Support from coast to coast to coast. 

A Collaborative Conservation Effort

Rhiannon Kirton's project, "Guardians of the Shuswap: A Collaborative Conservation Effort," focuses on reassessing cervid populations within the Shuswap Nation territory.

Partnering with local Indigenous communities and conservation organizations, Rhiannon and her team use camera traps and traditional ecological knowledge to monitor deer, moose, and elk populations.

By comparing current data with historical records, her project aims to provide a holistic understanding of changes affecting cervid populations and support informed conservation management.

This work highlights the interconnectedness of all species within the Shuswap territory and emphasizes the importance of combining Indigenous knowledge with modern science to restore balance and protect biodiversity.

Journey Into Canada’s Only Active Volcano

Christian Stenner's project, "The Mount Meager Glaciovolcanic Cave Project," led a daring exploration of the hazardous environments surrounding Canada’s only active volcano, Mount Meager.

Partnering with NASA and the University of British Columbia, Stenner's team used advanced technology to collect the first-ever fumarole measurements, providing critical insights into volcanic activity.

This project combines cutting-edge scientific tools with a spirit of adventure to enhance our understanding of Canada's geothermal systems. By exploring these extreme environments, Stenner’s work not only pushes the boundaries of geological science but also contributes to NASA’s research by providing a terrestrial analog for studying extraterrestrial volcanic activity.

This project exemplifies the importance of scientific exploration in uncovering new knowledge and promoting future research collaborations.

An All-Female Expedition Across the Northwest Passage

Jessica Houston's "Beyond Her Horizons" project 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.

This project challenges colonial narratives and highlights the contributions of women in Arctic exploration, showcasing diverse voices often overlooked in historical accounts.

Mapping the Geocultural Landscape of Georgian Bay

2023 Trebek Grantee Kirsten Kennedy's "Two-Eyed Seeing" project 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.

Returning Indigenous Fire Stewardship to British Columbia

Kira Hoffman's "Fighting Fire with Food" project 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.

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.

Protecting Shorebird Habitats in Canada

Isabelle Groc’s project documents the lives of Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers, capturing the importance of Canada’s mudflat ecosystems for these migratory birds.

By contrasting threatened sites like Roberts Bank with thriving habitats at Shepody Bay, Isabelle’s work showcases the urgent need for conservation and highlights the role of local communities and conservation groups in protecting these crucial ecosystems.

This project raises awareness about the fragility of mudflats and inspires conservation actions that ensure safe stopover sites for shorebirds, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these habitats, biodiversity, and cultural resilience.

Wildlife Corridors: Reconnecting the Northeast for Resilience

Kateri Monticone's project, "Wildlife Corridors: Reconnecting the Northeast for Resilience," explores the critical role of ecological corridors in preserving biodiversity across Eastern Canada.

This initiative is driven by collaboration between conservationists, local communities, and Indigenous leaders, working together to link fragmented habitats.

Through efforts spanning Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, Monticone's project highlights how restored corridors allow species like lynx, moose, and black bears to move freely, adapt to climate change, and maintain genetic diversity.

By merging community engagement with science-driven restoration, the project illustrates the power of collective action to ensure ecosystems thrive.

Kateri’s work exemplifies how reconnecting landscapes benefits both wildlife and people, offering a hopeful vision of a future where nature and human communities coexist in harmony.