6 Groups Working Toward Positive Change In Canada
From Indigenous rights to environmental conservation, there are a number of issues that Canadian organizations are fighting for. The groups listed here work throughout the Great White North to create a better future. Whether you're interested in animal welfare or universal basic income, there's sure to be something here that piques your interest. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Canadian Organizations Working Toward A Brighter Future
| Name | Mission |
|---|---|
| Tides Canada | Help Canadians secure a healthy environment in ways that promote social equity and economic prosperity |
| Basic Income Canada Network | Promote informed, constructive public dialogue leading to a basic income guarantee in Canada |
| The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals | Work to end the commercial fur trade and promote co-existence with wildlife |
| Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. | Provide training to get everyone working effectively with Indigenous peoples in their day-to-day jobs and lives |
| Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition | Cultivate a sustainable future from a sustainable environment rooted in culture and a thriving wild salmon ecosystem |
| Oceans North | Support marine conservation in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities |
Wildlife Conservation Facts
- There are more than 1,000 species worldwide defined as endangered
- 4% of the mammals in the world are wild animals. 36% are human beings and 60% are farm animals
- The global wildlife population decreased in size by approximately 52% between 1970 and 2010
- 30% to 50% of all species are possibly heading toward extinction by mid-century
- Freshwater ecosystems are home to more than 100,000 known species of plants and animals
- Freshwater habitats lost 83% of their vertebrate populations between 1970 and 2014
- There are approximately 26,000 wild polar bears, but this population is expected to decline 30% by 2050
What Are Indigenous Peoples?
Indigenous peoples, also known as First peoples, First Nations, Aboriginal peoples, Native peoples, or autochthonous peoples, are ethnic groups who are considered the earliest known or original people living in an area. This stands in contrast to groups that have colonized, settled, or occupied the area in more recent history. Groups of Indigenous people can be found in every inhabited continent on Earth.
Canada's Cultural Genocide Of Indigenous Peoples
5 Tips For Responsibly Viewing Marine Wildlife
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Learn about wildlife, viewing sites, and local regulations before you go
- Use binoculars and zoom lenses to get a good look without getting too close
- Never touch, handle, or ride marine wildlife
- Do not feed wildlife or attempt to lure it with decoys, sounds, or light
- Never chase or harass wildlife
Products To Help You Go Green
If you're interested in the environment, you probably know that changing consumer habits is an important part of the fight against climate change. If you want to help save the planet, getting some of these eco-friendly products is a good place to start:
- A set of reusable grocery bags
- Stainless steel straws to replace disposable plastics
- A portable greenhouse where you can grow your own food
- Silicone food bags for taking healthy snacks on-the-go
- A vegan cookbook to help you cut back on meat
- Solar toys that will entertain your kids without using fossil fuels
- Some beeswax wraps, a waste-free way to keep food fresh
- A reusable water bottle
Modern Day Wildlife Conservation
In Depth
Canada is famous for the friendliness of its populace and the natural splendor of its wilderness, but it also boasts a diverse range of groups working for the common good. From advocates for socioeconomic reform to dedicated environmentalists, residents across the country are striving diligently for a brighter future. In no particular order, here are six Canadian efforts to build a better world.
Opening our list at #1 is Tides Canada, a philanthropic alliance working toward societal well-being throughout the nation, and environmental health across the globe. The organization offers a shared platform providing administrative support for grassroots initiatives on sustainability, social justice, and regional improvement. It assists efforts such as the community empowerment program Jane's Walk and the Resilient Waters project, which protects the Fraser River ecosystem.
Tides Canada provides advising services for philanthropic efforts by individuals, foundations, and businesses, and a team of knowledgeable program leads to assist in creating charitable projects. The organization also offers financing assistance, such as grants and donor advised funds. Focus areas include sustainable food production, watershed protection, and ecological and cultural conservation in the North and Pacific Coast regions. Those interested can support Tides Canada by donating.
Tides Canada provides advising services for philanthropic efforts by individuals, foundations, and businesses, and a team of knowledgeable program leads to assist in creating charitable projects.
Following up at #2 is Basic Income Canada Network, a non-partisan organization advocating for a Basic Income Guarantee for the country's population. Arguing that the rise of automation will drive mass unemployment, this group calls for a universal wage to serve as a safety net, supporting independence and career flexibility.
BICN shares informational resources making the case for a Basic Income Guarantee, including articles, videos, and infographics. The group's in-depth policy report offers specific proposals for government bodies to implement a base wage for all, and its local networks raise support for the movement in regions around the country. Supporters can volunteer, donate, or sign an online petition to call for action.
At #3 we have The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals, also known as The Fur-Bearers. Founded in 1953 to call for the elimination of leg-hold snares, the association has since expanded its mission to include ending the use of animal pelts in fashion. The group raises awareness about the harms of trapping and the inhumane conditions experienced by minks and foxes on commercial farms.
Founded in 1953 to call for the elimination of leg-hold snares, the association has since expanded its mission to include ending the use of animal pelts in fashion.
Along with advocating against fur in fashion, The Fur-Bearers works to promote conservation and animal welfare. The Living With Wildlife campaign provides information on non-harmful ways to resolve problems with wild animals, as well as offering devices to humanely bypass beaver dams. The organization also provides humane education resources for classrooms. Individuals wishing to support this group can donate, volunteer, or become members.
#4 in our overview is Indigenous Corporate Training. This company provides a wide range of educational programs for those seeking to engage with First Nations or Inuit communities. Founded by Bob Joseph, a certified trainer and member of the Gwawaenuk Nation, ICT teaches non-Indigenous people how to avoid common pitfalls in communicating across cultural divides.
Educational programs from ICT include training weeks open to the public, as well as private offerings dealing with topics such as effective retention of First Nation employees and indigenous consultation and engagement. The company provides informational materials, including digital handbooks and print titles like 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. ICT also publishes blog articles about indigenous culture and communication.
ICT also publishes blog articles about indigenous culture and communication.
Coming in at #5 is the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, dedicated to preserving ecological health and cultural heritage within the region which gives the group its name. SWCC works to promote restoration of salmon habitats as a driver of economic development in the area, conducting research and organizing educational events to make the case for sustainable growth.
SWCC conducts public outreach efforts to inspire environmental engagement, such as the Youth on Water program, which teaches young people about the region's ecology and history through outdoor adventure. The Coalition also works to develop sustainable energy and food solutions, and organizes campaigns to keep polluting industries out of the area. Supporters can get involved by donating, volunteering, or starting a local program.
We'll close with #6, Oceans North, which promotes environmental preservation in the Arctic and Atlantic regions of Canada, along with western Greenland. Working with local communities, including many indigenous groups, this organization combines traditional knowledge about wildlife management with modern scientific techniques, in order to monitor ecosystem health. This information helps with the development of solutions to protect fisheries and other marine ecosystems.
This information helps with the development of solutions to protect fisheries and other marine ecosystems.
Oceans North's major projects include time-lapse monitoring of sea ice, advocacy for shipping corridors that protect marine life and indigenous rights, and promoting conservation through community development. The group calls for Inuit involvement in managing protected areas, collaborating on initiatives which recruit native inhabitants for environmental stewardship. Oceans North also provides numerous research reports on regional conditions. Those inspired to help can make a donation online.
