Hiker standing in a forest stream surrounded by tall trees and dense woodland vegetation.

Projects in Canada

Conservation and education on the ground

Turning conservation into action

Our work in Canada supports the protection of British Columbia’s coastal temperate rainforests, from the north and south coasts to the mountains. We work with First Nations, local communities and research partners to protect ancient forests, better understand the ecosystems they support and strengthen conservation for the long term. We believe lasting conservation is only possible when we work together with the people who know and care for these places.

Recognizing the lands we work on

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work, and conduct conservation activities across the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Tsimshian, Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Northern Coast Salish and Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. We honour the enduring presence and stewardship of the Gitxaała, Lax Kw'alaams, Metlakatla, Kitsumkalum, Kitselas, Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Homalco (Xwémalhkwu), Klahoose (ƛoʔos qayɛmɩxʷ), Tla'amin (ɬəʔamɛn), Laich-kwil-tach (We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwiakah), Cowichan, Tetlit Gwich'in, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and K'ómoks Nations. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, work, and build meaningful relationships within these lands, waters, and communities.

Empowering Youth & Restoring Connection

The Χʷɛmaɬkʷu & Surge Narrows Youth Education Centre

In the spirit of reconciliation, Wilderness International is proud to collaborate with the Χʷɛmaɬkʷu (Homalco) First Nation and the Surge Narrows community to support the creation of the Χʷɛmaɬkʷu & Surge Narrows Youth Education Centre on Read Island, BC. Situated on protected land provided by Wilderness International, this facility—designed in the style of a traditional Coast Salish longhouse—will host up to 28 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. Programs will blend culturally relevant traditions, forest and marine ecology, and hands-on learning in the heart of the Discovery Islands. Together, we are helping reconnect young people with the land while protecting vital ecosystems in perpetuity.

Discover more

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Bamfield research partnership

Wilderness International is working with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and its Pacific Marine Science Alliance network to strengthen research into the connections between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The partnership brings together researchers and institutions across Canada and creates opportunities for practical training and collaboration for the next generation of environmental scientists.

Explore the partnership

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Protect the Peel

The Peel River watershed in northern Canada is a vast and ecologically important landscape with deep cultural significance for the First Nations who call the region home. Wilderness International partnered with the Teetl'it Gwich'in to support efforts to protect the watershed from mining and other development.

The campaign culminated in a landmark decision in 2017, when 80% of the Peel watershed was placed under permanent protection.

Protect the Peel

Group of five people wearing helmets in a blue inflatable raft on a turquoise river, surrounded by mountains.

Partnership with Cowichan First Nations

Partnership with Cowichan First Nations

In 2013, Cowichan First Nations carvers from Vancouver Island created a totem pole for Cologne, sharing their culture and a message about the connection between people and nature. The project brought attention to the endangered old-growth forests of Canada’s west coast and built a bridge between two communities.

See the project Partnership with Cowichan First Nations
Youth wilderness expeditions

As part of our Environmental Ambassador Program, between 2008 and 2018 we awarded scholarships to a total of 56 students, enabling them to accompany our team on expeditions and experience the wilderness they were committed to protecting.
Wisdom Seekers – Knowledge Keepers

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In close collaboration with Cowichan First Nations, the youth exchange program “Wisdom Seekers, Knowledge Keepers” brought young people together with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. We remain deeply grateful to everyone who made this experience possible and helped create lasting connections.

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