Olive Tree Foundation awards grant to train Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental leaders

The Olive Tree Foundation has awarded a grant to Ontario Nature for the project, “Youth Circle for Mother Earth,” that aims to create and support a cross-cultural network of young Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental leaders looking to honour their responsibilities and relationship with Mother Earth.

“The Youth Circle for Mother Earth project partners, the Indigenous Environmental Institute, Plenty Canada, Walpole Island Land Trust and Ontario Nature are grateful to Olive Tree Foundation for their support of a much-needed retreat for young Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in our Coordinating Circle with an opportunity to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and confidence of these leaders, cultivating life-long ambassadors for the environment, reconciliation, and cross-cultural conservation,” said Kayla Salive, M.Sc., Ontario Nature Grants and Donor Stewardship Coordinator.

“The generosity from Olive Tree Foundation will support the creation of a land-based learning guide, building off youth experiences at the retreat, as an important resource for planning and hosting future land-based learning events through Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space. Chi-miigwech - thank you very much for your generous support of this program!”

“The Olive Tree Foundation is pleased to fund this project that will bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental leaders for a retreat where they will engage in hands-on, land-based learning experiences, working with Elders and other mentors to enhance their cross-cultural skills,” said Muneeb Nasir, Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation. ”The retreat will also inform the development of a user-friendly guide to planning and hosting land-based learning events for youth and a protocol and tips on factors to consider in reaching out to Indigenous communities, Elders, and knowledge keepers.”

Ontario Nature was established in 1931 and has been at the forefront of the conservation movement in the province. From spearheading the creation of a wilderness area in Algonquin Park in 1934 to advocating for a new and strengthened Endangered Species Act in 2007, Ontario Nature is the voice for nature in Ontario.

The Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.