How We Show Up

The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) is a national charitable organization advancing reconciliation, equity, and justice through outdoor and Land-based education and experiences. Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, CNAC aims to restore and protect the right of the Land and all people to live in reciprocal relationship.

Mission

To foster meaningful and reciprocal relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous beings, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Vision

Balance among our relationships with the Land, knowledge, and one another.

Relationship with the Land is at the heart of what we do.

Reconciliation at CNAC is a living practice, embedded in our leadership, programs, and partnerships. We uphold the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action through education and relationship-building. We understand the Land as a living relative, not a resource. CNAC’s gatherings, policies, and programs are Land-centred and guided by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.

CNAC connects facilitators, Elders, educators, and families in reciprocal learning spaces rooted in care, respect, and shared responsibility. Our partnerships are grounded in long-term relationship, mutual respect, and shared accountability. We work alongside equity-deserving communities and national allies to co-create meaningful change. CNAC shares regular updates through storytelling, annual accountability reports, and open dialogue, ensuring transparency and trust. Our ongoing evolution is guided by community feedback and grounded in relational accountability.

Courses and Workshops

We connect people to Land and to each other through learning, leadership, and community partnership. Our facilitators and educators work across the country to help children and adults rediscover the Land as teachers.

Read More

Cours et ateliers

Nous connectons les gens à la Terre et les uns aux autres grâce à l’apprentissage, au leadership et aux partenariats communautaires. Nos animateurs et éducateurs travaillent à travers le pays pour aider les enfants et les adultes à redécouvrir la Terre en tant qu’enseignants.

En savoir plus

Join the CNAC Membership Program

Become part of a thriving community of outdoor educators dedicated to connecting children with the Land through nature-based education.

The CNAC Membership Program is your virtual campfire circle; a space to connect, collaborate, and grow. As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive resources, webinars, and events designed to support your growth, as well as discounts on CNAC services and partner promotions. You’ll also gain access to job listings in outdoor education and connect with a vibrant network of like-minded educators.

Learn More!
Uncategorized
August 20, 2025

A Day at the Practitioners Course in Foresters Falls

Written by Karlin Villasis Earlier this July, we gathered with participants from the Forest and…
Read More
Uncategorized
August 16, 2024

Where are They Now? – Arija Bunkis, Out and About FNS

In this series, we catch up with past participants of our Forest School Course to…
Read More
Uncategorized
May 17, 2024

A Day in the Course: Forest School Training at Willowgrove Farm

Written by Paige Deasley This past March, we kicked off a record year of Forest…
Read More
Uncategorized
July 20, 2021

The Unspoken Words of Risky Play

By Rebecca Seiling   The language we use is important. Helpful tools, like this CNAC…
Read More