CWF WILD Educator Of the YEAR!

I’m the 2025 Canadian Wildlife Federation WILD Educator of the Year!

I can officially share some exciting news — I’m the proud recipient of the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s WILD Educator of the Year Award for 2025! I’m beyond grateful for this incredible honour and still smiling from ear to ear.

This year’s awards ceremony took place in the breathtaking city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories — truly a land of wild beauty, long summer days, and the magic of the midnight sun.

I arrived on Friday afternoon, dropped my bags, and immediately headed to Old Town for a little exploring. One of my first stops was Down to Earth, a charming shop where I was warmly welcomed by a kind woman at the desk. I picked up some birch syrup and locally made flavoured salt, crafted from herbs grown in a local garden — such a lovely reminder of the region.

For dinner, I treated myself to a fresh whitefish meal at Bullock’s Bistro — absolutely delicious. As the evening sun continued to shine well past traditional hours, I made my way up to the Bush Pilot Memorial, perched on the rock overlooking the city. It was the perfect spot to unwind, Nature Journal, and soak in the stunning views and weather.

Saturday started with a quiet stroll through downtown and a light breakfast and hot chocolate at Barren Ground Coffee. I then visited the NWT Diamond and Jewelry Centre, where I met a wonderful woman who invited me to continue exploring Yellowknife with her. We stopped by the local Visitor Centre, swapped stories, and took in more of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Later that day, I finally met Danica from Connected North — someone I had only connected with online a few days earlier. We shared coffee, snacks, and great conversation before heading out on a short hike to the rocks along the shoreline of Great Slave Lake. It was the kind of connection and afternoon that fills your heart.

The evening concluded with the awards banquet — a truly special night filled with inspiring people, including other 2025 award recipients, CWF board members, and staff. I left feeling humbled, energized, and more committed than ever to this work I care so deeply about.

Thank you to the individual who nominated me and to the selection committee who found my work meaningful. It is an absolute honour to be recognized, and I share this award with every student, educator, and outdoor learner I’ve had the joy of working with.