1/2 Beluga Whales are known as the "canaries of the sea" - early mariners could hear their clicks, whistles and squeals right through the hulls of their ships. Born dark grey, they slowly turn white as they mature, a process that takes about seven years 🐳

"Is this thing on?" 🦌 This curious moose wants to know why you're not subscribed to our newsletter yet - don't leave him hanging! 📩 Subscribe today: https://f.mtr.cool/llnxyaicph

2/3 A White-crowned Sparrow clutching a hard-won catch at Boundary Bay in the Fraser River Estuary KBA, BC. And Semipalmated Sandpipers zigzagging over the Upper Chignecto Bay KBA, NB on their fall migration - a flock in full flight, and a perfect note to end on 🐦

1/3 We close out this round of #2025KBAPhotoContest Honourable Mentions in three very different corners of Canada 🪽 Tundra flora pushing through the Arctic ground in Wapusk National Park and Area candidate KBA, MB - small, stubborn, and worth every bit of protection.

(2/2) Despite the presence of rare & threatened species, 79% of the lands & waters within these KBAs are unprotected. KBA designation doesn't create legal protection, but it provides evidence to help drive advocacy.  Learn more at: https://f.mtr.cool/gfmgazkaqr 📸 Sarah Gardner/Jeff White

(1/2) Twenty‑five sites, spanning over 2,500 km² in Nova Scotia, have been nationally recognized as Key Biodiversity Areas - home to species like the Piping Plover, Blanding’s Turtle, and rare lichens 🌎 @birdscanada.bsky.social 📸 Oliver Prowse/Dwayne Sabine

(4/4) The takeaway: big‑picture, long‑term planning that meaningfully incorporates Indigenous‑led land‑use planning & stewardship is essential to avoid irreversible harm. To keep learning, explore Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(3/4) The court found that cumulative effects of development can infringe Treaty rights, even where individual projects were consulted and approved. #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(2/4) Decades of overlapping industrial activities cumulatively degraded Blueberry River First Nation’s ability to meaningfully exercise Treaty rights #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(1/4) The final part of our mini‑series on Canadian law & Indigenous rights returns to BC and the Yahey Decision (2021) #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(3/3) Our work reflects this by building relationships early, supporting collaborative planning, and advancing Free, Prior & Informed Consent #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(2/3) It established a duty to consult when Crown decisions could affect Indigenous rights. That duty means engaging early, not after decisions are made #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(1/3) Part three of our mini-series on Canadian law to mark National Indigenous History Month focuses on the Haida Decision of 2004 #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(1/2) It's a delight to hear Taylor Galvin and Mary‑Jo Michell reflect on how the First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship shaped their work and strengthened their connection to community & stewardship.

2/2 A Sycamore standing bare in winter at the West End of Lake Ontario KBA (ON) - all branches and patience. And Sable Island National Park Reserve KBA (NS) from above - grey seals like pebbles, wild horses barely visible, waves reduced to fabric wrinkles #HonourableMentions

1/2 Some places stop you before you even raise your camera 🌌 #2025KBAPhotoContest Mount Monolith breaking through cloud on a clear fall morning in Tombstone Territorial Park KBA, YK. The Milky Way rising above a home in Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, ON - currently being assessed for KBA designation.

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day - a day to honour & celebrate First Nations, Inuit & Métis peoples. Visit our website for a list of resources to support your learning journey, including events, podcasts, films, and more! 📸 Peter Soroye 🎨 Grace Swain

2/2 On Burrard Inlet, Surf Scoters drift across glassy water in the English Bay, Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound KBA (BC) - coastal mountains rising behind them. And in the Wapusk National Park and Area candidate KBA (MB): two polar bears mid-spar against tundra, boreal forest, and Arctic waters 🐻‍❄️

1/2 Rattlesnakes, scoters, a fox, and polar bears 🐻‍❄️ This round of #2025KBAPhotoContest Honourable Mentions captures unexpected encounters - a fox and young woodland caribou face-to-face in northern Newfoundland, and a Prairie Rattlesnake basking roadside in Grasslands National Park KBA (SK).

There's still time to submit your application for the First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship!  Our recent information webinar, where you can learn more about the opportunity, is now available on YouTube: https://f.mtr.cool/zusvnzilgt

(3/3) As industrial development accelerates across Canada, this ruling is a reminder: engage Indigenous Nations before land-use decisions are locked in, not after projects are already underway #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(2/3) In Yukon, mineral claims & early exploration were happening without prior consultation, even though those activities can cause significant downstream ecological impacts. Early-stage engagement matters. #IndigenousHistoryMonth

(1/3) Part 2 of our mini-series on Canadian law & Indigenous rights takes us to Yukon circa 2012. The Ross River Dena Council case confirmed the duty to consult applies at early stages of development #IndigenousHistoryMonth

The designation isn't automatic protection, but it's a powerful case for why this river deserves it. Learn more about the Squamish River KBA ↓ https://f.mtr.cool/vsobxunuty

A rare moss. Thousands of gulls. Hundreds of Bald Eagles. Salmon returning season after season 🌊 The Squamish River recently became a Key Biodiversity Area, one of Canada's most important places for nature, a site of global significance for several species - and long overdue for recognition 🧵

2/2 Across the country in the Quoddy Region KBA (NB), a Great Blue Heron hunts by night, caught in long exposure on Barnes Island. And deep in the Tofino Mudflats KBA (BC), an entire world in a few square centimetres, liverworts, claw-moss & a tiny black mite hiding in the green #HonourableMentions

1/2 This round of #2025KBAPhotoContest images take us from forest floor to ocean 🌊 Two Orcas surfacing off Vancouver Island, dorsal fins cutting through still water. In Grasslands National Park KBA (SK), two Sharp-tailed Grouse locked in a lekking standoff, all puffed chests & stamping feet.

Want to know more about the First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship? Then join our information session on Monday!  Join leaders from the host organizations and members of the Aunties Circle to learn what makes the First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship unique.

This #WorldOceansDay, our Arctic team is monitoring seals & other marine mammals across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Warming temperatures, melting sea ice, and increasing vessel traffic are reshaping the Arctic Ocean. Understanding what's happening is what drives our work 🌊 #Arctic

(1/2) This week, Justina Ray stood with leaders of other nature & climate orgs to stand against the federal government's proposals for major project reforms. Canada won't build major projects faster by pretending ecological risk can be pushed aside/managed after decisions are made.  📸 Dave Chan