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The Federation of Canadian Naturists - Who Are we?

Our Mission Statement

Who we are and what we do can be summarized through our mission statement.

The Federation of Canadian Naturists is a member-supported, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a greater understanding, acceptance and appreciation of naturism as a way of life throughout Canada

Our Official Purposes

In going beyond our basic mission statement, our official purposes define our specific, ongoing objectives. The first version of these purposes was originally part of our founding documents and have served as guideposts ever since.

To foster a belief in naturism as a way of life in harmony with nature, characterized by the practice of social nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment.
To educate and raise awareness of naturism and its many physical, psychological and social benefits through a variety of educational resources, as well as through various outreach efforts.
To represent the interests of our members and support them through a variety of resources, special events and services, including recommendations on reputable clubs and other naturist destinations.
To support our affiliated clubs in their endeavors to create more opportunities for naturist living.
To serve as a voice for naturists across Canada and an internationally recognized leader, as well as a respected authority on naturism and related issues.
To uphold the safety, privacy and dignity of individuals by maintaining standards of conduct among our members, clubs and stakeholders.
To encourage environmental stewardship at all private and public naturist venues, while fostering a greater understanding and respect for our natural environment.
To cultivate partnerships with clubs, organizations and stake holders in order to provide naturist events and other opportunities across Canada.
To defend and advance the basic rights and freedoms of naturists through legal advocacy.

Our Organizational Structure

The Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. Like other groups with this structure, it is member owned and operated. It also has the same legal obligations, which includes having a volunteer board of directors, offering membership services, and organizing an Annual General Meeting.

Our History

The earliest beginnings of the FCN go back to the mid-1980s, starting with Doug and Helen Beckett and Petra Scheller, who were naturists and fellow campers at Glen Echo in Schomberg, Ontario. They discussed ideas to form a group that would represent and unite naturists across Canada. At that time, there were no organizations that filled this need on a national scale.

Scheller and the Beckett’s shared their vision with others and in time, attracted a growing number of volunteers. In 1985, they formed a founding committee that consulted with a lawyer regarding incorporation and drafted a set of by-laws. Within a few months, they submitted an application for incorporation to Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada. Sometime later their application was approved in the form of Letters Patent, stamped with a date of March 17, 1986.

The organization has operated continuously ever since, serving as a united voice for naturists across Canada, while educating others about the benefits of their way of life.

Our Members

The FCN has hundreds of members across Canada and throughout the world. These make up individual members, as well as business members who operate naturist clubs and resorts. United by their appreciation of naturism, these members form a diverse group with a range of different ages, educational backgrounds, career paths and spiritual perspectives.

Our Partnership with La Fédération québécoise de naturisme (FQN)

The FQN was started in 1977 and primarily serves naturists in Quebec. The FCN alternatively serves naturists throughout the rest of Canada. Together, these two organizations share a membership in the International Naturist Federation (INF). They also occasionally partner on projects and events, including the Annual Naturist Festival.