June 24, 2020

WE ARE CONSTANTLY LEARNING.

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick (Nature Trust) stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, our Black supporters, and all Black leaders and individuals in the movement for black liberation.  Within the past few weeks, many of us have joined millions around the world, demanding justice and a change to our system, as it upholds systemic racism. It is the Nature Trust’s duty to take a stand to change the system that perpetuates oppression of our community members.  

We are environmental professionals who are addressing a variety of ecological issues, and recognize that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities are experiencing the most extreme impacts of environmental mismanagement. These impacts perpetuate health risks associated with environmental deterioration, including fossil fuel extractions, inappropriate waste management, and the pollution of safe drinking water, to name a few.  

We are committed to seeking new ways to define what conservation means at the Nature Trust and to include members of the BIPOC community and incorporate their valuable perspectives. 

The Nature Trust is committed to addressing the lack of diverse voices and perspectives within our organization.

We are committed: 

  • To become a better ally for BIPOC communities and engage these communities within our work;

  • To deliver anti-racism and anti-oppression training for our staff, board, and volunteers;

  • To expand recruitment and hiring processes to focus on inclusion and diversity to gain diverse perspectives within our team;

  • To elevate BIPOC voices from our staff, community, and within our communications and engagement channels.  

With these goals, we are working towards eliminating any avenues for discrimination to occur.  We are reflecting on ourselves and want to learn from the historic mistakes relating to conservation, in order to start a new chapter. We encourage all of you to join us to be a part of the new chapter that builds on and recognizes diversity of perspectives from the BIPOC community and creates an environment that is inclusive and without prejudice. 

YOURS IN SOLIDARITY ON THE TRADITIONAL LANDS OF THE WABANAKI PEOPLE,

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick Staff and Board Members