Conferences

2025 National Conference

13 - 15 May 2025 / Registration Open

Join us in Whitehorse, Yukon from May 13-15, 2025

As environmental funders working with our partners to effectively respond to the intensifying climate and biodiversity crises, we find ourselves navigating uncharted territory in the face of significant cultural, economic and geopolitical shifts in recent years.

EFC’s next annual conference provides a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from one of Canada’s most stunning landscapes, and the leadership of Indigenous communities that have stewarded these lands and waters for millennia, to explore how best to navigate the polarities of our current world, while building new pathways to a better world. Through connection, inspiration and mutual support, we can fortify our resolve and resilience to face the challenges ahead. Join us as we celebrate successes, explore burning questions, and strengthen the cohesiveness of this special community, as we pursue our collective vision of a safe and thriving planet that sustains all life.

Registration

EFC’s conference is ONLY open to funders (staff, board members and wealth holders), including those who are not current EFC members.

Agenda

  • Day 1

    Opening Reception

    Including welcoming remarks from:
    Premier Ranj Pillai, Government of Yukon
    Hon. Nils Clark, Minister of Environment, Government of Yukon
    Chief Ruth Massie, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
    Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation

  • Day 2

    Guided Walk Along Yukon River
    Breakfast
    Conference Opening: Welcome Remarks from Conference Co-Chairs
    Conference Opening: Sacred Fire & Opening Prayers

    Including Opening Prayer with:
    Ann Smith, Elder, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
    Doronn Fox, Firekeeper

    Session 1: Taking Stock of the Last Decade of Environmental Philanthropy

    (Facilitated Group Session)

    Paired Walks
    Session 2: Insights and Guiding Principles to Shape the Next Decade of Environmental Philanthropy

    (Keynote plus facilitated group session)

    Topics TBD

    Lunch
    Session 3: Mining, Indigenous Rights & Sovereignty, Diversified Economic Pathways

    (Panel Session)

    Session 4: Funder-led Concurrent Sessions

    SESSION 4A: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Safeguarding our Water
    This session will be co-led by two funders exploring different topics of water. The session will include focus on Preserving Canada’s Water Sovereignty and Water Security During the Trump 2.0, water within the context of climate change and the clean transition, and Alberta Ecotrust Foundation’s recent water coalition work. The session will share some of the challenges being faced in these spaces and the vital role funders can play in advancing water stewardship, as well as opportunity for discussion.

    SESSION 4B: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Growing Environmental Philanthropy
    This session will explore EFC’s role in growing environmental philanthropy, factoring in the work of the Climate Champions Initiative, some research EFC has commissioned, and some work with CFC that is being explored.

    SESSION 4C: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3)
    Low Carbon Cities Canada’s theory of change has always included an emphasis on co-benefits, but as climate drops down the priority list for many Canadians, they have become increasingly important. This session will focus on the co-benefits of climate and environment funding. Sessions leaders will share LC3’s methodology and how they speak about LC3’s co-benefits, followed by a group discussion.

    SESSION 4D: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Measuring Impact of Climate Grants
    The McConnell Foundation has just concluded a four year retrospective evaluation of all climate grants, and are developing a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework from that evaluation. This session will present those findings and explore the topic of evaluation with the group.

    SESSION 4E: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Regenerative Agriculture
    This session will ask how environmental funders can accelerate the movement towards local and environmentally friendly farming that enhances the soil and biodiversity on the land, protects the air, land and water as well as humans.

    MacBride Museum Dinner

    Including remarks from EFC staff and board members.

    Guests will have full access to the beautiful MacBride Museum and are invited to explore the exhibits before dinner.

    Started in 1950 by the Yukon Historical Society, the MacBride Museum illustrates, shares, and protects Yukon’s objects and stories. The museum offers a comprehensive view of the resilient people and groundbreaking events that have shaped the territory’s history. Home to 40,000 objects, the galleries illustrate stories from Yukon First Nations, the natural world, the Klondike Gold Rush, and more. The Icons gallery showcases Yukon’s unforgettable places and the amazing people who built modern Yukon. It’s also home to incredible art pieces, including a Ted Harrison collection and the Northern Lights icicles.

  • Day 3

    Yoga
    Breakfast
    Session 5: Climate Opportunity

    (Panel Session)

    Session 6: Local Field Trip

    SESSION 6A: Field trip – Permafrost impacts: visit to Ibex Valley/Takhini River thaw slump

    SESSION 6B: Field trip – Wildfire mitigation: visit to Whitehorse South Fuel Break

    SESSION 6C: Field trip – Wildlife conservation: visit to Whitehorse Rapids Fishway

    SESSION 6D: Field trip – Guided natural and cultural history walk: visit to Kwanlin (Miles Canyon)

    Lunch
    Session 7: Anchoring in Joy, Community and Resilience

    (Keynote plus facilitated group session)

    Conference Closing and Thank Yous
The Venue

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Our 2025 conference will be held at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, situated on the banks of the Chu Nínkwän (Yukon River) and centrally located in downtown Whitehorse. The Cultural Centre is a place where the Kwanlin Dün First Nation celebrates their heritage and contemporary way of life. As their ancestors did for thousands of years, they welcome visitors from near and afar to gather in their cultural home to share stories and experiences. It is the perfect location for EFC members and other funders to come together to network, learn, strategize and socialize.

Flights and Hotels

Travel and Accomodation

For your consideration, we’ve provided travel information to help you gauge time and cost, including an overview of estimated conference travel costs and hotel block information. You’ll also find details on some of the best flight options to and from Whitehorse from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal.

We highly encourage you to take advantage of your time in Whitehorse by exploring additional attractions before or after the conference.

KLUANE NATIONAL PARK AND RESERVE

PRE-CONFERENCE FIELD TRIP

Our annual pre-conference trip takes us to breathtaking Kluane National Park and Reserve in the traditional territories of the Kluane First Nation and Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, from May 12-13. Guided by Indigenous Knowledgekeepers and scientific leaders, we will explore this unique mountain region with a focus on climate, conservation, and culture.

Activities will include site visits, nature walks, learning on the land, expert presentations, and networking with peers. Participants may choose to sign up for an optional flightseeing excursion to fly over the St. Elias Mountains, explore North America’s largest icefield, and land on Logan Glacier (weather dependent, limited spaces).

Registration is now closed.

SPONSORS

$10,000 Premier Level

$10,000 Premier Level

$10,000 Premier Level

$5,000 Champion level

$5,000 Champion level

$2,500 Steward level

In-Kind Sponsor

In-Kind Sponsor

Planning Committee

Liz Liske, Arctic Funders Collaborative, Co-chair
Louise-Hélène Villeneuve, Yukon Foundation, Co-chair
Scott Lloy, Government of New Brunswick, Co-chair
Andre Vallillee, Metcalf Foundation
Aurore Fauret, Trottier Family Foundation
Fiona Schmiegelow, Yukon University
Mary Turnipseed, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Mira Oreck, The Houssian Foundation
Phylicia Davis-Wesseling, Toronto Foundation
Steve Ellis, MakeWay