2 Castlegar teachers recognized with environmental education awards
Published 4:00 pm Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Two Castlegar educators have been recognized with Awards of Excellence in Environmental Education by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN).
Primary teachers Charlotte Soles and Myia Malakoff were among six educators from across the Columbia Basin who were recognized for their efforts in educating students and the public on environmental stewardship and sustainability.
“The 2025 award winners … are committed to creating opportunities for people to connect with, learn about, and learn from our amazing local environment,” said Laura Jackman, network manager for CBEEN.
“We are grateful for their dedication to bringing outdoor learning opportunities for students, professionals, and community members throughout the Columbia Basin.”
CBEEN says Soles’ innovative approach to outdoor learning has made a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader Columbia Basin community.
Through her signature Forest Fridays program, she leads her students into the forest each week to build connections with the land, explore local ecosystems, and develop curiosity and a deep sense of place — experiences she integrates back into classroom.
Soles is also a mentor to fellow educators and has presented at district-level professional development days across the Columbia Basin, traveled to Banff to share her workshop, and contributed to gatherings such as Nipika.
“Her passionate, generous, and visionary leadership continues to inspire stewardship, curiosity, and a lasting respect for the natural world in students and teachers alike,” says CBEEN.
CBEEN says Malakoff has also been a passionate and dedicated leader in outdoor learning, guiding her primary students outside on a weekly basis in all seasons and weather conditions. She is deeply committed to helping her students build meaningful connections to the land, sharing her knowledge of local plants and animals in the Millennium Park area while thoughtfully weaving in Indigenous ways of knowing, learning, and being.
Malakoff is also an advocate for environmental and social responsibility, an active member of the Kootenay Columbia Environmental Educators network, and has led and contributed to professional learning opportunities across School District 20, helping to build confidence and capacity among educators.
She has also worked alongside local Indigenous knowledge keepers to create authentic and meaningful learning experiences for her students.
“Her energy, joy, and genuine passion for environmental education have had a lasting impact on countless students. By connecting children to the natural world and creating space for curiosity, respect, and exploration, Myia has contributed significantly to the health, well-being, and sense of belonging of students in the Castlegar community,” said CBEEN.
The remaining awards were presented to Indigenous educator Mara Nelson (Ktunaxa Nation), primary teacher Bridget O’Malley (Rossland), community educatorGraeme Lee Rowlands (Golden) and community educator Amy Cross (Cranbrook).