Conservation in Action
The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s True North Wildlife Conservation Awards shine a spotlight on Canada’s heroes of the natural world – the remarkable individuals, teams and organizations across Canada who dedicate themselves to conserving wildlife and their habitats. Recognizing these conservation champions is more than a symbolic gesture – it highlights the vital work being done to preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for all species. Learn more >
Nominate Someone for a
CWF True North Wildlife Conservation Award
The CWF True North Wildlife Conservation Awards include six distinct categories. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please read each award description carefully, then submit your nomination referencing the category you feel best aligns with the conservation work being done by the nominee.
Canadian Conservation Leadership Award
CWF’s highest honour, recognizing exceptional lifetime or transformational contributions to wildlife conservation in Canada. Any individuals with a long-standing record of exceptional conservation impact in Canada. Learn more >
Canadian Nature-based Education Champion Award
Recognizes excellence in Nature-based Education and public engagement that inspires understanding and action. Any educator, school, organization, institutions, or program advancing excellence in cross-generational Nature-based Education. Learn more >
Canadian Youth for Wildlife Conservation Award
Celebrates young leaders and youth-led initiatives advancing wildlife conservation. Individuals aged 25 and under, youth-led groups, or youth organizations advancing wildlife conservation. Learn more >
Canadian Wild Media Impact Award
Recognizes excellence in creative media and storytelling that deepens public connection to nature. Artists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, journalists, designers, animators, digital creators, media organizations, influencers or creative teams. Learn more >
Canadian Wildlife Impact Award
Recognizes exceptional achievement in advancing the recovery or long-term protection of a wildlife species at risk, demonstrated through measurable conservation progress. Projects, individuals, organizations, or partnerships demonstrating clear impact in species recovery or protection. Learn more >
Canadian Conservation Innovation Award
Celebrates the innovators who are advancing new ideas, partnerships or approaches that transform conservation outcomes. Any individual, team, organization, or cross-sector partnership driving innovative approaches to the conservation of Canada’s wildlife and natural resources. Learn more >
Why You Want This Award
Being nominated for — or receiving — a CWF True North Wildlife Conservation Award does not only reflect on the achievements of a particular person or organization, it also demonstrates that meaningful action can spark lasting impact. These passionate advocates for wildlife conservation inspire us all, showing that every action – big or small – can ripple across ecosystems and communities. From species recovery initiatives to habitat restoration and innovative conservation solutions, these projects have tangible impacts on Canada’s environment, showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Paying attention to and supporting this work helps build awareness, fosters community engagement, and reminds us that the health of wildlife and ecosystems is deeply connected to our own well-being. By awarding a wide range of conservation achievements, we connect people to the urgency and beauty of wildlife conservation, reminding us that conserving nature matters for species across Canada, as well as the wonder it brings to our own lives.
Prizes
Recipients of a CWF True North Conservation Award will receive:
- A CWF True North Wildlife Conservation Award
- $1,000 contribution to support the recipient’s ongoing conservation work
- An invitation to be acknowledged at a CWF gala event in Ottawa October 23, 2026
- A profile of their work published in both Canadian Wildlife (English) and Biosphere (French) magazines
Recognition by the CWF True North Conservation Awards not only celebrates achievement but also contributes directly to continued impact. Read the rules & regulations >
In the News
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Conservation Awards
March 31, 2026 - The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s True North Wildlife Conservation Awards shine a spotlight on Canada’s heroes of the natural world – the remarkable individuals, teams and organizations across Canada who dedicate themselves to conserving wildlife and their habitats. Recognizing these conservation champions is more than a symbolic gesture – it highlights the vital work being done to preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for all species.
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Conservation Awards
March 31, 2026 - The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s True North Wildlife Conservation Awards shine a spotlight on Canada’s heroes of the natural world – the remarkable individuals, teams and organizations across Canada who dedicate themselves to conserving wildlife and their habitats. Recognizing these conservation champions is more than a symbolic gesture – it highlights the vital work being done to preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for all species.
-
Conservation Awards
March 31, 2026 - The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s True North Wildlife Conservation Awards shine a spotlight on Canada’s heroes of the natural world – the remarkable individuals, teams and organizations across Canada who dedicate themselves to conserving wildlife and their habitats. Recognizing these conservation champions is more than a symbolic gesture – it highlights the vital work being done to preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for all species.
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WILD Educator Award
March 4, 2026 - The Past Presidents’ Canadian Legislator Award was established in 1988 by former Canadian Wildlife Federation leaders. This award is presented annually to an elected provincial, territorial or federal legislator in recognition of a significant contribution to the conservation of wildlife in Canada.
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Robert Bateman Award
March 4, 2026 - In commemoration of its 50th anniversary and in salute to an extraordinary artist and nature lover, the Canadian Wildlife Robert Bateman Award. Federation established this award to recognize those who, through artistic expression, have furthered the awareness of and appreciation for Canada’s wildlife and habitats and their conservation.
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Roderick Haig-Brown Award
February 26, 2026 - Presented to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to furthering the sport of angling and the conservation, development and wise use of Canada’s recreational fisheries.
- Eligibility of Nominees
Nominees must be individuals, organizations or partnerships whose work has made a demonstrable contribution to wildlife conservation, habitat protection or environmental stewardship relevant to the award category
- Complete Nomination Submission
All nominations must be submitted using the official online nomination form and include the required supporting documentation, such as a project description, measurable outcomes and references where applicable.
- Deadline Compliance
Nominations must be received by the stated submission deadline. Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered by the selection committee.
- Verification of Information
All information provided in the nomination must be accurate and verifiable. The awarding organization reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification from nominators.
- Conflict of Interest
Members of the selection committee, award sponsors or staff directly involved in the evaluation process may not submit or support nominations in categories where a conflict of interest exists.
- Consent of the Nominee
Nominees must be aware of and consent to their nomination. The awarding organization may request confirmation that the nominee has agreed to be considered for the award.
- Right of the Awarding Organization
The awarding organization reserves the right to determine eligibility, request additional information, or withhold the award in any category if nominations do not meet the established standards of merit.
- It is up to the discretion of the Awards Committee to determine if any or all candidates are selected as the award recipient(s). In circumstances where no candidate meets the criteria of a particular nomination category, no recipient shall be chosen for the award year. Please ensure your candidate fits the description of the category for which you are nominating them.
- Nominating one person/group in multiple categories may lead to disqualification!
Thank you for your interest and participation in this program.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact David DeRocco, CWF Sr. Manager Marketing and Events, at davidd@cwf-fcf.org