From Campus to Conservation: Meet Nadia

Introducing the Team at CPAWS Manitoba

Nadia Schimnowski is thrilled to be part of the conservation team at CPAWS Manitoba as the Conservation Campaign Officer.

Her deep passion for the environment has significantly shaped her educational journey. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on Northern Studies and a minor in Indigenous Studies.

Nadia’s work is profoundly influenced by the integration of Western science and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge systems, which she believes are crucial for developing effective environmental remediation tools. Her connection to nature and enthusiasm for conservation have been nurtured through a lifetime of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and travelling.

Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her family’s three dogs and two cats, going on last-minute adventures with friends and family and catching up on TV shows. One of Nadia’s new hobbies includes renovating a camper van in hopes of being able to travel across the country and visit her dream destination of Tofino, British Columbia.

Before joining the team at CPAWS, Nadia had a variety of jobs in many different fields. She worked for Fit Kids Healthy Kids, a program of Sport Manitoba, that encourages children and adult leaders to keep active through fundamental movement skills. In her time with Fit Kids, she travelled around the province, connecting with youth and leaders to create a fun and welcoming environment to encourage people to be active in life. Nadia has also had the amazing opportunity to work and travel in the Canadian Arctic where she was a student and volunteer on the research vessel Martin Bergmann in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Her time in the north has allowed her to connect with local Inuit communities and have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to sail on the Northwest Passage.

Q+A with Nadia

Read on to find out what inspires Nadia to be an advocate for nature!

1. What Is Your Main Role with CPAWS Manitoba?

As the Conservation Campaign Officer, I have a variety of tasks to keep me busy and moving! Joining the conservation team at CPAWS Manitoba chapter, I am privileged to have the opportunity to be involved in ongoing projects, campaigns, and initiatives to protect nature and wildlife in Manitoba. This includes a spectrum of activities from lending support to community events, conducting research and analysis to support ongoing projects. Additionally, I assist with administrative duties to ensure smooth operations. While I am still finding my footing in this role, I am excited to see the rewarding opportunities that lie ahead, allowing me to further support our team’s mission.

2. What Do You Hope to Achieve with Your Work?

Beginning my career in the field of environment and conservation, I ultimately aspire to gain the experience and knowledge within all fields and domains of research, policy analysis, communications and engagement in relation to nature. What I am most excited for is to be a part of this amazing team and being able to take part in the important work that is being done to protect Manitoba. Having primarily been immersed in the study and research of environmental issues, I am excited to now be actively participating in driving change. 

3. Favourite part of your job?

I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone on the CPAWS Manitoba team! It is really amazing to be a part of a group of people who are all incredibly passionate about the hard work that they are doing and their unwavering passion for environmental protection. Since joining the team relatively recently some highlights so far include being able to travel to the Fisher River area and gather for meetings with the amazing individuals in the communities. On the journey there we have been able to experience seeing the amazing wildlife along the way. These encounters have shown me the meaningful work that CPAWS is doing for these areas of our province and I look forward to being a part of this inspiring journey.

4. What Inspires You to Protect and Be an Advocate for Nature?

Growing up I have always been inspired and surrounded by the beauty of Manitoba’s natural areas. I have many fond memories of going canoeing, camping, fishing and hiking with my parents and brother, always learning more about the wonders of the natural world. My parents heavily inspired me to continue this view of life into my education where I studied Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba. Over the past few decades, I have witnessed the gradual transformation of the natural spaces that have shaped my upbringing. Seeing these changes have only continued to shape my determination for creating effective positive change in our province.

5. What are you working on in CPAWS?

Currently, I am helping the Conservation team leaders on the various current projects. Right now the projects I am helping with Include the Fisher River Conservation Initiative, helping with conservation initiatives in Churchill and supporting the initiative to protect 30% of Manitoba’s lands and water by 2030.

Fast Facts:

1. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Friendly, Creative, Kind, Outdoorsy, Fun.

2. What is your favourite outdoor activity?

Camping and fishing!

3. What is your favourite Manitoba Vacation spot?

Backcountry camping at Shoe Lake in Nopiming Provincial Park and Churchill!

4. What is your favourite Provincial park?

 I love Nopiming Provincial Park.

5. What is your favourite Winnipeg park?

Assiniboine Park.

6. What is your favourite nature documentary?

I love BBC Earth’s “Frozen Planet” (2011).

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