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

    Welcome Reception

  • Day 2

    Guided Walk Along Yukon River
    Breakfast
    Conference Opening: Sacred Fire & Indigenous Elder Welcome
    Welcome Remarks from Conference Co-Chairs
    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
    MacBride Museum Dinner

  • Day 3

    Yoga
    Breakfast
    Session 5: Climate Opportunity

    (Panel Session)

    Session 6: Local Field Trip

    Three options (Nature & wildlife conservation; Permafrost impacts; Wildfire mitigation)

    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.

To support families, we are considering providing childcare during the conference.

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

We are organizing a visit 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).

If you’re interested in joining us, please review the detailed pre-conference field trip brochure, which includes: programming overview // logistics overview // packing list // registration costs, process, and cancellation policy // important notes on the remote region, rustic accommodation in Kluane, accessibility, wildlife safety, and booking your own accommodation in Whitehorse // and the link to register.

Space is limited and registrations will be accepted until March 31, 2025.

SPONSORS

$10,000 Premier Level

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