Six Columbia Basin Educators Recognized
This month, CBEEN’s Awards of Excellence recognized six outstanding local educators from across the Columbia Basin region for their efforts in educating students and the public on environmental stewardship and sustainability.
“The 2025 award winners include primary teachers, community and Indigenous educators. All are committed to creating opportunities for people to connect with, learn about, and learn from our amazing local environment” said Laura Jackman, Network Manager for the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN). “We are grateful for their dedication to bringing outdoor learning opportunities for students, professionals, and community members throughout the Columbia Basin.”
CBEEN’s 2025 Awards of Excellence in Environmental Education were awarded to:
- Indigenous Educator – Mara Nelson (Ktunaxa Nation)
- Primary Teacher – Charlotte Soles (Castlegar)
- Community Educator– Graeme Lee Rowlands (Golden)
- Community Educator – Amy Cross (Cranbrook)
- Primary Teacher – Myia Malakoff (Castlegar)
- Primary Teacher – Bridget O’Malley (Rossland)
Primary teacher Myia Malakoff said, “Winning the CBEEN’s 2025 Award of Environmental Education Excellence means so much to me because it recognizes the passion, dedication, and creativity I pour into connecting little people with the natural world. This honor affirms the impact of my efforts and inspires me to continue fostering a deeper love and respect for the environment in my community.”
Indigenous educator Mara Nelson said, “This award touches something deep inside me – it honors the strength of my ancestors, my teachers and fellow learners. It carries the hope that I have for our language Isolate to live, breathe and rise in the voices of all those who will proudly speak Ktunaxa in the future. My immense gratitude to all who are walking alongside this incredible journey.”
Five of the six educators were recognized during an awards ceremony at the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference held in Banff May 7-9, 2026
