Defending Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action

Who We Are

Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) is the oldest wilderness conservation group in Alberta dedicated to the completion of a protected areas network and the conservation of wilderness throughout the province. Founded in 1965 in rural southwest Alberta by backcountry enthusiasts, ranchers and outfitters, the AWA has grown into a province wide organization.

With more than four decades of success it is known for its tenacity, corporate memory and integrity. AWA is a non-profit, federally registered, charitable society. It has a provincial office and resource centre in Calgary and active members and volunteers throughout Alberta.

The staff of the Association includes professionals and specialists in management, conservation biology, economics, education, outreach, communications and accounting. AWA’s outreach work is achieved through communication, education, conservation and advocacy and is supported through volunteers, member and donor programs, fundraising through grants, campaigns, and events and a planned giving program.

“Wilderness exists where large areas are characterized by the dominance of natural
processes, the presence of the full complement of plant and animal communities
characteristic of the region, and the absence of human constraints on nature.”

- Alberta Wilderness Association

What We Do

• The AWA undertakes a variety of activities to achieve its environmental education and citizenship objectives.

Vision

• There will be a comprehensive system of protected wild areas.
• There will be a society with decision-making processes, policies and laws that recognize the value of nature for its own sake.
• AWA will be an effective and credible advocate that fosters awareness and helps Albertans protect wild areas and wildlife.
• AWA will have sufficient resources to speak independently on wilderness issues.

Values

• ECOCENTREDNESS
  We recognize the inherent importance of Nature and humankind’s place in it, and the role of the AWA is to be an advocate for that which cannot speak for itself.
  
• INTEGRITY
  We conduct our advocacy with truth, honesty, respect for others and within the full limits of the law.
  
• RESPECTFULNESS
  We develop rapport with individuals and communities through active listening, openness and free access to information in a democratic way.
  
• PARTICIPATION
  We promote effective environmental decision making through an empowered and knowledgeable public that is inclusive of all segments of society.
  
• TENACITY
  We will steadfastly advocate for Nature in a manner true to our principles through innovation, persistence and passion.
  
• PASSION
  We are free to feel, demonstrate and encourage an emotional and spiritual connectedness with nature.

Objectives

• Promote the protection of wildlands areas and wild rivers in Alberta in an attempt to preserve them in their natural state.
• Safeguard and work to restore the wild, natural ecosystems of Alberta.
• Enable Albertans to communicate effectively with government, industry and other sectors of society on matters concerning the wild, natural ecosystems of Alberta.
• Educate Albertans on the value, ecologically sustainable use, and conservation of wilderness, and of natural lands, water and wildlife.
• Foster among Albertans a sense of connectedness to and passion of wild places, wildlife and Alberta’s natural landscapes.