The occasion introduced collectively a shared celebration of management, volunteerism, and collaboration in defending nature. The outgoing Chair of the Board, Sabine Dietz referred to as the assembly to order. Sabine was acknowledged and thanked for her years of service as she completed her time period on the Board of Administrators on the completion of the assembly.
The Govt Director, Emily McMillan up to date the members in attendance in particular person and shared key successes of the previous yr, achieved collectively due to our members’ belief and type help. You’ll be able to learn extra about this in our Member replace. The Treasurer of the Board, David Coffey spoke in regards to the good monetary well being of the group and the members handed the audited monetary statements. Members additionally voted on the slate of individuals nominated or standing for one more time period to the Nature Canada’s Board of Administrators. The recording of the Annual Common Assembly shall be up to date to the web site later this week.
Nature Canada Board Members and Govt Director. From left to proper: Lillian Trapper, Aviva Patel, Renata Woodward, Hamsha Pathmanathan, David Coffey, Jamie Simpson, Emily McMillan, Sonia Theroux, Liette Vasseur, Logan McIntosh, Sabine Dietz.
In the course of the AGM, we introduced three nationwide awards honouring distinctive contributions to conservation and environmental motion.
The Charles Labatiuk Youth for Nature Award was introduced to Ella Yan of Burnaby, British Columbia, for participating tons of of scholars in hands-on conservation by sustainability campaigns, plastic discount initiatives, and shoreline cleanups. Her work with the Ocean Smart Mountains to Oceans Program displays her deep dedication to inspiring the following era of environmental leaders.
The Associate in Conservation Award was introduced to NatureKids BC for 25 years of inspiring kids and households to discover, study, and take motion for nature. A real chief in inclusive, community-based conservation, NatureKids BC makes the outside accessible to all—providing free memberships, partnering with newcomer and social service businesses, and empowering volunteers to nurture curiosity and take care of Nature. Rebecca Legislation, Govt Director, accepted the award on behalf of the group.
Rebecca Legislation from NatureKidsBC accepting the Associate in Conservation 2025 Award. From left to proper: Jason Barron, Rebecca Legislation, and Emily McMillan.
The Jodi Pleasure Volunteer for Nature Award was introduced to 2 extraordinary volunteers, Kiyoshi Takahashi and Soren Bondrup-Nielsen, whose lifelong dedication to conservation has impressed communities throughout Canada. Primarily based in British Columbia, Kiyoshi has spent many years defending bats and Purple Martins, creating and sustaining nest websites, conducting surveys, and sharing his ardour for wildlife by writing and neighborhood outreach. In Nova Scotia, Soren has impressed generations as a instructor, creator, and conservation advocate, main nature walks, mentoring college students, and championing stronger protections for endangered species. Each embody the spirit of volunteerism that lies on the coronary heart of Nature Canada’s mission.
“These exceptional award recipients present us the ability of management, dedication, and fervour for nature,” stated Emily McMillan, Govt Director of Nature Canada. “From inspiring youth to volunteering tirelessly and constructing sturdy neighborhood partnerships, they remind us that people and teams throughout Canada could make an actual distinction for the pure world.”
Thanks to everybody who offered their voting proxy or attended and voted at this yr’s AGM. The recording of this yr’s assembly shall be uploaded to our web site within the coming days for these members who weren’t capable of attend in particular person or be a part of the Zoom name.