VANCOUVER | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORIES OF THE xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) AND səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) FIRST NATIONS — The David Suzuki Foundation has announced the 15 finalists for this year’s special youth edition of the Future Ground Prize in Ontario and British Columbia, presented by Desjardins Group and supported by Nature’s Way. The finalists (listed below and online) represent some of the most effective and inspiring youth-led projects in Ontario and British Columbia working to build a green and just future for all.
“Let’s face it, these days, there are plenty of reasons to feel discouraged. But if you want reasons to be hopeful, just look at all the amazing initiatives happening in communities across the country, so many of which are being driven by young people,” David Suzuki Foundation director of mobilization and engagement Megan Hooft said. “These incredible young environmental and social justice leaders are making real, meaningful change in their communities. We’re honoured to help tell their stories and support their vital efforts to build a better world.”
The 2022 Future Ground Prize includes three award categories, with a Grand Prize of $5,000 and a virtual meeting with David Suzuki. Voting for the People’s Choice Prize takes place from May 16 to June 13, when anyone in Ontario or B.C. can vote for their favourite young changemakers. The Grand Prize and Rising Stars Prize will be determined on June 14 by a jury of renowned Canadian environmental leaders and youth activists.
“We’re proud to highlight the ambition and tenacity of young people across Canada, by celebrating some of the projects and initiatives they’ve created in their communities to help address our most pressing environmental and social challenges,” said Pauline D’Amboise, vice-president of governance and sustainable development, and secretary general of Desjardins Group. “These days, we need hope for a better world and actions to help build it — precisely what each of these projects embodies. We’re honoured to help unveil these 15 inspirational and innovative youth-led projects.”
The Future Ground Prize winners will be announced at a virtual event on June 22, where they will also present their projects to David Suzuki and receive their prizes from Desjardins Group.
To meet the 15 youth Future Ground Prize finalists, visit davidsuzuki.org/future-ground-prize.
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For more information or a media interview, please contact:
Rebecca Kram, rkram@davidsuzuki.org, 705-955-4039
2022 Future Ground Prize finalists:
Grand Prize finalists:
- BC Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) Climate Change Youth Empowerment Program – Vancouver, BC
- Canadian Youth Climate Action Team – Toronto, ON
- Children’s Lands Canada – Middleport, ON
- Climate Education Reform BC – Vancouver, BC
- Kamloops Community Forest within the traditional territory of the Secwepemc People – Kamloops, BC
- Kingston Municipal Climate Leadership – Kingston, ON
- MealCare Guelph Chapter – Guelph, ON
- McMaster Carbon Sink Forest – Hamilton, ON
- Threading Change for Feminist, Fossil-Fuel-Free Fashion Future – Vancouver, BC
- Year of the Salish Sea (YoSS) – Metro Vancouver, BC
- Youth Water Advocate (YWA) Initiative – Peel Region, ON
- YouthToSea – Vancouver, BC
Rising Star finalists:
- LOLA Bees – London, ON
- Peace by Piece – Toronto, ON
- Seaview Takes a Stand for Conservation – Lantzville, BC
The Future Ground Prize jury:
- Abhay Singh Sachal – Break the Divide, co-founder and youth climate activist
- Avi Lewis – University of British Columbia, associate professor and filmmaker
- Cheryl Petty-Gaspar – Nature’s Way Canada, sales team lead
- Donna Sound – CTV National News, reporter
- Emily Kewageshig – Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller
- Isabela Rittinger – Bleed the North, founder and youth activist
- Jérôme Petigny – Desjardins Group, practice leader, climate change
- John Reynolds – COSEWIC, chair of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
- Nikita Wallia – David Suzuki Foundation, spatial analysis and cartography specialist
- Sam Casey – Shake Up the Establishment, development officer and previous winner of the Future Ground Prize 2021 Youth Prize
About:
The David Suzuki Foundation (DavidSuzuki.org | @DavidSuzukiFdn) is a leading Canadian environmental non-profit organization, founded in 1990. We operate in English and French, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We collaborate with all people in Canada, including Indigenous leadership and communities, governments, businesses and individuals to find solutions to create a sustainable Canada through scientific research, traditional ecological knowledge, communications and public engagement, and innovative policy and legal solutions. Our mission is to protect nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future. We envision a day where we all act on the understanding that we are one with nature.