The Rivershed Society of British Columbia formed in the wake of Fin
Donnelly’s Swim for Life down B.C.’s longest river, the Fraser,
in 1995. After this 1370 km month-long event, there was a demand for
Fin to speak in British Columbia schools and communities. Requests for
his slide show presentation evolved into the Rivershed Education Program
and eventually the Society.
Since its inception in 1996, the RSBC has earned the respect of many
Fraser River Basin organizations – including stewardship groups,
schools, First Nations, and local and senior government agencies –
by delivering quality public education programs, community initiatives,
and by building stewardship capacity in the Fraser River Basin.
The RSBC is a non-profit charitable organization with an honourary
board of 11 distinguished leaders, 12 directors, five committees, a
small staff, and many volunteers, members and supporters. The RSBC works
with dozens of organizations throughout the Fraser River Basin and British
Columbia.
Fin Donnelly
Founder
In 1996, Fin founded the Rivershed Society of British Columbia. In 1997, the Squamish Nation honoured Fin with the name, Iyim Yewyews, which means strong swimmer in the animal world or Blackfish - Killer Whale. Fin's passion for the environment stemmed from his University of Victoria philosophy studies and volunteer work. He has been an advocate of sustainable living for over twenty years. From 2002 to 2009, Fin served as a Coquitlam City Councillor. In November 2009, Fin was elected Member of Parliament for New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody. Fin lives in the Coquitlam Rivershed, with his wife Lynda.
From 1990-2000, Fin made 14 environmental marathon swims, covering more than 3,200 km in BC#39;s rivers, lakes and ocean. He has swum the 1,400 km length of the Fraser River twice, Quesnel Lake, Pitt Lake, Williams Lake, Raush River, Georgia Strait (four times) and Juan de Fuca Strait, drawing attention to issues threatening the health of these significant water bodies, and the need for increased stewardship. Since 1995, Fin has talked to over 65,000 people in hundreds of BC schools and communities.
Rivershed
Society of BC
97-100 Klahanie Drive, Port Moody, B.C., Canada V3H 5K3
604-808-1515
info@rivershed.com
www.rivershed.com
