Yesterday was a great day to celebrate the milestone achievement of the Great Bear Sea Project for Finance Permanence. After more than two decades of dedication, this initiative will safeguard the Great Bear Sea, ensuring cultural vibrancy, supporting resilient communities and economies. The Houssian Foundation is thrilled to have contributed to this historic initiative. We encourage you to learn more about the impact of this achievement here.
Earlier this month, I participated in a day-long gathering at Brew Creek Lodge with funders from across Canada, convened by the Tamarack Institute. The focus of the gathering was on funding initiatives rooted “in place”— meaning, funding that occurs in a specific location. This concept sparked lively discussions amongst participants about those culturally rooted in place, the impact of people being displaced and the challenges of funding in shared or contested space.
photo credit: Karen Tam Wu
Later in the month, I had the privilege of spending several enriching days with our new Program Director, Environment, Karen Tam Wu (see more below) in the East Kootenays with our grantee partner, WildSight. We saw wildlife and learned about efforts to protect important wildlife species in the Elk Valley. At the local community garden, we toured a brand new farming centre that will grow greens year round in a facility the size and shape of a shipping container. We ventured into a grove of ancient cedars in the inland temperate rainforest. The breath of the beauty was juxtaposed with the scale of our up close view of the metallurgical coal mines in the region.
One particular encounter stood out to me. We were driving on a backroad heading towards a lunch spot, when a big black pick-up truck drove past us. The driver slowed and then quickly reversed to pull up beside us. Our grantee partner said, “Not to worry, he probably just wants to know where we are headed”. In fact, when the older man, dressed in camouflage, rolled down his window and greeted our grantee partners by name and he asked if he could pay his dues to join WildSight right there and then. He shared the many reasons he cares about this region and wanted his voice included in their efforts.
It was there that I was reminded of the value of funding “in-place”, because in an environment where so much is curated online, algorithms don’t always allow our paths to cross. Funding organizations rooted and respected “in place” is an opportunity to learn how to break down barriers in order to tackle the planet’s most pressing issues.
Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate many additional site visits this summer with longstanding partners and potential collaborators. These experiences allow our team to learn and be challenged and hopefully, deepen our collective impact.
Onward,
Mira
Welcome Karen!
We are thrilled to welcome Karen Tam Wu to the Houssian Foundation team as Program Director, Environment.
Karen brings a wealth of expertise and leadership in energy and climate policy, nature conservation, and responsible forestry. Formerly with the Pembina Institute from 2015 to 2022, Karen served as Director of the Buildings and Urban Solutions Program before becoming Regional Director for B.C. Her tenure was marked by pioneering program strategies, rigorous policy research, and impactful government relations. Notably, Karen contributed to the BC Climate Solutions Council from 2017 to 2024. Karen holds a B.Sc. in Natural Resource Conservation, and was registered professional forester in B.C. until 2023. She serves on the boards of BC Hydro and the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre.
Karen’s contributions have been widely recognized, including accolades from Business in Vancouver as one of the most influential business leaders in B.C. and a Georgia Straight Trailblazer. She is a recipient of the Foresight Industry Impact Award.
Beyond her professional achievements, Karen is passionate about nature, enjoys riding her bike and adventuring in the mountains, and remains deeply engaged as a climate action advocate and policy researcher.
Karen will add invaluable expertise to our team, deepening our relationship to our climate and conservation portfolio. Please join me in welcoming her!
Celebrating the work of Houssian Foundation partners:
- Congrats to Saint James Music Academy on their Spring Concert!
- Coast Funds releases “Finance for Forests”, a report highlighting opportunities for First Nations to access and develop conservation financing
- Nature United’s work to protect Clayoquot Sound, in a major partnership announcement
- Youth Climate Corps hosted a powerful climate grief workshop for young people.
- The Building a Childcare System that Works for Immigrant and Refugee Women was a 2.5 year initiative led and hosted by PIRS. The team recently launched a final report showcasing their learnings.