Race & Nature Collective
Rethinking nature through race, migration and belonging
About Us
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Who We Are
Dr. Ambika Tenneti: Researcher whose work examines race, migration, and power in environmental governance, with a focus on community-engaged research and racial equity in nature.
Dr. Sadia Butt: Forest ecologist with over 25 years of experience in urban forestry, political ecology, and environmental governance across academic, government, and non-profit sectors. She specialises in nature education for K-12 students.
Dr. Jacqueline L. Scott: Scholar and writer on race and nature, whose work focuses on Black geographies, outdoor recreation, and environmental justice.
What We Do
We all need nature, but not everyone has access to nature. The Race & Nature Collective works to connect racialised people in Canada to nature. Our guiding principles are:
- Humans are part of nature. We are dependent on nature for our existence.
- Nature exists in its own right. When we protect nature, we protect ourselves.
- Power shapes who has access to nature. Through an intersectional lens, we work for justice and equity in nature for racialised Canadians.
- We affirm that we all live on Indigenous land in Canada. Our work supports Indigenous people, their rights and sovereignty.
Our Beliefs
With decades of experience in the nature sector we provide:
- Research and consulting - on justice and equity in nature.
- Training and workshops - on increasing diversity in nature organizations.
- Environmental writing - for literature reviews, briefing documents and investigative reports.
Publications
Race and Nature in the City
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace
Race and Nature in the City: Aging youth of colour in nature-based activities. A community-based needs assessment. Nature Canada
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace: A Political Ecology Perspective
Race in Nature Stewardship
Urban Forests, Trees, and Greenspace
Race in Nature Stewardship
Race in nature stewardship: An autoethnography of two racialised volunteers in urban ecology