Métis Guardians Initiative

This Pilot funds Métis Nations to exercise their rights and responsibilities to the lands, waters, and ice of their traditional territories. It does this through on-the-ground, community-based stewardship initiatives.

Governance

The Métis portion of the Indigenous Guardians Pilot is governed through the Métis National Council’s (MNC) National Environmental Working Group. The working group is made up of representatives of the MNC’s five governments.

The working group works with Environment and Climate Change Canada to set:

• funding priorities;
• assessment criteria;
• application and selection processes; and
• program evaluation methods, measurement, and timelines.

Application process

At this time, the Indigenous Guardians Pilot Secretariat is still consulting with Indigenous partners to determine a path forward regarding upcoming Guardians and Nature-Smart Climate Solutions funding approaches.

The Secretariat will share additional information as it becomes available. We invite you to consult this webpage regularly for more updates.

Assessment criteria

Economic opportunities and training

• The initiative has direct or indirect link to the creation of economic opportunities for Métis including through jobs and training

Conservation of biodiversity

• Includes a focus on the protection and conservation of wildlife and habitat

Métis engagement in the protection of land and waters

• The overall program prioritizes stewardship of Métis lands and waters

Cultural revitalization and management

• Includes a focus on the preservation of Métis culture

Community capacity building and engagement

• Includes a strong focus on ongoing community engagement in the development and management of the initiative

Funded projects

See the Indigenous Guardians Pilot map for more information on previously funded initiatives.

For more information

• Indigenous Guardians Pilot
• Contact the Indigenous Guardians Pilot Secretariat: gardiensautochtones-indigenousguardians@ec.gc.ca