An 11-year-old Victoria boy has been recognized as one of Canada's top environmentalists under 25 by The Starfish Canada.
Rupert Yakelashek's largest environmental contributions are connected with the Blue Dot Movement, a program coordinated through the David Suzuki Foundation that focuses on the importance of healthy food, water and air for Canadians.
Since discovering that Canada is not included in the list of 110 countries that have recognized environmental rights, Yakelashek organized a rally called “Rupert's Rally for a Healthy Environment” in front of City Hall with the hope of convincing city councillors to vote in favour of a declaration recognizing the right to a healthy environment.
“Although he's not of age to vote yet, Rupert is an influential change-maker on Vancouver Island,” said Kyle Empringham, co-founder of The Starfish Canada. “He's connected with a cause that matters to him and has cultivated a community that's behind him.”
His mother Skye Ladell said the family is incredibly proud of his environmental advocacy and civic engagement.
The Starfish Canada is an organization that celebrates environmental solutions-based stories across the country, with a focus on youth-based initiatives.
Yakelashek will be recognized at The Starfish Canada's Youth in Action event at May 19 at Science World.
