Miistakis, a Blackfoot appellation referring to Rocky Mountains of Montana/Alberta/ British Columbia, is literally translated as "backbone."

Grantee Profile

The Foundation’s support for the Miistakis Institute emanates from a recognition that for large landscape conservation to be successful over the long term there needs to exist within that landscape a balance of humankind and the natural world. Miistakis, a conservation organization affiliated with the University of Calgary, undertakes and supports pure and applied research in the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding regions, and was founded precisely with that balance in mind.

About Our Grants

The Foundation’s 2009 grant of $20,000 – part of a $350,000 commitment to three organizations working in the Yellowstone to Yukon region – supports Miistakis’ continued efforts to develop and promote projects that connect citizens, science, and decision making. Specifically, funds will underwrite education and outreach efforts with regional transportation planners and policymakers.