Nature Canada awards Aranya Iyer of Mississauga, Ontario Clif Bar Young Nature Leaders Grant
(Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, August 8, 2023) — Nature Canada, with the support of Clif Bar, is proud to celebrate Aranya Iyer of Mississauga, Ontario, as a recipient of the Clif Bar Young Nature Leaders Grant. This grant encourages, fosters and nurtures youth to demonstrate their leadership in nature.
Aranya is the co-founder of Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified (FREED) that leads nature workshops in Algonquin Park for BIPOC students.
“We want to provide an appreciation and understanding for observing the natural world through fieldwork and research experiences which may otherwise be inaccessible due to systemic barriers that disproportionately affect BIPOC students. Our hope is to have a meaningful impact by increasing access to natural spaces, key skills, and professional networks for BIPOC students who are passionate about solving some of the world’s most pressing issues for the environment,” said Aranya Iyer.
Clif Bar is sponsoring Nature Canada’s Young Nature Leader Grant program this year. This support has allowed the program to double the number of youth projects recognized to 10. Alongside Aranya, CLIF’s support sponsored grants to these youth-led nature projects:
- Lauren Castelino of Toronto, Ontario;
- Lauren Lawson of Toronto, Ontario;
- Chevaun Toulouse of Sagamok First Nation; and
- Megan Turluk of Kelowna, British Columbia.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Nature Canada to connect youth from diverse backgrounds with nearby nature by supporting activities that promote equal access and participation for all,” said Hilary Hanley, Managing Director of CLIF’s Canada business. “Ensuring that young people can enjoy time in the outdoors is vital to their physical and mental health and the overall well-being of our culture.”
The Young Nature Leaders Grant began in 2017 to empower youth to develop and implement a youth-led, community-based project centered around nature and sustainability in Canada. This year’s recipients join an impressive list of previous recipients with unique and complementary ideas.
Related Links:
Recipients of the 2023 Young Nature Leaders Grant
Overview of the Young Nature Leaders Grant Recipients
For media assistance please contact:
Scott Mullenix, Director of Communications
613-462-4024
[email protected]
For information on the Young Nature Leaders grant please contact:
Jodi Joy, Director of Development, Nature Canada
613-295-6769 | 1-800-267-4088
[email protected]
Nature Canada was founded in 1939 because of the passion and initiative of Mabel Frances Whittemore, a teacher and nature lover whose main goal in life was to share her passion for nature with others. Today, Nature Canada represents a network of over 175,000 members and supporters and more than 1200 nature organizations across the country. Over the past 85 years, Nature Canada has helped protect more than 110 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and countless species that depend on this habitat and connected hundreds of thousands of Canadians — especially children — with nature through its activities.
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