The Nature Canada Awards constitute our heartfelt tribute to the hard work and dedication of these amazing individuals and organizations. All of our winners have proven themselves to be forces of nature, for nature!

Nature Canada’s Partner in Conservation Award 2026: Black Environmental Initiative (BEI)

BEI has been a meaningful partner in Nature Canada’s Work to Grow program since 2023 and, through their Blacks Build Green initiative, they promote green entrepreneurship and employment for Black Canadians and other equity-denied communities. They also work to protect urban forests through Bring The Forest Home and to remediate brownfield sites through Healing the Land.

By connecting members of their community with training, internships, mentorship, and career pathways, they have helped address barriers to employment. These green opportunities can create tangible benefits that communities can see, experience, and build upon. Nature Canada’s Work to Grow team regularly hears back from youth placed with BEI about what a great experience they had.

BEI began in 2019 as a volunteer-led network and has grown into a registered non-profit promoting black-led environmental engagement and protection for communities. BEI’s work is founded on a fundamental understanding: the health of the land and the health of the people are deeply connected. When the air is clean, the soil is alive, and water flows freely without pollution, people are healthier.

From protecting urban green spaces to creating meaningful conservation employment opportunities for young Black Canadians, the Black Environmental Initiative is making a lasting difference for both people and nature.

Nature Canada is grateful for BEI’s partnership and its commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Find out more about Nature Canada’s Work to Grow program.