Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1477966
17 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 I magine a diverse group of superheroines and superheroes protecting the Earth and saving Canada from the villains who keep everyday people from enjoying the outdoors. You might think of capes and costumes with elaborate super powers, but that's not what Chúk Odenigbo had in mind. In "Les Force de la Nature" (The Forces of Nature), his illustrated book for young adults, Chúk tells the story of 13 superheroines and superheroes of different ethnic backgrounds who source their powers from the natural world around them. According to Chúk, "They engage in lesser-known but worthwhile activities, such as collecting garbage on beaches or those more "relaxing" and accessible activities that are the simple fact of admiring the Milky Way or visiting an aquarium." Inspired by his earlier work with a team of citizen ecologists put together by the Canadian Parks Council, Chúk decided to deepen his work in strengthening the link between youth and the environment through this storybook project. He worked with a team of young Canadians from across the country to create the book, including Andie Lafrentz, Sara Qarizada, Samantha Matters, Vickie Arsenault, Zico He, and Gabriel Tougas. "Our book aims not only to show the diversity of thoughts, personalities, and approaches of practices in the natural environment but also to show that all are equal," says Chúk. "There is no single one or one that would be more valuable than the others." Since working on this project, Chúk has discovered that there is a huge gap in the studies of the impacts of nature on health. This sparked his curiosity and pushed him to go back to school to continue his studies as a way to contribute to this lack of knowledge. He is now a PhD student in Medical Geography at the Laboratory for Health and Environmental Analysis, while also serving as the founding director of Future Ancestors Services, a Canadian start-up offering community services to shape the just and sustainable futures our next generations will inherit. As Chúk so powerfully reminds us, "We need to rethink our understanding of nature and how to act to save it." Superheroines and Superheroes Bringing Us Closer to Nature Chúk Odenigbo There is no single one or one that would be more valuable than the others. A special thank you to Ocean Wise for sharing the #RisingYouth grant opportunity with Chúk to make this project possible. The recording of Chúk's event as if you were there!