I met Kyle Hicks while volunteering at the Vallican Sinixt Heritage Site, in support of the efforts of our region’s local Sinixt elder and matriarch Marilyn James. I heard her speak of him with appreciation, saying he always shows up to help.
I wanted to talk to him about how his volunteer work impacts his mental health, as a young person.
In December of 2025 he was awarded 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year by a West Kootenay environmental non-profit group and I wanted to congratulate him.
How did it feel to be acknowledged by the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society as the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year?
KH: It felt awesome, and was a big surprise! Invasive Species work is something that is easy for me to make time for and is super important to the ecosystems of the Kootenays and everywhere, plus it’s an easy way to give back in a positive way to Indigenous peoples. It’s the least I can do and every time I go out I’m excited to do that work.
What got you into volunteering? What motivates you to get out there and work for free? How old were you when you started?
KH: I was 13 when I realized I wanted to be a climate activist and started volunteering. The thing that really got me into volunteering has been listening to what Marilyn James has said about the environment and our responsibility to it.
My passion has always been focused on the environment/forests, and listening to someone who has witnessed so much go down on the landscape has definitely motivated me. Another huge thing is reading about the forests that used to exist here and seeing what exists here now, it’s a huge difference and I want to see a future where we still have an Inland Temperate Rainforest even though that doesn’t seem likely right now. I’m reminded of an elder who said “when we have done what we are supposed to do, we have only done our duty.” Knowing I’m supporting positive actions no matter how small gives me motivation to do more.
What kind of volunteer work have you done?
KH: One of the earliest volunteer things I did was helping with the Forest Path School in Nelson. That experience opened my eyes. I got to meet several Fairy Creek Veterans and people who had done a lot of activism/volunteering. I’ve also had the privilege of doing a number of invasive species removal projects with CKISS as well as on my own: removing Common Tansy in Blewett, Hawkweed in Krestova area, St John’s Wort at Pulpit Rock, Scotch Broom in numerous locations around Kootenay Lake, etc.
Another thing is shoreline cleanup, especially of styrofoam from abandoned docks. I’m excited for more experiences this year as I’ve started to do some work with Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society.
Do you notice any impact on your mental health when you volunteer?
KH: Absolutely! Getting to connect with likeminded individuals with a passion to help create a better environment makes me excited. I always feel more positive after doing that work. It’s creating a healthier environment for humans and animals too!
Have you noticed or heard conversations about mental health or mental illness while volunteering?
KH: I’ve definitely heard about mental health while volunteering and the positive benefit it has on the people involved! I’ve also heard the negative side of people who have done it and seen how far down the drain the environment is in some ways. {Seeing that} can cause eco-grief, and burnout. Especially as a younger person I dealt with that. Again listening to Marilyn James’ knowledge on grief has encouraged me. Personally I’m not too hard on myself, I make it my personal priority. Thinking about the animals who will enjoy the area that is rehabilitated is enough to keep me going!
How would you say that your volunteering has connected you to community in ways that have surprised you?
KH: I have made countless connections to people who I dreamed of meeting when I was younger, like Marilyn James, Greta Thunberg and David Suzuki, as well as many indigenous/settler folk.
What would you want younger people to know about what it’s like to take action on a cause you care about?
KH: I think it’s super important, and a huge way to support climate action and a more sustainable future. It’s boots on the ground work and while being a keyboard warrior is great, it’s good to get out there and see the land up close. If you’re feeling a pull to do it, try it! You won’t regret it. You’ll get people who try to put down the work on the way but pay them no mind.
For more information about CKISS, see Who are we? – CKISS – Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
To learn more about Marilyn James, Meet Marilyn James, a warrior and matriarch for the Sinixt Salish Peoples | Canada’s National Observer: Climate News
For more information about David Suzuki, see David Suzuki Facts for Kids and Dr. David Suzuki · Kickass Canadians
To learn more about Greta Thurnberg, Greta Thunberg facts – Climate | National Geographic Kids