KCP is pleased to welcome Rikki Christie to the team as Program Assistant. She looks forward to connecting with partner organizations across the Kootenays, to learn more about the region’s diverse conservation initiatives. Rikki is especially excited to collaborate with others who share her passion for the outdoors and conservation.
Rikki grew up in the Kawartha Lakes area of southern Ontario, spending her childhood outdoors climbing trees, swimming, building forts, catching fish, and riding bikes. During a first-year Environmental Resource Studies course at Trent University, she was deeply inspired by her professor, which led her to complete a degree in the field, and later, a graduate program in Outdoor Education through the University of Calgary.
After her undergrad degree, Rikki moved across the country to Grande Prairie, Alberta, where she began working as a program coordinator in the nonprofit sector.
“I learned a lot about how non-profits operate, including funding and grant administration. I did all the event planning and volunteer management for the organization; it was a great experience. I really appreciated being able to wear so many different hats in that position.”
Rikki eventually moved on to work for the municipal government as the Recreation Program Coordinator, where she saw the need for more outdoor connection and outdoor recreation in the communities that she worked in.
“I went to the Council and proposed that the County start its own outdoor recreation programs. I felt that outdoor recreation and nature connection were largely missing in the area. I am really proud that I got the ball rolling on that program, and I hope it is continuing.”
She planned and delivered snowshoe programs, kids learn to fish programs, and an annual Parks and Recreation Day.
While living and working in Grande Prairie, Rikki and her partner were frequently travelling to the mountainous areas near Grande Cache and Tumbler Ridge in their free time. They both knew they wanted to move somewhere with easier access to outdoor recreation opportunities, and one summer they decided to take a vacation to explore potential places to live in B.C. Fernie was initially intended to be a short stop for them.
“We love to be outside. We trail run, hike, mountain bike, snowboard, cross-country ski, snowshoe, camp, a bit of everything. We chose to move to Fernie after we came here on vacation and saw the trail map. We were completely blown away that people could walk out their front door and go hiking.”
She is very grateful to be living in Fernie, where the outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. Her appreciation for her chosen community has grown even more now that she is a mom.
“We are so glad to be able to raise our son with lots of time outdoors and in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and we all look out for each other’s kids. We want to be able to let our son free range a bit, go to forest school, and ride his mountain bike.”
Rikki worked for the City of Fernie as a Parks, Facilities and Recreation Coordinator, after she worked several part-time jobs including a season as a hiking guide at the Fernie Ski Hill, where she was mentored by a local elder.
“It seemed to me that Bob knew everything about nature. He could name any bird, plant, or animal species, and taught me naturalist skills. When I took groups out for guided hikes, I saw the positive impact that being outside had on kids and families.”
This experience led to working for a local Forest School, which Rikki continued for several years. She considers this to be her most meaningful job to date.
“It is so heart-warming to be outside all day with kids exploring nature. You see how much they grow and connect with their favourite places in that program.”
In her new role with Kootenay Conservation Program, Rikki wants to be able to apply her conservation education and experience in a more intentional way.
“I am excited to bring my experience and my own flavour to the work of KCP.”
Rikki will be supporting the KCP Team and partnership’s many stewardship and conservation initiatives in the region.
