Congratulations to Dr. Kira Hoffman for being named a Trebek Grantee from the Trebek Initiative and a National Geographic Explorer for her research Fighting Fire with Food!
About Kira
Fire ecologist Kira Hoffman aims to address Canada’s wildfire challenges through Indigenous-led fire stewardship. While wildfires pose threats to ecosystems, human lives, and property, their role in maintaining landscape diversity is often overlooked. Kira’s pioneering project within the traditional Lax’yip territory of the Gitanyow Nation seeks to explore the benefits of cultural fire practices in restoring biodiversity to forest and grassland ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of supporting Indigenous-led stewardship, especially considering that Indigenous Peoples are 40% more likely to be evacuated during wildfires.
About the Trebek Initiative
Hailing from coast to coast to coast, Trebek Grantees are sharing stories about their unique cultures and communities, and challenging the way we think and speak about Canadian and Indigenous identities; they’re delivering cutting edge scientific research; preserving the environment, wildlife and water systems through innovative technologies and inspiring a generation of youth to become change-makers.
About National Geographic Explorers
National Geographic Explorers are exceptional individuals in their fields who receive funding and support from the Society to illuminate and protect our world through their work in science, exploration, education, and storytelling. They are driven by something bigger than themselves. They see the difference between the world as it is and as it could be, and they make a choice to do something about it with courage and conviction.