Community Bursary Spotlight: Cain Tipton
Every year, PSF’s Stewardship Community Bursary program awards bursaries worth $2,500 each to support students in B.C. and the Yukon with a passion for salmon.
Eligible applicants must be residents of B.C. or the Yukon, show financial need, and be enrolled full-time in their second year or higher at a university/college in a program related to Pacific salmon. Preference will be given to those with volunteer or work experience with streamkeeper or stewardship groups, hatcheries, or in related fields.
Are you pursuing a career in salmon conservation and restoration? Apply online today! Applications will remain open until Oct. 30, 2024.
Cain Tipton, a volunteer streamkeeper and student at UBC Okanagan, is a 2023-2024 Stewardship Community Bursary recipient.
Read Cain’s Q&A below.
Why do Pacific salmon matter to you?
My emotional connection to them! Growing up, I loved walking along the Puntledge River in the Comox Valley during spawning season. I remember the ground covered in fallen maple leaves, the smell of salmon in the air, the screeching of seagulls and crows picking at the carcasses, and the river so full of salmon that some spots appeared red. These memories and the unique atmosphere salmon created are what make them matter to me.
What inspired you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability at UBC Okanagan?
Growing up, my parents often repeated the mantra, “Work without love is work not worth doing.” This message stuck with me, and when I started university in 2022, I knew that if I stayed true to my passion for the environment — especially water — I would find fulfillment and success in my studies.
Why did you volunteer in salmon restoration?
Volunteering with the Tsolum River Restoration Society was one of the most rewarding ways I could’ve spent a summer learning and working. What made my experience so enjoyable was the variety of tasks. One day, I’d be out in the field rescuing stranded fry and smolts from ponds affected by drought, and the next, I’d be educating people about the different species of toads and frogs in the Tsolum watershed.
What are your career goals and aspirations?
I plan to return to Vancouver Island, where I grew up, and pursue a career in ecohydrology – a field that examines how water and ecosystems affect each other. I believe working as an ecohydrologist will allow me to stay connected with the unique ecosystems of Vancouver Island while engaging with their related water systems, which I enjoy very much.
How has the PSF bursary supported you?
Thanks to the PSF bursary, I was able to afford an additional semester of education. It significantly eased my financial burden for the 2023-2024 academic year and reduced my financial stress. I am incredibly grateful to the PSF for their generous support.
Emerging salmon stewards are grappling with rising tuition costs and the increasing cost of living. Support the next generation of salmon leaders by donating online today.
