ABOUT US
CBEEN is the regional network for environmental education in the Columbia Basin.
MISSION
To encourage environmental stewardship and sustainability in the Canadian Columbia Basin by supporting environmental educators.
VISION
People in the Canadian Columbia Basin respect the natural environment and engage in sustainable activities.
GOALS
1. Maintain a vibrant and engaged network of educators in the Canadian Columbia Basin, and provide this network with excellent environmental education professional development resources and opportunities.
2. Facilitate collaboration amongst members, partner organizations, and Basin communities to effectively achieve our shared mandates and vision.
3. Undertake a process to better role model and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of Environmental Education.
4. Expand network to increase engagement with and support for early years educators.
5. Maintain a sustainable organization which has effective and ethical governance in accordance with its non-profit and charitable status.
CBEEN is a Non-Profit Society and Registered Charity.
Over a decade ago, educators from across the Canadian Columbia Basin recognized that they shared geographic and cultural links and also a common interest in environmental education (EE).
The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) was born out of this shared sense of identity and from the common desire to support and promote EE on a regional scale. Over the past 10 years CBEEN has grown from a small group of passionate educators to a large and vibrant network of educators from across the Columbia Basin and beyond.
The Canadian Columbia Basin stretches from the Okanagan in the west to the Alberta border in the east and from Valemount in the north to the United States border in the south.
The communities within this region are linked through the water and their citizens’ past and future are intertwined historically, socially, economically, and environmentally. The region is also internationally recognized for its biodiversity values. Networks like CBEEN facilitate connections and information exchange among individuals who share common interests, inspiring innovation and efficiencies at all levels. This is especially important in the largely rural context of the Canadian Columbia Basin where communities are small, geographically dispersed and resources are limited.
Staff & Board of Directors
Awards
In 2018, CBEEN’s Executive Director, Duncan Whittick, won the Canadian Environmental Education ‘Outstanding Individual in an Organization’ award. This national award is presented to an individual associated with an organization who has made a significant contribution to environmental education in Canada.
In 2018, Cheryl Lenardon (CBEEN Director) received a Canadian Award of Excellence on behalf of the Kootenay-Boundary Environmental Education Committee (KBEE), representing school districts 5, 6, 8, 10, 20 and 51. This is an initiative of the Kootenay-Boundary Chapter of the BC School Superintendents Association.
In 2014, CBEEN was successful in nominating the Columbia Basin Trust for a National Award of Excellence, recognizing their outstanding capacity building efforts of environmental education across the Columbia Basin. CBEEN had the privilege of presenting this to CBT on behalf of the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication.
In 2015, CBEEN was the sole recipient of the province-wide BC School Superintendent Association (BCSSA) Community Award of Recognition. This award recognized CBEEN’s “outstanding contributions to support and enhance public school education in the Province of British Columbia”.
In 2015, CBEEN Director Monica Nissen was named ‘Outstanding Environmental Education Non-Profit Individual’ by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) at its national conference in Canmore.
In 2013, CBEEN was named ‘Outstanding Environmental Education Membership Organization’ by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) at its national conference for its ongoing successful support of environmental education across the region.
YOU do so much for your students every day. Getting students outdoors—even for just a few minutes—can be a breath of fresh air for everyone. Studies show that outdoor learning improves emotional, intellectual, and behavioral skills. That’s why we’re excited to be partnering on #OutsideFor5, a simple way to bring the benefits of outdoor learning into YOUR day. Sign up for free resources and inspiration. YOU deserve it! www.outsidefor5.com
North American Association for Environmental Education - NAAEE ... See MoreSee Less
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Woo!!
In partnership with Strong Nations, we have made this beautiful book for young readers available! outdoorlearning.com/product/you-are-the-land/
You Are the Land reminds young readers that they are a part of the world around them. With fun, rhyming text, each page compares our physical bodies to plants, animals, and the four elements, sharing an important message: You are the Land. 🌻🌎🐾🌲 ... See MoreSee Less
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🌍 The Columbia Basin Climate Source is live and better than ever! basinclimatesource.ca/🌍 The Columbia Basin Climate Source is live and better than ever—thanks to our partnership with Selkirk Innovates!
💡 The revamped website makes it easier to explore local climate data, discover practical steps you can take at home, and learn about the projects already making a difference in your community.
🧭 What’s new?
