Bonita Eloise Ford, M.A., B.SC.

Bonita Eloise Ford is an author, educator, and group facilitator who helps people respond to eco and climate breakdown.

Her book Embers of Hope: Embracing Life in an Age of Ecological Destruction and Climate Chaos was quickly listed as one of the “Top 20+ best all-time permaculture books by women.” Her new book, Climate Care: 7 Ways to Honor Eco Emotions, will be published by Orca Books in spring 2027.

Bonita has facilitated groups around the world for over 24 years and recently launched Climate Mental Health Network’s program for youth climate leaders. Her rich experience—teaching permaculture and gardening, practicing Nonviolent Communication, and volunteering at a community hospice—brings ecological awareness and personal sensitivity to people.

Bonita has a M.A. in Holistic Health Education from John F. Kennedy University in California, a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Queen's University in Ontario, a diploma in Permaculture from l'Université Populaire de Permaculture in France, and is certified as a Reiki Master from Lotus Wings in Ontario. She co-presented at conferences at Harvard University and Trent University; she was a guest speaker at the University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, John F. Kennedy University, and Merritt College; and she presented at international, continental, and regional Permaculture Convergences. Several of her articles were published in the Permaculture Design Magazine (formerly the Permaculture Activist).

For over 15 years through LivinghEARTH, Bonita led workshops, provided design coaching, and mentored young leaders. Bonita led several Permaculture Design Courses, mainly through Permaculture Eastern Ontario (formerly Permaculture Institute of Eastern Ontario), which she co-founded with Sébastien Bacharach and Douglas Barnes in 2011. She also co-founded Transition Perth with Sébastien in 2010.

Based in Perth, Canada, which is traditional unceded Omàmiwinini (Algonquin) territory, Bonita loves swimming in the river, eating wild foods and talking to the plants.