent University right now, in the process of wrapping up my Master’s degree. 

I grew up in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) and moved here about 5 years ago to attend university. I am second generation Turkish/Scottish settler in Canada, and have worked outdoors and on the land since I was about 17, including in forestry, agriculture, and field-based sustainability research. 

I have two dogs, Finch and Heron, and I continue to enjoy going out and enjoying nature with them! Some of the skills I’ve been able to learn over the years have been fleshing and tanning, botany, carving, and weaving. 

In my spare time at home, some less strenuous pastimes I enjoy are painting and knitting. I have a very in-depth knowledge system on animal behaviour and identification, with a specific love of birds that I’m always excited to share. I’ve worked at several summer camp positions over the years, and find that the vertical exchange of knowledge between generations is one of my favourite experiences to participate in. 

I think we have a lot tolearn from kids, and a lot to share with them in turn, and I specifically love seeing new interests and curiosities spark as they learn and explore. I’m excited to work with TRACKS specifically in the coming months as I believe one of our best paths forwards in light of the climate crisis and in our current social culture of consumerism is to foster authentic, meaningful relationships with the land and those who stewarded it before us. 

In centering Two-Eyed Seeing as our method of learning and sharing, we can work towards honouring those relationships and acknowledging that we are not working for or against, but rather with the places and peoples we live with.

I look forward to meeting you all and growing with you. 

Miigwech!