Meet Youth Activist and Author, Josie Camilleri

At age 17, Josie Camilleri is a new and emerging local author, alongside eight other passionate high school students on the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance’s Youth Water Council whose deep desire to make a difference led to publishing a comic book entitled, “River Time Vortex Extravaganza!”

The project was selected after months of discovery, deliberation and project planning to work towards the improvement of environmental health in the North Saskatchewan River watershed. The book follows two siblings camping near the North Saskatchewan River who are taken on a journey back in time to discover the importance of watershed health and respecting our rivers.

Dive into the story and join them as they make friends and gain a new perspective on the waters that give them life in River Time Vortex Extravaganza! Check out a free copy online and support these local creatives or keep an eye out in Parkland County libraries, where the book may pop up as part of the brand new “Water Quality” library kit (more on page 17).

Here’s an excerpt from the book: “Water is sacred. Water is what connects us to the world around us. Just as we take from the river, we give something back in return to ensure there is enough for future generations.” Poignant and educational. This innovative Youth Water Council initiative aims to inspire readers to feel a greater connection to the watershed and environment.

The Youth Water Council works with the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance (NSWA), a non-profit that is one of 11 Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils in Alberta. Formed 20 years ago, the NSWA is the go-to hub for sharing ideas and teaming up on projects that impact this watershed. To learn more about NSWA, visit www.nswa.ab.ca.

If you or someone you know would like to join the 2024-2025 Youth Water Council, submit an application before
Oct. 6th. Click for full New Youth Water Council application details. 

Parkland County is a proud partner of the NSWA.