Stories

Meet our new Education Program Manager Cèilidh Smith

June, 2026

WHAT GOT YOU INTO ENVIRONMENTAL WORK?

I’ve always been drawn to the connections between people and place. Growing up in the Fraser Valley on S’ólh Téméxw, I spent a lot of time outdoors and developed a deep appreciation for our forests, watersheds, and ecosystems. Over time, I became especially interested in how climate change and environmental issues intersect with education, justice, and wellbeing.

A lot of my academic and community work thus far has focused on wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, and environmental education. What keeps me motivated is helping people feel more connected to the environments around them, and creating opportunities for learning that feel hopeful, empowering, and grounded in community.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT SCBC

As Education Program Manager, I help oversee Sierra Club BC’s environmental education programming for learners and teachers across the province. That includes supporting curriculum-linked workshops, collaborating with our incredible facilitators, and helping create educational experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and connection with nature.

One thing I really value about the program is that it encourages experiential learning. Whether students are exploring biodiversity in their schoolyard, discussing climate solutions, or learning about local ecosystems, the goal is to help make environmental learning interactive, accessible, and meaningful.

HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION?

My background in forestry, climate adaptation, and community-engaged research has really shaped how I think about education. I’m especially interested in creating learning spaces that recognize multiple ways of knowing and that encourage dialogue, reflection, and collaboration.

I’ve also had opportunities to work on projects related to wildfire and climate justice, both locally and internationally. Those experiences reinforced for me that environmental challenges are deeply interconnected with social and cultural systems, and that education can play an important role in building resilience and collective action.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

One of my favourite parts of environmental education is seeing moments of curiosity and wonder emerge in real time. Sometimes it’s a student who is unexpectedly enthralled by what they’re experiencing outside, or asking a question that sparks a much bigger conversation about ecosystems, climate, and community.

I also love seeing how creative and engaged young people are when they’re given opportunities to connect environmental issues to their own lives. There’s so much energy, insight, and imagination in those moments, and it’s incredibly inspiring to be part of them.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?

I’m excited to continue expanding opportunities for learners and educators to engage with environmental education across B.C. I’m especially interested in supporting programs and resources that help people feel connected to local ecosystems and empowered to take action in their communities.

I’m also looking forward to collaborating with teachers, students, community partners, and the broader Sierra Club BC community to keep building accessible, engaging, and hopeful educational programming in the months ahead.