TIrath Dave (left) and Kim St. Pierre (right) are both Fraser Estuary Research Collaborative (FERC) scholars and are featured in Listening to the Estuary: Caring for Whales, Protecting from Floods.
Other Sights for Artists’ Projects and UBC Sustainability Scholar Viola Provost have launched Fraser Estuary Radio, a year-long weekly 24-hour broadcast on Currents and Waves to promote estuary preservation and mobilize public engagement through diverse, interdisciplinary content.
UBC Fraser Estuary Research Collective (FERC) Sustainability Scholar, Viola Provost, curated this program gaining professional development whilst Other Sights further developed their Currents and Waves Radio platform.
The Fraser Estuary Radio project addresses the community’s need for increased awareness and mobilization around the critical importance of the Fraser Estuary. It tackles challenges such as underreported estuary stories, the need for Indigenous-led stewardship, and interdisciplinary approaches to climate adaptation, ultimately aiming to galvanize public support and action for estuary preservation.
“This project was a great interdisciplinary model that was useful to integrate diverse communities and narratives of all the folks who engage, live and connect with the Fraser Estuary.”
– Sunshine Frere, General Manager, Other Sights for Artists’ Projects Association
Fraser Estuary Radio has facilitated a rich blend of activities including interviews, podcasts, panel discussions, and environmental recordings to promote estuary awareness and action. These efforts have advanced research, teaching, and learning by engaging UBC researchers, sustainability podcast creators, and community contributors, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and public engagement. The program launched on August 14, 2023, and held the Foreshore Immersive Sessional on August 26th, which featured discussions between contributors and the community, further deepening the project’s impact.
See below for project details and a Q&A with the project co-leads
Project Details
Project Title: Fraser Estuary Radio
Project co-leads:
- Sunshine Frere, General Manager, Other Sights for Artists’ Projects Association
- Viola Provost, Graduate Student, Faculty of Forestry
Project duration: May 1, 2023 to August 10, 2024
Learn more:
- Learn more about the Fraser Estuary Radio
- Listen to the Estuary
This project was supported by the Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) Fund
Q&A with Co-Leads Sunshine Frere and Viola Provost
Why is this project important and how is it supporting the goals of Fraser Estuary communities?
Sunshine: This project was a great interdisciplinary model that was useful to integrate diverse communities and narratives of all the folks who engage, live and connect with the Fraser Estuary. Through listening and learning, Indigenous knowledge and Stewardship examples were shared, as well as many perspectives from local communities and migrant communities. Other Sights was excited to expand its arts-based perspective into research and scientific frameworks and the scholar appreciated how the project merged two of her strong interests and career goals, working in scientific communication and the arts.
What strengths did each party bring to the project?
Sunshine: The Fraser Estuary Research Collective (FERC) Sustainability Scholar was organized, efficient and great at keeping on top of budgets, timelines and connecting with partners and participants. Other Sights provided oversight, advice and support to the scholar when needed. UBC FERC Sustainability Scholar program provided additional support through promotion and further collaboration in the talk series.
Viola: Other Sights was very helpful with all the technical aspects of creating and hosting a radio program. I learned a lot about recording, editing, and managing audio content. They were also very supportive and embraced the ideas I brought to the project.
During the project, what opportunities did participants have to teach, learn, or do research?
Sunshine: Viola was responsible for researching and curating the entire radio program, so she was very engaged with research and learning about the Estuary. Those who attended the talk, and who listened to the radio had opportunities to learn about the Estuary from community conservation perspectives, scientific research standpoints and arts engagement.
What was your favourite outcome or experience from the project?
Sunshine: The fact that the Radio Program lives on, it continues to broadcast and all the teachings and amazing content that was curated remains available for listening every Tuesday online.
Viola: I particularly enjoyed connecting with so many different people, including artists, scientists, indigenous people, and more. I learned so much from them and helped share their perspectives on the estuary. It was a deep dive into the myriads of connections to waterways and enriched the way I think about the estuary myself.
Can you share a few lessons you learned during your project?
Sunshine: It takes time to secure broadcasting permissions, so asking early is key if planning a project.
Viola: The most important takeaway from this project for me was the importance of planning and organization when collaborating with many others. Working with Other Sights was a great experience, as they were incredibly helpful in reaching out to the important stakeholders I wanted to involve in the radio program.
What is next for this project?
Sunshine: We are already in the process of another collaborative project with UBC FERC Sustainability Scholars that will take place in August 2024.