Black Creek Walks and Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre bring local youth on nature adventures across the GTA

BY: Ayesha Khan

Black Creek Walks and Jane Finch Centre bring local youth on nature adventures across the GTA

In 2022, the Black Creek Walks, Talks and Dances project partnered with the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre to provide free, accessible nature programming to youth and families living in Jane and Finch.

The two events were a part of the Black Creek Walks’ longer goal to help increase the local community’s use of and enmeshment in their natural environment, with a focus on cultural awareness and environmental sustainability.

The programming began with a series of three themed walks along the Black Creek, exploring historic and current food systems in the area, dance practices related to the river, and the Indigenous archeological history of local settlement. The walks were done in partnership with Myseum of Toronto as a part of the Intersections Festival, celebrating Toronto’s diverse communities.

Thanks to generous participation and funding provided by the federal government and the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, the programming was able to expand and take dozens of local youth on bus trips from Jane and Finch to areas across the GTA, including a canoe trip along the Humber River, as well as to the reconstructed longhouses at Crawford Lake, in the Halton Region Conservation Area.

Deluxson Yogarajah, Inclusive Parks and Rec Worker at the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, was instrumental in putting the events together. “The way I approach community work and grounding local youth in the environment is to provide accessible and empathic support by meeting my participants where they are at and being the change I want to see.” Deluxson tells us of his motivations. “This means finding appropriate and meaningful accommodation for the participants I serve in the community. By working with Jane and Finch Centre and the GreenChange department while being a resident living in the area for 24 years I am able to provide inclusive and free programming which consists of workshops, field trips, and community events for BIPOC residents in my hometown."

Co-Founder and tour leader Brian MacLean continues to focus on developing programming for the project. “Two people began with the simple idea of offering one free walking tour along Black Creek in the Jane-Finch neighbourhood and from that humble beginning, much has followed and continues to unfold.” Says Brian of the project’s history.

“Currently, we're collaborating with Toronto Nature Stewards and Black Creek Community Farm to develop a community-based stewardship group to learn about the trees and plans in Edgeley Park and Black Creek Parklands and learn how to care for these green spaces. And next year, we will be hosting with York University and York Woods Library a community conference with York University and York Woods Library that will be open to all who want to learn more about the Huron-Wendat people who lived here centuries ago, and help us renew our relationship with today's Huron-Wendat Nation and deepen our care for the land and water in our midst.”

The trip to Crawford Lake saw youth have a chance to explore the archaeological history of the Huron-Wendat, who at one point had a settlement in the Black Creek area. It provided the opportunity to tangibly illustrate the land acknowledgements and teachings children receive in school about Indigenous peoples of the area. Local tour guides Jim and Brad gave the youth tidbits of information about the area’s ecological and archaeological features.

The youth also had a chance to visit a multidisciplinary art exhibit on display in a longhouse, by Wyandot Tradition Keeper Catherine Tammaro. Fire Over Water focuses on Wendat/Wyandot women and their connections to Ancestors, the lands and waters. Children sat and received teachings from Catherine, as well as soaked in the rich artwork and heritage on display.

Afterwards, Jane/Finch youth also had a chance to explore Crawford Lake itself, a fascinating example of a meromictic lake with a lush boardwalk trail. Youth also took a trip to Kelso Beach where they were able to swim and discover walking trails in the vicinity, peppered with wildlife and scenic views.

Local mother of four, Zulith Rios, attended the walks with her children. “Things like this honestly are so great. If not, I wouldn't be able to afford going on a retreat with my kids.” Zulith spoke of the trip. “Having no car, having the ability to have transportation, not even having to use my snacks, I loved it. It was a blessing.”

When Brian and I co-founded the Black Creek Walks, Talks and Dances project, we envisioned ourselves leading a few immersive walking tours along the ravine in the Jane/Finch Corridor. Our humble idea snowballed into a massive, years-long project beyond what we could have imagined. Marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing natural spaces, but we believe nature should be for everyone. We look forward to continuing to expand this programming, celebrating the stunning natural and cultural diversity in Jane and Finch.