Igniting the Passion to Preserve
across Canada.
Learn how the Trebek Initiative is providing grants to storytellers, researchers, conservationists and educators.
© Liam McIlvenna
Bring us your big, bold audacious ideas!
The Trebek Initiative is now accepting applications for 2025 Grants with October 30, 2024 as the final day to apply.
The Trebek Initiative funding decisions will be announced in March 2025.
The National Geographic Society spring 2024 funding decisions will be announced in September 2024.
Kirsten Kennedy
TREBEK FEATURE PROJECT
Two-Eyed Seeing
Two-Eyed Seeing
Mapping the Geo-Cultural Landscape of Georgian Bay
2023 Trebek Grantee
Kirsten Kennedy
Great storytelling can change the world.
The future of Canada’s natural wonders relies on the actions we take today.
The Trebek Initiative believes your passion has the ability to make lasting,
positive changes to the health of our planet.
© Paul Zizka
What is the Trebek Initiative and who is it for?
We fund photographers, documentarians, educators, conservationists, innovators and researchers whose projects aim to preserve Canadian and Indigenous land, wildlife, water, culture and history. The types of projects we champion are: exploration of unique ecozones in Canada, scientific research on Canadian wildlife, wilderness or water, a photography exposition on unique Canadian geographies and communities, or new tools to create a better understanding of our environment.
© Geoff Coombs
Two iconic organizations.
One common goal.
Building on their individual legacies, and a shared history of excellence in storytelling, exploration and education, The National Geographic Society and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society have reinvigorated their long-standing collaborative efforts to create this initiative.
Trebek Stories
Hailing from coast to coast to coast, Trebek Grantees are sharing stories about their unique cultures and communities, and challenging the way we think and speak about Canadian and Indigenous identities; they’re delivering cutting edge scientific research; preserving the environment, wildlife and water systems through innovative technologies and inspiring a generation of youth to become change-makers.
© Andy Wright
Inspired by geography’s biggest champion, Alex Trebek.
The late, renowned host of Jeopardy! and philanthropist had a passion for geographic literacy and supported both The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (where he served as Honorary President until his passing) and the National Geographic Society. That’s why we’ve named this initiative after him.
“Geographic knowledge has never been more important than it is today, because the better we know each other, the better we can understand and accept each other. My love of geography has allowed me to be associated with two organizations I deeply admire for more than 25 years, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
and National Geographic Society. I am humbled that these two esteemed organizations will form the Alex Trebek Council to help support efforts to increase understanding of Canada’s many
geographic wonders.”
—Alex Trebek, RCGS Honorary President, May 2016-2020
© Colin Rowe
Support from coast to coast to coast.
The Trebek Council and Trebek Champions are composed of a small group of passionate Canadians who support our work, for which, we are incredible grateful.
Trebek Council
David and Alice Court (Chair, Trebek Council), Peter Aghar and Wendy Findlay, Kim and Farid Ahmad, Rob Ashe and Sandra Herrick, David Baar and Deidre Brink, John Berton and Kelley McKinnon, Edward Burtynsky, O.C., David and Clare Cheesewright, Andy Chisholm and Laurie Thomson, Paul Desmarais, Jr., O.C., O.Q, and Hélène Desmarais, C.M., O.Q., George and Doone Estey, Haig Farris, O.C., Anne Fitzgerald and Ian Tuck, Pam Isaak and Greg Kiessling, Michael Lay and Leagh Turner, Jim Leech, C.M., O.Ont., and Deborah Barrett, Sven-Olof and Kristin Lindblad, John and Jan MacIntyre, Rob and Margaret MacLellan, Biff and Sue Matthews, Susan McArthur and Jamie Reford, Raymond Muzyka, C.M., and Leona De Boer, Chris and Stephanie Nelson, Steve and Joanne Quinn, Serge and Shannon Rancourt, Mike Robbins and Cecilia Spihlmann, André Rochette and Melanie Fortier, Martha Smart, Stephen Smith and Diane Blake, Frank and Debbi Sobey, Wendy Southall, Jeff Willner and Stacey Madge.
Trebek Champions
Rona Ambrose, Deborah Apps, Zita Cobb, C.M., Rick Chad, Aiden Cyr, Ed Doherty, M.D., Brian Gallant, Q.C., Bob Ramsay, Michael Schmidt, Bernard Voyer, O.C., C.Q.,
Richard, Tessum and Nansen Weber.
Trebek Explorer Feature Projects (Coming Soon)
-
![]()
Fighting Fire with Food
Returning Indigenous Fire Stewardship to British Columbia
Kira Hoffman's project, "Fighting Fire with Food," supports the Gitanyow Nation in returning to cultural burning practices after more than 100 years of suppression. Partnering with the British Columbia government and the University of British Columbia, the project combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern scientific methods to restore the land, enhance biodiversity, and ensure food security. This initiative highlights the benefits of cultural burning and promotes its integration into contemporary fire management strategies, demonstrating the importance of Indigenous practices in ecological restoration
-
![]()
Two-Eyed Seeing
Mapping the Geocultural Landscape of Georgian Bay
2023 Trebek Grantee Kirsten Kennedy's project, "Two-Eyed Seeing," combines Indigenous knowledge with LiDAR technology to uncover and document Georgian Bay's rich geocultural history. For Kirsten, geology isn't just about studying rocks; it's about uncovering the stories they tell about the region's history and its people. By integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern technology, Kennedy reveals hidden stories in the landscape, supporting the bid for UNESCO Global Geopark designation and fostering a deeper connection to Georgian Bay's past and heritage.
-
![]()
Beyond Her Horizons
An All-Female Expedition Across the Northwest Passage
Jessica Houston's project, "Beyond Her Horizons," is an all-female polar expedition through the Northwest Passage, celebrating female contributions to the Arctic . Along with Okalik Eegeesiak and her crew, they sailed 5,400 km, visiting five remote communities and uncovering stories of women who have shaped the Arctic. The project challenges colonial narratives and highlights the contributions of women in Arctic exploration, showcasing diverse voices often overlooked in historical accounts.
-
![]()
Atlantic Salmon: The Fight to Survive
Documenting the Epic Migration of Atlantic Salmon and the Urgent Efforts to Save Them
Nick Hawkins's project, "Atlantic Salmon: The Fight to Survive," focuses on the critical challenges faced by Atlantic salmon during their migration from Canadian rivers to the icy fjords of Greenland.
Utilizing cutting-edge cinematography and innovative underwater technologies, the project aims to document the epic journey of these remarkable fish and the efforts to reverse their decline.
Partnering with Indigenous communities, conservationists, and researchers, Nick's work highlights the interconnectedness of Atlantic salmon with the broader ecosystem and the biodiversity they support. The project seeks to raise awareness and rally support for the conservation of Atlantic salmon by showcasing their life cycle, the threats they face, and the passionate efforts to protect them.
