2025 National Conference

Including welcome remarks from:
Chief Ruth Massie, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
Chief Sean Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Hon. Nils Clarke, Minister of Environment, Government of Yukon

The Walk: Easy, flat 1km stroll along the Yukon River, guided by local Indigenous storyteller and educator Amber Berard-Althouse. Come to learn about the history of the Yukon, First Nations Culture, the creation of land claims in the Territory. Amber is a Tlingit, French, and German woman, and a proud member of the Kluane First Nations. Raised in the Yukon, she blends her Indigenous roots with a deep passion for wellness and holistic healing. With over a decade of experience, she shares insights into Yukon First Nations culture, medicinal plants, and yoga.

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

Over the past ten years, this group has invested deeply in a range of initiatives. In this session, we’ll pause to take stock of what we’ve learned. What worked well? What didn’t go as planned? Together, we’ll examine the areas we’ve funded, identify the work that truly moved the needle, and reflect honestly on where outcomes fell short. This is a chance to celebrate wins, acknowledge challenges, and gather insights that will inform our path forward.

Attendees will be given the choice to go on a paired walk where they will reflect with a partner on the previous discussion, or to attend a facilitated session around the Sacred Fire.

Keynote presentation by:
Shannon Phillips, Partner, Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips

Considering the past decade of funding and experience, how do we chart the course ahead? This session will focus on learning from the last 10 years to plan for a more effective and impactful future. We’ll consider the key factors that contributed to success — and those that held us back — as we define essential takeaways and set the foundation for the next ten years of strategic, meaningful investment.

Panelists will engage in a discussion on how best to support Indigenous communities in navigating the intersection of mining, Indigenous rights and sovereignty and opportunities for diversified economic pathways.

Featuring:
Lianne Charlie, Faculty, Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning
Randi Newton, Conservation Manager, CPAWS Yukon
Chief Dawna Hope, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun

Moderated by Jared Gonet, Director, To Swim and Speak with Salmon

SESSION 4A: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Safeguarding our Water
This session will focus on some examples of efforts related to water security, followed by a discussion focused on a call to action related to the vital role funders can play to support further efforts related to water security across the country.

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)
This session will focus on the co-benefits of climate action, followed by a group discussion.

SESSION 4D: Funder-led Concurrent Session – Measuring Impact of Climate Grants
The Peter Gilgan and McConnell Foundations have each designed frameworks to evaluate the impacts of their respective climate mitigation programs. This session is intended to share evaluation methodologies and lessons learned in evaluating climate mitigation granting portfolios.

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.

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.

For folks who want to continue their night, join us at Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House at 201 Wood Street (#867-668-6440).

Easy morning yoga class, led by local Indigenous yoga teacher Amber Berard-Althouse. Amber’s approach to wellness reflects her dedication to helping others heal through the connection of body, mind, and spirit. Amber is a Tlingit, French, and German woman, and a proud member of the Kluane First Nations. Raised in the Yukon, she blends her Indigenous roots with a deep passion for wellness and holistic healing. With over a decade of experience, she shares insights into Yukon First Nations culture, medicinal plants, and yoga.

Breakfast Option: Conservation Finance discussion table
This is an open discussion for anyone interested in the topic of Conservation Finance.

Breakfast Option: Trust-Based Philanthropy discussion table
This is an open discussion for anyone interested in the topic of Trust-Based Philanthropy.

Breakfast Option: General

With major shifts in public opinion resulting from the tariff war and political influences, the window for effective climate action has significantly narrowed. This session will explore three potential strategic levers for climate mitigation solutions that have the potential to advance in spite of these changes: shifting markets, grassroots movement-building and democratic engagement, and wildfire mitigation and resilience.

Featuring:
Naomi Klein, Author
Dr. Lori Daniels, Professor, Koerner Chair in Wildfire Coexistence, University of British Columbia
Joanna Klimczak, Former Senior Director US & Canada, CREO Syndicate

Moderated by Shawn McArthy, Independent writer & senior counsel, Sussex Strategy Group

SESSION 6A: Field trip – Permafrost impacts: visit to Ibex Valley/Takhini River thaw slump (supported by 444S Foundation)

SESSION 6B: Field trip – Wildfire mitigation: visit to Whitehorse South Fuel Break (supported by Real Estate Foundation of BC)

SESSION 6C: Field trip – Wildlife conservation: visit to Whitehorse Rapids Fishway (supported by RBC)

SESSION 6D: Field trip – Guided natural and cultural history walk: visit to Kwanlin (Miles Canyon) (supported by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation)

Keynote presentation by:
Jocelyn Joe-Strack, Director, Reconnection Vision

This session is a moment to turn inward and connect outward. We’ll reflect on the resilience, commitment, and motivation each of us brings to this work — not in isolation, but as part of a community. Through dialogue and reflection, we’ll explore the values that sustain us, the power of peer support, and the collective strength we hold as a group. Together, we’ll name what we each bring to the table and commit to moving forward not just as individual organizations, but as a connected force for change.