Mary Forbes

From landfill tours, recycling bin audits, and zero-waste pow-wows to classroom and community presentations on local flora and fauna, I bring a deep curiosity and a lifelong passion for learning to every encounter. My strengths lie in communication, education, and building meaningful relationships that drive real change.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is delivering free recycled bikes and on-site maintenance workshops in Indigenous communities across the province. What began as an initiative through the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society’s Waste Wise program has evolved into Feral Bike Recycling—a mobile bike shop in a cube truck and trailer full of free bikes, traveling wherever we’re invited.

You might also recognize my work as the Northern Coordinator for the Stream of Dreams Mural Society, where I help teach youth about watershed protection through art. If you’ve seen a rainbow fish painted on a fence, that’s part of our message: “All drains lead to fish habitat.”

My work has been recognized over the years with several honors, including a 2013 Community Achievement Award for contributions to heritage and sustainability education. In 2011, I was awarded Gold for Best Interpretive Program in a national competition hosted by Interpretation Canada for my work with Parks Canada in Lake Louise.

Earlier in my career, following graduation from Simon Fraser University, I worked with the RCMP on the high-profile Picton investigation as a search technician. I was part of the team that helped bring closure to families affected by the MMIWG crisis in Northern British Columbia—work that remains deeply meaningful to me.

Each of these experiences has shaped who I am and led me to this moment, continuing to learn, share, and create connections through education and action.

“Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” — Unknown”