✅ Streamlined, user-friendly design
✅ Actionable tips for reducing emissions at home
✅ Inspiring local climate solutions
💪 Together, we’re building a more climate-resilient region.
🔗 Explore the updated site and let us know what you think: basinclimatesource.ca.
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Thanks for sharing!
Sign up to go 'Outside for 5' in April, and receive resources and inspiration to help you invest in the health and well-being of your school community: www.outsidefor5.com/
Whether it's a forest, a park, or just outside your school building, there is always something to learn in nature's classroom.
Take Me Outside
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Did you know that our Outdoor Learning Store 'HQ' has expanded...again! 🤯
With the growing recognition of the importance of outdoor learning for so many reasons, we're increasing the number of excellent resources and tools that are available. 💚
We just put up our new sign - many thanks to our friends at Palliser Printing & Signs! ... See MoreSee Less
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Beautiful! So grateful for the work that you do and so encouraged to feel momentum building around you. <3
Amazing!!! Congratulations n the new space and gorgeous sign.
SUPER early bird registration is OPEN for the 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning 2025-2026 Course! 🧡 outdoorlearning.com/4-seasons/
Beginning in the Fall and running until the Spring, join an INCREDIBLE group of Indigenous presenters and partners. The first year of learning, Season 1: Foundations of Knowledge, includes:
🌳 5 hours of self-paced online learning (certificate provided)
☀ 7 virtual presentations (60 mins, once/month)
🍂Access to the presentation recordings until Sept 20, 2026
❄ $25 towards accessing excellent Indigenous Learning Resources
This course serves to support participants in deepening your understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. ... See MoreSee Less
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4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning Course - Outdoor Learning School & Store
outdoorlearning.com
An Indigenous Learning Opportunity running from Fall to Spring annually. Each year – or Season – builds on the next… Review feedback from many participants.... Beginning in the Fall and running ...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Based in Cranbrook, Amy Cross is joined by Métis elders and instructors, Marie Schoenthal and Harriet Oaks St. Pierre for this Spring Michif Introductory Online Language Course. ☀️
EVERYONE is invited to join in this learning opportunity to delve into the rich Métis heritage and acquire fundamental Michif language skills. It promises an immersive experience that celebrates and preserves Métis culture.
We aim to create a welcoming space where learners can begin their journey, build connections, and develop a foundation for future learning opportunities. 🥰
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Michif (Métis) Introductory Language Course - Spring 2025 - Outdoor Learning School & Store
outdoorlearning.com
Scroll Down to Register Spring 2025 Introductory Southern Michif Language Online Course (6 x 90 min classes) Join us for 6 interactive 90-minute online lessons on Monday evenings: Dates: Mondays […]8 CommentsComment on Facebook
I signed up but did not receive any confirmation. Can this be checked?
I wish I lived there I'd love to learn the language. I am in Brantford close to six nations. My great x6grandfather was cheif pontiac I am slowly learning about my heritage it's very interesting
That looks pretty cool 🆒
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Last chance to register! This course starts on Monday evening, and is now 95% full: outdoorlearning.com/event/ktunaxa-spring-2025/
If you want an opportunity to learn from some incredible Ktunaxa language instructors, and deepen your understanding of Ktunaxa language and culture, this is a fantastic opportunity. ☀️ ... See MoreSee Less
Ktunaxa Introductory Language Course - Spring 2025 - Outdoor Learning School & Store
outdoorlearning.com
Scroll Down to Register Ktunaxa Introductory Online Language Course – Spring 2025 Join Alfred Joseph and Mara Nelson for 8 weeks of Foundational Ktunaxa Language Learning. Learn the sounds, words [...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🪺 Early Bird Registration CLOSES on Friday, April 18 for this Spring Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators 4-session virtual course in May: outdoorlearning.com/event/braiding-sweetgrass-for-educators-spring/
After some incredible feedback from her winter course, award-winning and best-selling Indigenous author, Monique Gray Smith, is back facilitating this course. Monique is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience. ☀
These engaging and insightful online sessions will unpack the essential elements of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. which Monique adapted for a new generation of readers. outdoorlearning.com/product/braiding-sweetgrass-for-young-adults/
You will be taken on a learning journey, exploring the 6 sections of the book and the chapters within each of them, including key content for classroom and school use.
We hope you can join us on this learning journey! 🌳 ... See MoreSee Less
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