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Youth in Natural Resources

Building the Next Generation of Environmental Professionals

The Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) program connects young professionals with organizations across Canada’s environmental sector, providing hands-on experience while supporting conservation, research, and sustainable resource management.
Natural resource sectors include: the Energy Sector, Forest Sector, Mining, Minerals & Metals Sector, and Earth Sciences & Support Sector.

Explore Success Stories

1,917

placements supported

$37.7.9M

funding invested

1,659

placements targeted

1000s

environmental projects supported

Since 2019, the Youth in Natural Resources program has supported hundreds of organizations across Canada while helping emerging professionals gain real-world experience in conservation, environmental science, and natural resource management.

Supporting Canada's Natural Resource Sector

Through YNR placements, participants contribute to a wide range of environmental and conservation projects, including:

  • forest monitoring and ecosystem restoration

  • conservation research and biodiversity monitoring

  • wildlife habitat protection

  • environmental impact assessments

  • community engagement and environmental education

  • field data collection and mapping

  • environmental communications and outreach

Participants gain hands-on experience while supporting critical environmental initiatives across Canada.

The Youth in Natural Resources program connects talented young professionals with organizations across Canada’s environmental sector.

Helping Conservation Efforts Across Canada

One host organization reported that their YNR participant played a critical role in conservation efforts for endangered whitebark and limber pine in Alberta.

The participant contributed by:

  • monitoring trees across montane and foothill ecosystems

  • identifying and protecting cone-bearing trees

  • building and installing protective cages

  • collecting health and location data

  • improving field data tracking systems

The participant also worked directly with ranchers and landowners to support conservation work on private land and collaborated with partners including the Waterton Biosphere Reserve.

This placement demonstrates how YNR participants contribute directly to real environmental outcomes.

“Participating in the ECO Canada program was a very positive experience for our organization. The participant brought enthusiasm and fresh perspectives while gaining valuable hands-on experience that will serve her well in her career.”
Host Organization
“The participant demonstrated strong technical skills, improved data collection systems, and enhanced our fieldwork tracking and mapping capabilities.”
Host Organization
“The participant showed impressive communication skills working with stakeholders including First Nations communities, government representatives, and project partners.”
Host Organization
“I was given the opportunity to lead our forest monitoring program, contributing to the development of updated monitoring protocols and leading fieldwork teams.”
Participant
“I worked with volunteers across Ontario to support community initiatives, creating resources and tools to help chapters deepen their impact in local communities.”
Participant
“I developed a new radiofrequency impact assessment for wind turbine projects, allowing me to explore the company’s resources and grow into a meaningful contributor to the organization.”
Participant
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Reconnaissance des terres

Dans un esprit de respect, de réciprocité et de vérité, nous honorons et reconnaissons Moh’kinsstis, le territoire traditionnel du Traité 7 et les pratiques orales de la confédération des Pieds-Noirs : Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, ainsi que les nations Îyâxe Nakoda et Tsuut’ina. Nous reconnaissons que ce territoire abrite la Nation métisse de l’Alberta, la région 3 au sein de la patrie historique des Métis du Nord-Ouest. Enfin, nous reconnaissons toutes les nations qui vivent, travaillent et se divertissent sur ce territoire, et qui l’honorent et le célèbrent.

Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.

This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.

We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.

As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.

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