Land Acknowledgement
As an organization focused on land stewardship, we give gratitude to the land, water and animals for all the gifts they give. We believe that all living beings - from plant to animal to human - have an innate, reciprocal relationship with the land, and have intrinsic value. We are committed to honouring the natural law and respecting the honourable harvest. These Anishinaabe principles guide us in our interactions with the natural world, emphasizing reciprocity, respect and sustainability.
For thousands of years, this land has been and continues to be the home to many diverse First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. We acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of this land, and our shared responsibility to care for the land for future generations.
We acknowledge that our office in Toronto is situated on the occupied territories of many nations including:
- Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
- The Anishinabek
- The Chippewa
- The Haudenosaunee
- The Wendat peoples
Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We recognize our obligation as treaty people to uphold our treaty responsibilities.
We extend this acknowledgement recognizing that not all people came to these lands as migrants and settlers. LEAF is located in Ontario (formerly Upper Canada), and we recognize that this province participated in the transatlantic slave trade, which forced peoples of African descent to perform stolen labour for more than 200 years. This legacy continues to impact the lives of the African diaspora in Canada, through systemic anti-Black racism, and we commit to working towards justice, equity, and reconciliation.
LEAF Culture
Our Values
The LEAF team is made up of staff members, a volunteer board of directors and many other community volunteers. We are passionate about planting trees, fostering stewardship and engaging communities. Much like a forest ecosystem, we strive to build a team that is diverse, adaptive, resilient and strong.
The following values guide our work:
Accountability
- We strive to be self-aware, acknowledge mistakes and make improvements.
- We remember that it’s not just about the intention of our actions, but the impact they have.
- We recognize the importance of setting clear targets and goals.
Diversity and Inclusion
- We recognize the value and strength of a diverse team.
- We acknowledge the colonial systems that exist within the environmental community and strive to challenge them.
- We acknowledge the diverse experiences, knowledge and perspectives of racialized and Indigenous communities and incorporate them into programs and policies.
Communication
- We are proactive and direct in maintaining open communication among team members and program participants.
- We challenge our assumptions and shift our judgements to curiosity.
Support
- We recognize everyone’s individual value, regardless of their position within the LEAF community.
- We embrace different strengths and work styles and seek ways to complement one another.
- We encourage and embrace professional growth and autonomy.
- We celebrate our collective and individual efforts and accomplishments.
Care
- We proactively prioritize mental and physical health.
- We are honest about our limits and understanding of others limits.
Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Committee (RAAR)
Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Committee
Our Reconciliation and Anti-racism Committee (RAAR) was established to facilitate ongoing learning and action for employees and board members. Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, this work is long-term and we are committed to growing programs and policies that reflect the diverse experiences of the communities we serve.
Key accomplishments include:
- Conducting an employee and board survey to identify strengths and areas for growth
- Supporting LEAF’s leadership team to implement tangible, organization-wide changes for the short and long term
- Incorporating anti-racism and reconciliation training into onboarding as well as annual team training plans
Workplace Wellness Committee (WWC)
Workplace Wellness Committee
The Workplace Wellness Committee (WWC) was established to promote holistic employee well-being, foster a positive employee experience, champion an inclusive culture and drive organizational success. Every two years, the WWC conducts an employee survey to identify our strengths and identify areas for improvement. The results shape an action plan with tangible goals to improve employee well-being.
Key accomplishments include:
- Developing a Psychological Health and Safety Policy
- Establishing LEAF’s Workplace Culture Values
- Improving employee compensation
- Equipping employees with tools and resources for remote work, work-life balance and self-care
- Incorporating training into onboarding as well as annual team training plans
Our Story
In 1996, LEAF’s journey began when founder Janet McKay started a tree sapling distribution project to help her Toronto neighbours plant native trees. While the project was popular, many saplings didn’t survive. When Janet visited participants’ yards, she discovered a variety of challenges: trees planted too close to buildings or other trees; species that required full sun planted in shade; trees still sitting in pots on porches; or, in some cases, no tree at all!
This experience inspired Janet to create the Backyard Tree Planting Program (BYTP). Over the next few years, she secured funding and hired teams of youth, who were trained to properly site and plant trees. This approach significantly improved tree survival rates. Through this process, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) was born.
As interest grew, so did LEAF. Community tree planting events on public lands began in 2004. Shortly after that, in 2006, educational programs were added, including the Tree Tenders Training Program and guided Tree Tours. Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens, maintained by volunteers, were established at several TTC stations in 2010. In 2015, LEAF introduced youth training and mentorship programs, starting with the Young Urban Forest Leaders Program, followed later by the Young Ravine Leaders Program. By 2018, LEAF began to focus on tree equity through the Toronto Community Housing Planting and Stewardship Program. This work continues to deepen, with targeted efforts to engage communities in equity-denied neighbourhoods beginning in 2023.
Today LEAF is a thriving organization that offers programs in Toronto, York Region and Durham Region. Recognized for connecting people with trees, LEAF brings together thousands of program participants, volunteers and donors each year to build a future where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest.