Indigenous Guardians map
Initiatives funded though Indigenous Guardians. They will provide Indigenous Peoples with greater opportunity to exercise responsibility in stewardship of their traditional lands, waters, and ice.
2018-19
Program title |
Proponent |
Description |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Nlaka'pamux Guardians Program |
The Nlaka’pamux Guardians are trained to provide regional coordination and support through a resource stewardship program, and work to establish a regional community-based monitoring system. |
Merritt, BC |
|
Tseshaht - BeachKeeper Program |
This initiative provides training for Guardians who will serve as ambassadors for their traditional lands and culture. The Guardians serve to provide cultural interpretation, maintenance, cleaning, and wildlife monitoring within the Broken Group Islands. |
Port Alberni, BC |
|
Kitchissippi Watershed Lake Trout Monitoring Project |
This initiative draws on Indigenous Knowledge from Algonquin Elders and land-users to explore environmental changes observed over time. |
Pembroke, ON |
|
Community Based Monitoring Program |
This initiative combines Indigenous Knowledge with scientific monitoring to observe changes to water quality and quantity, navigational safety, climate related winter conditions, and wild foods of concern. |
Fort Chipewyan, AB |
|
Tribal Park Guardian Program |
Tribal Park Guardians support the well-being of Tla-O-Qui-Aht peoples and the environment, through tribal park monitoring and enforcement, tourism guiding and management, and reconnecting people to the Territory. |
Tofino, BC |
|
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site - Land Guardians |
The Lands Guardians initiative works closely with existing land users and contributes to Pimachiowin Aki’s core programs. It ensures that monitoring practices meet the requirements of its UNESCO World Heritage designation |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Coastal Guardian Watchmen |
The Coastal Guardian Watchmen protect and manage the ecosystems that sustain their community and culture. They assist with the observation of environmental laws and regulations, and work to educate resource users and tourists. |
Vancouver, BC |
|
Tahltan Community-Based Climate Change monitoring program |
The Tahltan Community-Based Climate Change monitoring initiative addresses climate change concerns using woodland caribou seasonal movements and range use, climate data, and community and Indigenous Knowledge. |
Dease Lake, BC |
|
Natural Resources Aboriginal Fisheries Guardians Program |
Miawpukek Guardians monitor traditional salmon rivers and ponds, wildlife, plants, and species at risk. Education and peer learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, including with youth and Elders is emphasized. |
Conne River, NL |
|
Collaborative community-based monitoring of climate change impacts on nearshore ecosystems to inform adaptive management on the Central Coast |
This initiative focuses on training Guardians to monitor key near-shore species and habitats critical to their food security, social, cultural, and economic well-being, and the associated climate change indicators that might be affecting them. |
Squamish, BC |
|
Inuvik / Tuktoyaktuk community Fishery Plan |
Junior and senior fish monitors from both communities patrol the highway between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk to ensure that people traveling and fishing along the highway are aware of the community hunters and trapper’s fishery plan. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Fort Folly Habitat Recovery |
This initiative promotes the role of Indigenous peoples in evaluating ecosystem health and restoring species and their habitats. |
Fort Folly, NB |
|
Taking Our Pulse Fort Nelson First Nation Elder-Youth Focused Monitoring Program |
Elders share knowledge with youth in a monitoring program helping to establish a meaningful wildlife data baseline and track change in areas with high cultural and ecological value in their territory, as part of their overall tracking of - and targeted response to - climate change. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Monitoring Climate Change in Nitassinan: Learning to Adapt to an Uncertain Future |
This initiative covers several Innu protected areas across Nitassinan – the Innu traditional territory - and builds upon the establishment of the Akami-Uapishku, Mealy Mountains, and National Park Reserve. The initiative also seeks to expand Guardians activities, including combining Indigenous and Western Knowledge, as well as empower Elder-youth engagement. |
Natuashish, NL |
|
Watching the Land: Knowing the Impacts of Climate Change |
This initiative builds technical capacity within the K’átl’odeeche First Nation specific to climate monitoring research and helps fund the climate monitoring component of the current Guardian initiative. |
Hay River, NT |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship |
The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has started an innovative Métis Youth Boreal Stewardship initiative. It focuses on environmental and ecological renewal efforts that engage youth for education, training and employment. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Developing a community-based Regional Guardians Program in Our Homelands |
This initiative developed and established a Regional Guardians Program created by the nine Matawa member First Nations to meet individual and collective environmental monitoring and land management needs. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources/The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq Parks Guardian Program |
This initiative enables Mi'kmaq communities to participate in resource management beyond their current roles in research and habitat enhancement. |
Truro, NS |
|
Misipawistik Cree Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative helps the Misipawistik Cree Nation monitor the ecological health of, and manage, their lands. The initiative focuses on controlling overhunting and overfishing in the area by establishing a monitor and Guardian presence, including ice fishing over winter. |
Grand Rapids, MB |
|
Mushegowuk Guardian Program |
This Guardians initiative enables youth, Elders and harvesters to work with environmental stewards using Indigenous Knowledge to collect information on climate change for mapping purposes. |
Moose Factory, ON |
|
Keepers of the Land |
Sahtú Dene Council Guardians have increased their visible presence throughout their lands and monitor changes taking place on their lands. This initiative educates Guardians in the enforcement of Dene laws and codes, as well as maintenance of trails and camps. |
Tulita, NT |
|
Tŝilhqot'in Nation pilot Indigenous Guardian program |
This initiative expands a Guardians program into the Dasiqox Tribal Park to integrate the initiatives of the Tŝilhqot'in National Government and its communities. |
Williams Lake, BC |
|
Resource Protection Program |
This initiative protects and patrols the traditional territory of Walpole Island First Nations, including traditional water, forests, marshes and wildlife, specifically conserving tallgrass prairie and medicines. It also takes action to enforce fishing and hunting permits and public safety while facilitating education and networking opportunities for potential Guardians. |
Walpole Island, ON |
|
Innu Nation of Quebec Guardian Program |
This initiative covers all nine communities of the Innu Nations of Québec and establishes Indigenous Guardians in each community. The Guardians work to mitigate climate impacts and conserve traditional lands. |
Sept-Îles, QC |
|
Community-based Monitoring of Climate Change Impacts on Water Quantity and Quality and Wind Resources |
This comprehensive community-based climate monitoring initiative integrates scientifically robust climatic data and Indigenous Knowledge into land use planning processes. One of the main goals is to better inform Quatsino Nation’s community adaptation actions for future land use planning and policy development initiatives. |
Coal Harbour, BC |
|
Dane nan yḗ dāh Land Guardian Program |
This initiative establishes baseline water monitoring sites to be identified in 5-10 priority water bodies within the Liard River watershed. Training and education initiatives increase the capacity of their current members to assist in land and resource decision making. |
Lower Post, BC |
|
Inuit Marine Monitoring Program |
This pilot initiative aims to collect information about vessel traffic in key areas around Nunavut to inform the public about the effect it has on Arctic waters and wildlife. |
Iqaluit, NU |
|
Youth Leadership Program |
This initiative will reinvigorate a student program and allow participants to learn from Guardians and monitor existing environmental stressors, observe changes to the natural environment and actions to conserve their traditional territory. |
Nain, NL |
2019-20
Program title |
Proponent |
Description |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Askîy |
This initiative continues to support the pilot initiative to identify and monitor environmental indicators on culturally important and sensitive areas for Alberta Métis. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Supporting Métis Guardians to protect the land and waters in British Columbia |
This initiative supports programs on the land that have been identified as key initiatives. These may include habitat/species monitoring, habitat enhancement, and programs connecting youth and Elders to the land. The initiative aims to share knowledge through a gathering to bring everyone together to discuss the Guardians programs, highlight past years, and identify next steps. |
Surrey, BC |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Project |
This initiative continues the development of the Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship initiative. The initiative focuses on environmental protection and preservation through hands-on learning. This equips youth to address climate change impacts. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
The Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Project |
This initiative trains Métis youth alongside Métis knowledge holders and land users to conduct land and water environmental monitoring techniques that bridge STEM methodologies with Métis Indigenous Knowledge and land use practices. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
MN-S Indigenous Guardian Project |
This initiative creates procedures for communication and engagement, and defines duty to consult for partnerships with proponents, regulators, and the Crown. It sets up community monitoring systems by training local monitors to look into areas of concern and/or data gaps. It also updates community emergency response projects, and trains Métis Nation and Saskatchewan citizens in emergency response. |
Saskatoon, SK |
|
Scia’new Guardian Project |
This initiative allows for long term species monitoring and the development of long-term monitoring projects for marine life in their traditional lands and waters. |
Sooke, BC |
|
Dene Tha' Guardian Project |
This initiative supports current monitoring efforts to help set goals and ensure the effective management of Dene Tha’ lands and waters. |
Chateh, AB |
|
Eastmain Cree Nation |
This initiative aims to help the community be more proactive in managing their territory, develop local capacity, expand Indigenous Knowledge, and have more influence on new industrial developments. |
Nemaska, QC |
|
Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Guardians Project |
This initiative helps conserve a dwindling population of free roaming plains bison: the Sturgeon River Plains bison herd, which uses private lands and the southwest corner of the Prince Albert National Park. |
Leask, SK |
|
P'egp'ig'lha Guardian Program |
This initiative gathers information on the human impact in the Northern St’át’imc area to help guide governance decision-making. It also identifies the key environmental issues in the territory so that decisions are made based on what is happening on the ground. It also informs local organizations and tourists about T’ít’q’et’s responsibilities to the land. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Southern Dakelh Guardians Project |
This initiative establishes systems for the communities to collect data in a way that is more meaningful to Indigenous priorities. This is done by collecting environmental data for a better understanding of traditional resources, as well as research projects. The initiative also serves to strengthen ties between the four nation members: Nazko, Lhtako Dene, Lhoosk'uz Dene, and the Ulkatcho. |
Williams Lake, BC |
|
Tataskweyak Cree Nation Guardians Project |
This initiative aims to support the Nation's assertion of their treaty rights and title, and ensures health and security for their land, water and people. This initiative results in education, employment opportunities and renewed relationship between TCN people and their land. |
Split Lake, MB |
|
Upper Similkameen Guardians Project |
This initiative protects the lands, the siwɬkw (water) and the animals through the collection of information. It allows the Upper Similkameen Indian Band the opportunity to launch projects that offer meaningful data collection, combined with Indigenous Knowledge. |
Hedley, BC |
|
Weenusk Guardians Project |
This initiative builds the Weenusk First Nation community’s capacity to monitor, analyze, and determine what happens within their traditional lands in relation to the flora, fauna, and resources. |
Peawanuck, ON |
|
Yellowknives Dene Guardians Project |
This initiative allows for more formal stewardship activities over the Yellowknives Dene First Nation traditional lands. This will help ensure that the environmental impacts of human activities are sustainable and preserve the social, cultural, and ecological relationships they have maintained with their environment for millennia. |
Yellowknife, NT |
|
Fort Nelson First Nation Guardian project |
This initiative increases understanding and timely response to ecological change and its causes. It allows for informed decision-making about human activities and land use in Fort Nelson First Nation territory; and empowers the next generation of leaders and stewards. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians |
This initiative employs more Gitanyow people as guardians of their territory while developing their skills, education and capacity in enforcement, environmental monitoring and restoration. |
Kitwanga, BC |
|
Nahendeh Kehotsendi |
This initiative establishes a land monitoring project, based on Indigenous Knowledge and experience. However, it uses contemporary technology and techniques as required. This will help develop a knowledge base that can be used to guide land management decisions by the K’átł’odeeche First Nation and other governments. |
Hay River, NT |
|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Aki Sibi Guardian Initiative |
This initiative monitors all activities and overall health of the territories, including baseline data, and follow-up. It also aims to transfer knowledge between the generations and increase capacity in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community through training and education. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay |
This initiative continues long-term monitoring studies of vulnerable Species at Risk. It also monitors the impacts of climate change on the habitats within the UNESCO designated biosphere reserve in which the Magnetawan First Nation is located. |
Magnetawan, ON |
|
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian project |
This initiative provides culturally based educational opportunities for youth and Elders to come together. It also provides information to assist the Mikisew Cree First Nation in stewarding their land. It informs their position in using a process that includes land management policies. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
|
Xaxli’p Range Riders |
The Xaxli’p Range Riders monitor and care for their territory including protecting the land through regular range patrols, involving and educating the community and youth on their way of life and special projects such as the Xaxli’p cabin project and Xaxli’p Youth Culture Camps. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Coastal Stewardship Network |
The Network improves the capacity of First Nations to create land and marine plans and agreements. It also improves the capacity of stewardship offices in strategic and operational aspects of resource management; and increases First Nation stewardship authority. |
Vancouver, BC |
|
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
The Network builds community capacity to empower Matawa First Nations to actively manage their homelands and traditional territories through a network of community environmental monitors. These monitors are the eyes and ears on the lands and waters. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
This initiative uses the strategy set out in Pimachiowin Aki management plans, including protection of biodiversity and imperiled species and places, local economic development, and Elders and youth working together. It also includes the recovery of Pimachiowin Aki cultural tradition of caring for the land, and compliance with laws for moose hunting, fishing, cabin construction, litter control, wild rice growing and harvesting, and protection and preservation of sacred sites. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Nę K'ǝ́dı́Ke - Keepers of the Land Network |
This initiative contributes to health, economic development, expanded employment, food security, local and regional governance, reconciliation, and cultural and spiritual integrity for Sahtú Dene Nations. |
Délı̨ne, NT |
|
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Land Guardian Network |
This initiative expands on the existing community Guardian project network, which has been largely restricted to fisheries management. It provides a more holistic management approach that is more in-line with traditional First Nations management practices. |
Sydney, NS |
|
Munaqsi Community Based Monitoring Project |
This initiative uses local Indigenous Knowledge to better understand harvesting patterns. Guardians funding will allow Inuvialuit monitors to monitor year-round and collect data on land hazards by working with local community monitors and community members. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Nunavik Guardians Project |
This initiative prioritizes the development of tools to ensure an organised approach to data collection by the Guardians (e.g. booklets, questionnaires, photo-references, etc.). This toolkit is developed in partnership between Makivik Corporation (including the Nunavik Research Center) and the Kativik Regional Government. |
Nunavik, QC |
|
Hebron Ambassador Project and Nain Conservation Officers |
This initiative conducts economic activities and training, cultural revitalization and management, Inuit engagement in conservation of biodiversity and community capacity building. |
Nain, NL |
|
Supporting community engagement and capacity for the long-term monitoring and management of fish resources |
Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association Hunters and Trappers Organization |
This initiative employs Guardians to ensure the increase in capacity for long-term species monitoring. It also helps develop long-term monitoring projects for important traditional subsistence food resources. |
Kugluktuk, NU |
Community Monitoring of Caribou |
This initiative aims to influence decisions to conserve caribou in Qikiqtaaluk Region, while respecting Inuit values. Members in Inuit communities will be hired and trained as Caribou Guardians to interview local elders and hunters for their Indigenous Knowledge. |
Iqaluit, NU |
|
Ujjiqsuiniq Young Hunters Project |
This initiative hires and trains Guardians to collect data to better understand the impacts of climate change on wildlife populations. They train youth, and through them, community members in data analysis to plan for a sustainable future. |
Arviat, NU |
2020-21
| Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Munaqusi Community Based Monitoring Project |
This initiative uses local Indigenous Knowledge to better understand harvesting patterns. Guardians funding will allow Inuvialuit monitors to monitor year-round and collect data on land hazards by working with local community monitors and community members. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Nunavik Guardians Project |
This initiative prioritizes the development of tools to ensure an organised approach to data collection by the Guardians (e.g. booklets, questionnaires, photo-references, etc.). This toolkit is developed in partnership between Makivik Corporation (including the Nunavik Research Center) and the Kativik Regional Government. |
Nunavik, QC |
|
Hebron Ambassador Project and Nain Conservation Officers |
This initiative conducts economic activities and training, cultural revitalization and management, Inuit engagement in conservation of biodiversity and community capacity building. |
Nain, NL |
|
Supporting community engagement and capacity for the long-term monitoring and management of fish resources |
Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association Hunters and Trappers Organization |
This initiative employs Guardians to ensure the increase in capacity for long-term species monitoring. It also helps develop long-term monitoring projects for important traditional subsistence food resources. |
Kugluktuk, NU |
Community Monitoring of Caribou |
This initiative aims to influence decisions to conserve caribou in Qikiqtaaluk Region, while respecting Inuit values. Members in Inuit communities will be hired and trained as Caribou Guardians to interview local elders and hunters for their Indigenous Knowledge. |
Iqaluit, NU |
|
Ujjiqsuiniq Young Hunters Project |
This initiative hires and trains Guardians to collect data to better understand the impacts of climate change on wildlife populations. They train youth, and through them, community members in data analysis to plan for a sustainable future. |
Arviat,NU |
|
Lennox Island First Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative aims to increase awareness of coastal resource stewardship responsibilities, provide employment opportunities and cultural revitalization. The Guardians program will engage youth in conservation efforts and will also serve as a platform to develop and maintain cooperative relationships between Guardians, commercial fishermen and band members |
Lennox Island, PE |
|
Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick Guardian Program |
This initiative will promote and advance Wolastoqiyik co-management of Wolastoq (St. John River) through conservation, stewardship, and education. Guardians will work closely with Youth, Elders and land users to enhance intergenerational collaboration by sharing Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science. |
Fredericton, NB |
|
Atiku-napeu |
The initiative intends to protect the Essipit ‘Nitassinan’ by monitoring the land and its resources, ensure the respect of traditional Innu practices by implementing an Elder Committee, and collaborating with various partners and nearby Nations to protect the land. The initiative will also focus on providing employment opportunities and encourage knowledge transfer between Elders and Youth. |
Essipit, QC |
|
Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Guardian Program |
The initiative will increase community capacity to formally monitor flora, fauna, cultural sites and human land uses by sharing Traditional Ecological Knowledge, practices and values. Restoration of heritage routes is also a priority to facilitate low-impact uses of land such as eco-tourism and traditional harvesting. |
Grassy Narrows, ON |
|
Shkakamik Kwe Genwenmajig |
The initiative intends to establish monthly monitoring patrols on the land, organize on-reserve events to raise awareness on sustainable harvesting and habitat protection, promote dialogue on climate change between Guardians and Elders and support Youth learning activities to enhance their cultural identity. |
Manitoulin Island, ON |
|
Fox Lake Cree Nation Guardian Program |
The initiative hopes to re-establish traditional authority with a strong desire to connect youth to Elders, preserve lands through monitoring and integration of traditional ecological knowledge with new environmental initiatives, build capacity and increase economic opportunities for the community. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Westbank First Nation Guardian Program |
The initiative will build capacity and provide employment opportunities by strengthening Westbank First Nation’s jurisdiction and right to self-determination on traditional territory through the protection of sacred archeological sites, the management of invasive species and ongoing monitoring of habitat restoration. |
Kelowna, BC |
|
Williams Lake Indian Band Guardian Program |
The initiative intends to ensure community protocols are respected to provide environmental protection of fish and wildlife use, Traditional Use Studies and knowledge transfer to monitor fire activity and build relationships with nearby First Nations. |
Williams Lake, BC |
|
Ditidaht First Nation Guardian Program |
The initiative hopes to ensure the biological and cultural richness of Ditidaht traditional territory by monitoring and documenting the existing state of fish, wildlife and plant species and associated habitats. Guardian activities will include the transfer of knowledge to the community while using traditional names and using methods that will least affect the land for future generations. |
Vancouver Island, BC |
|
Kluane First Nation Guardian Program |
The initiative will collect data and develop various management plans for enhancement and protection of wildlife populations, including moose and caribou. This information will ultimately inform community decision-making and participation in the environmental assessment process for essential and traditional food sources. |
Burwash Landing, YT |
|
Fort Nelson First Nation Guardian project |
This initiative increases understanding and timely response to ecological change and its causes. It allows for informed decision-making about human activities and land use in Fort Nelson First Nation territory; and empowers the next generation of leaders and stewards. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians |
This initiative employs more Gitanyow people as guardians of their territory while developing their skills, education and capacity in enforcement, environmental monitoring and restoration. |
Kitwanga, BC |
|
Nahendeh Kehotsendi |
This initiative establishes a land monitoring project, based on Indigenous Knowledge and experience. However, it uses contemporary technology and techniques as required. This will help develop a knowledge base that can be used to guide land management decisions by the K’átł’odeeche First Nation and other governments. |
Hay River, NT |
|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Aki Sibi Guardian Initiative |
This initiative monitors all activities and overall health of the territories, including baseline data, and follow-up. It also aims to transfer knowledge between the generations and increase capacity in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community through training and education. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay |
This initiative continues long-term monitoring studies of vulnerable Species at Risk. It also monitors the impacts of climate change on the habitats within the UNESCO designated biosphere reserve in which the Magnetawan First Nation is located. |
Magnetawan, ON |
|
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian project |
This initiative provides culturally based educational opportunities for youth and Elders to come together. It also provides information to assist the Mikisew Cree First Nation in stewarding their land. It informs their position in using a process that includes land management policies. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
|
Xaxli’p Range Riders |
The Xaxli’p Range Riders monitor and care for their territory including protecting the land through regular range patrols, involving and educating the community and youth on their way of life and special projects such as the Xaxli’p cabin project and Xaxli’p Youth Culture Camps. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Coastal Stewardship Network |
The Network improves the capacity of First Nations to create land and marine plans and agreements. It also improves the capacity of stewardship offices in strategic and operational aspects of resource management; and increases First Nation stewardship authority. |
Vancouver, BC |
|
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
The Network builds community capacity to empower Matawa First Nations to actively manage their homelands and traditional territories through a network of community environmental monitors. These monitors are the eyes and ears on the lands and waters. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
This initiative uses the strategy set out in Pimachiowin Aki management plans, including protection of biodiversity and imperiled species and places, local economic development, and Elders and youth working together. It also includes the recovery of Pimachiowin Aki cultural tradition of caring for the land, and compliance with laws for moose hunting, fishing, cabin construction, litter control, wild rice growing and harvesting, and protection and preservation of sacred sites. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Nę K'ǝ́dı́Ke - Keepers of the Land Network |
This initiative contributes to health, economic development, expanded employment, food security, local and regional governance, reconciliation, and cultural and spiritual integrity for Sahtú Dene Nations. |
Délı̨ne, NT |
|
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Land Guardian Network |
This initiative expands on the existing community Guardian project network, which has been largely restricted to fisheries management. It provides a more holistic management approach that is more in-line with traditional First Nations management practices. |
Sydney, NS |
|
Askîy |
This initiative continues to support the pilot initiative to identify and monitor environmental indicators on culturally important and sensitive areas for Alberta Métis. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Supporting Métis Guardians to protect the land and waters in British Columbia |
This initiative supports programs on the land that have been identified as key initiatives. These may include habitat/species monitoring, habitat enhancement, and programs connecting youth and Elders to the land. The initiative aims to share knowledge through a gathering to bring everyone together to discuss the Guardians programs, highlight past years, and identify next steps. |
Surrey, BC |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Project |
This initiative continues the development of the Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship initiative. The initiative focuses on environmental protection and preservation through hands-on learning. This equips youth to address climate change impacts. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
The Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Project |
This initiative trains Métis youth alongside Métis knowledge holders and land users to conduct land and water environmental monitoring techniques that bridge STEM methodologies with Métis Indigenous Knowledge and land use practices. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
MN-S Indigenous Guardian Project |
This initiative creates procedures for communication and engagement, and defines duty to consult for partnerships with proponents, regulators, and the Crown. It sets up community monitoring systems by training local monitors to look into areas of concern and/or data gaps. It also updates community emergency response projects, and trains Métis Nation and Saskatchewan citizens in emergency response. |
Saskatoon, SK |
2021-22
| Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Munaqusi Community Based Monitoring Project |
This initiative uses local Indigenous Knowledge to better understand harvesting patterns. Guardians funding will allow Inuvialuit monitors to monitor year-round and collect data on land hazards by working with local community monitors and community members. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Nunavik Guardians Project |
This initiative prioritizes the development of tools to ensure an organised approach to data collection by the Guardians (e.g. booklets, questionnaires, photo-references, etc.). This toolkit is developed in partnership between Makivik Corporation (including the Nunavik Research Center) and the Kativik Regional Government. |
Nunavik, QC |
|
Hebron Ambassador Project and Nain Conservation Officers |
This initiative conducts economic activities and training, cultural revitalization and management, Inuit engagement in conservation of biodiversity and community capacity building. |
Nain, NL |
|
Supporting community engagement and capacity for the long-term monitoring and management of fish resources |
Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association Hunters and Trappers Organization |
This initiative employs Guardians to ensure the increase in capacity for long-term species monitoring. It also helps develop long-term monitoring projects for important traditional subsistence food resources. |
Kugluktuk, NU |
Community Monitoring of Caribou |
This initiative aims to influence decisions to conserve caribou in Qikiqtaaluk Region, while respecting Inuit values. Members in Inuit communities will be hired and trained as Caribou Guardians to interview local elders and hunters for their Indigenous Knowledge. |
Iqaluit, NU |
|
Ujjiqsuiniq Young Hunters Project |
This initiative hires and trains Guardians to collect data to better understand the impacts of climate change on wildlife populations. They train youth, and through them, community members in data analysis to plan for a sustainable future. |
Arviat, NU |
|
Shoal Lake Guardians |
This initiative will support land stewardship activities such as monitoring the Shoal Lake 40 community’s lands, waters, skies, and soils by the Anishinaabe People of the Shoal Lake 40 First Nations. Shoal Lake 40 Guardians will draw on knowledge of the environment from a fusion of Anishinaabe knowledge keepers and traditions, and contemporary science and best practices. |
Shoal Lake, ON |
|
York Factory First Nation Future Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will take a holistic approach to protecting the land with a focus on priority species such as Boreal Caribou. Youth will be empowered to become York Factory First Nation Guardians in activities such as maintaining trails and cultural sites; observing changes in the land; supporting respectful land use; and informing the Council’s decisions about land use, stewardship and protection. |
York Landing, MB |
|
Ndakina Guardians Program |
This initiative will engage the Nation W8banaki in stewardship of their Traditional territory. Drawing on both scientific practices and Indigenous Knowledge, W8banaki Guardians will monitor lands and waters to identify areas of concern and of cultural importance. By reconnecting the Nation W8banaki community to traditional territory through Guardians and youth mentoring programs, community fishing and hunting events will facilitate the transfer of Indigenous Knowledge while also helping to combat food insecurity. |
Wôlinak, QC |
|
Cheslatta Guardianship Program |
This initiative will allow Cheslatta community to reconnect with their traditional territory by monitoring important areas and working with partners to monitor fish and wildlife, collect information on contaminated sites, and initiate habitat restoration initiatives. Cheslatta Guardians will also work with Elders and youth on the land to support knowledge transfer. |
Burns Lake, BC |
|
Shawanaga First Nation |
This initiative will start new land-based and species of concern monitoring initiatives to build capacity and employment opportunities within the Shawanaga community. Using a two-eyed seeing approach that weaves Indigenous Knowledge and western science, the initiative will support Indigenous stewardship to promote healthy resource harvest and caretaking for population management. By integrating culture, language and Shawanaga community at every step, this initiative aims to empower youth to be the Elders of tomorrow. |
Nobel, ON |
|
Sipekne’katik Earth Keeper Program |
This initiative will employ Sipekne’katik First Nation Guardians to: build Sipekne’katik community capacity; protect and conserve lands and waters; educate and engage the community by filling knowledge gaps; and identify and steward sites of cultural significance. Guardians will work directly with Elders and community members strengthening culture, identity, and traditions through land-based learning. |
Indian Brook, NS |
|
Pheasant Rump Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will support building capacity to collect data; steward lands and habitats; and educate members on land conservation, respectful hunting practices, and habitat stewardship. This initiative also supports habitat protection through youth and Elder engagement and by building an intergenerational knowledge system. |
Kisbey, SK |
|
Nak’azdli Whut’en Guardians Program |
This initiative will rely on Nak’azdli Whut’en Guardians to protect and restore the cultural and ecological integrity of traditional territory. The initiative will facilitate knowledge transfer and language use by engaging Nak’azdli Whut’en community members, Elders and youth in land-based learning with a focus on monitoring cultural keystone species, including Species at Risk such as Southern Mountain Caribou and Sockeye Salmon. |
Fort St. James, BC |
|
Takla Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will increase environmental protection of fish and wildlife in the territory through data collection, mapping, and ground-truthing culturally significant and traditional use areas, sites, and trails. Takla Nation Guardians will enhance and increase the current collection, documentation, and communication of Indigenous Knowledge to better prepare for participation in government-to-government negotiations and collaborations, and to work towards free, prior, and informed consent on industry projects. |
Prince George, BC |
|
Deninu Kue First Nation Guardians of the land and water of Resolution Bay |
This initiative will oversee/monitor harvesting activities in high-traffic areas of Resolution Bay to prevent overfishing and irresponsible tourism. Deninu Kue Guardians will establish a presence as stewards of the lake and educate travelers and community members about the cultural importance of the area, the history of the land and water, and the future generations that will rely on it. |
Fort Resolution, NT |
|
Fort Nelson First Nation Guardian project |
This initiative increases understanding and timely response to ecological change and its causes. It allows for informed decision-making about human activities and land use in Fort Nelson First Nation territory; and empowers the next generation of leaders and stewards. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians |
This initiative employs more Gitanyow people as guardians of their territory while developing their skills, education and capacity in enforcement, environmental monitoring and restoration. |
Kitwanga, BC |
|
Nahendeh Kehotsendi |
This initiative establishes a land monitoring project, based on Indigenous Knowledge and experience. However, it uses contemporary technology and techniques as required. This will help develop a knowledge base that can be used to guide land management decisions by the K’átł’odeeche First Nation and other governments. |
Hay River, NT |
|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Aki Sibi Guardian Initiative |
This initiative monitors all activities and overall health of the territories, including baseline data, and follow-up. It also aims to transfer knowledge between the generations and increase capacity in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community through training and education. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay |
This initiative continues long-term monitoring studies of vulnerable Species at Risk. It also monitors the impacts of climate change on the habitats within the UNESCO designated biosphere reserve in which the Magnetawan First Nation is located. |
Magnetawan, ON |
|
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian project |
This initiative provides culturally based educational opportunities for youth and Elders to come together. It also provides information to assist the Mikisew Cree First Nation in stewarding their land. It informs their position in using a process that includes land management policies. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
|
Xaxli’p Range Riders |
The Xaxli’p Range Riders monitor and care for their territory including protecting the land through regular range patrols, involving and educating the community and youth on their way of life and special projects such as the Xaxli’p cabin project and Xaxli’p Youth Culture Camps. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Coastal Stewardship Network |
The Network improves the capacity of First Nations to create land and marine plans and agreements. It also improves the capacity of stewardship offices in strategic and operational aspects of resource management; and increases First Nation stewardship authority. |
Vancouver, BC |
|
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
The Network builds community capacity to empower Matawa First Nations to actively manage their homelands and traditional territories through a network of community environmental monitors. These monitors are the eyes and ears on the lands and waters. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
This initiative uses the strategy set out in Pimachiowin Aki management plans, including protection of biodiversity and imperiled species and places, local economic development, and Elders and youth working together. It also includes the recovery of Pimachiowin Aki cultural tradition of caring for the land, and compliance with laws for moose hunting, fishing, cabin construction, litter control, wild rice growing and harvesting, and protection and preservation of sacred sites. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Nę K'ǝ́dı́Ke - Keepers of the Land Network |
This initiative contributes to health, economic development, expanded employment, food security, local and regional governance, reconciliation, and cultural and spiritual integrity for Sahtú Dene Nations. |
Délı̨ne, NT |
|
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Land Guardian Network |
This initiative expands on the existing community Guardian project network, which has been largely restricted to fisheries management. It provides a more holistic management approach that is more in-line with traditional First Nations management practices. |
Sydney, NS |
|
Askîy |
This initiative continues to support the pilot initiative to identify and monitor environmental indicators on culturally important and sensitive areas for Alberta Métis. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Supporting Métis Guardians to protect the land and waters in British Columbia |
This initiative supports programs on the land that have been identified as key initiatives. These may include habitat/species monitoring, habitat enhancement, and programs connecting youth and Elders to the land. The initiative aims to share knowledge through a gathering to bring everyone together to discuss the Guardians programs, highlight past years, and identify next steps. |
Surrey, BC |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Project |
This initiative continues the development of the Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship initiative. The initiative focuses on environmental protection and preservation through hands-on learning. This equips youth to address climate change impacts. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
The Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Project |
This initiative trains Métis youth alongside Métis knowledge holders and land users to conduct land and water environmental monitoring techniques that bridge STEM methodologies with Métis Indigenous Knowledge and land use practices. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
MN-S Indigenous Guardian Project |
This initiative creates procedures for communication and engagement, and defines duty to consult for partnerships with proponents, regulators, and the Crown. It sets up community monitoring systems by training local monitors to look into areas of concern and/or data gaps. It also updates community emergency response projects, and trains Métis Nation and Saskatchewan citizens in emergency response. |
Saskatoon, SK |
|
Daylu Lower Post Guardians Program |
This initiative will support continued stewardship, monitoring, and protection of areas of high ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value through activities such as water monitoring, wildlife surveys, seismic station monitoring, and Indigenous Knowledge observations for data sharing and informed planning. This initiative is part of the Dane nan yḗ dāh Program, implemented in partnership with the Dease River First Nation, Daylu Dena Council and the Kwadacha First Nation. |
Lower Post, BC |
|
Kwadacha First Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will conduct the Dane nan yḗ dāh Program (DNY), implemented in partnership with the Dease River First Nation, Daylu Dena Council and the Kwadacha First Nation. This initiative supports the continued stewardship, monitoring, and protection of areas of high ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value through activities such as water monitoring, field patrols, documentation of Indigenous Knowledge, and collection of information on community hunter harvests. Field patrols will encourage intergenerational knowledge transfer between Elders and youth. The activities will take place on Kwadacha Territory located in British Columbia’s far north, southeast Yukon and southern Northwest Territories. |
Prince George, BC |
|
KitasooXai xais Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will strengthen the capacity of KitasooXai xais Nation to implement land and marine plans and agreements; strengthen the capacity of stewardship offices in strategic and operational aspects of resource stewardship; and increase First Nation stewardship authority. Main activities that will contribute to these goals include training Guardians, purchasing equipment and infrastructure, and developing a cultural feature inventory, a risk management plan, and a bear-viewing management plan (Grizzly/Black Bear). The activities will take place on KitasooXai xais Nation Traditional Territories in British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. |
Vancouver, BC |
|
Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians |
The initiative will employ four Guardians to perform the sacred role of protecting clean water and abundant food forests for future generations. Guardians will manage and monitor the Haahuulthii (unceded territory) and work to restore ecosystems degraded by industrial logging and fisheries. In addition to maintaining a presence on Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Traditional territory, Guardians will educate tourists and Youth on land etiquette, monitor aquaculture and tourism industries, perform beach clean-ups, plant trees and remove invasive species. The activities will take place on Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation territory located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, in Tofino, British Columbia. |
Tofino, BC |
|
Ni Hat'ni Dene Ranger Program |
This initiative will support Ni hat’ni Dene Rangers to work on-the-ground as the stewards of the land, ambassadors of the Dene way of life, and hosts to visitors. Ice monitoring training and knowledge sharing workshops will be conducted to build capacity among Rangers and within the community. Additionally, Rangers will develop an environmental monitoring protocol and conduct patrols on wintering grounds. The activities will take place on Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation community located on the south shore near the eastern end of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada. |
Lutselk'e, NT |
|
Grand Council Treaty #3 Stewardship Officer Program |
This initiative will contribute to the development of a long-term stewardship officer/Guardian program by creating a framework for monitoring, regulating and managing natural resources within the Nation. |
Kenora, ON |
|
Ehkanwamden Gad Akiimndan ` Looking upon Mother Earth |
This initiative will develop a strategy and methodology for wildlife management, and a data collection strategy for Mississauga First Nation Traditional lands to ensure environmental resources are managed and sustained for the next seven generations. |
Blind River, ON |
|
Aviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area Terrestrial Guardians Program |
This initiative will include work to develop an Indigenous Protected Conservation Area (IPCA), implementation of the Niqihaqut food sovereignty project, harvesting, and conducting research and monitoring projects in Taloyoak and the East Kitikmeot region of Nunavut within the boundaries of the proposed Aviqtuug IPCA. The select priority area is intact nature with abundant wildlife and was chosen to assist in the establishment of the Aviqtuuq IPCA, including consultations with Elders to incorporate marine Guardians programming. There are currently no agreements or restrictions on the land that would impact Guardians activities. |
Taloyoak, NU |
2022-23
Program title |
Proponent |
Description |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Culturally important species monitoring by Métis Guardian/Harvesters in British Columbia |
This initiative aims to protect the land and Métis traditional ways of life, including harvesting, language, and other cultural practices for present and future generations. The initiative adds to an existing annual harvester database and works with Métis harvesters and land-users to identify and collect data on culturally important species and habitats. |
Surrey, BC |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Program |
This initiative uses stewardship of the land to fight against climate change and improve water quality, wildlife/ecosystem conservation, and other environmental issues evident within the Homeland of the Métis Nation. A key focus is to promote cultural and environmental awareness; conducting environmental and ecological protection and preservation through hands-on experiential learning; and providing the opportunity for Métis Youth to learn from Métis Elders. They are also putting a large focus on the promotion of Métis languages including, but not limited to, Michif, Saulteaux, and Cree. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Guardians of Kangiqtualuk |
This initiative accelerates the expansion of the existing Young Hunters Program, providing training to empower youth to participate in wildlife monitoring and traditional harvesting activities, expanding the community’s ability to engage in long-term stewardship of their traditional territory. Community members are engaged in the development of the initiative, which is informed by Indigenous Knowledge, values and languages. This initiative also records local environmental knowledge and provides updates through social media, as well as developing a mobile phone application and Geographic Information System (GIS) to manage wildlife data. |
Pangnirtung, NU |
|
Inuvialuit Stewardship: Traditional Knowledge and Science-based Land Monitoring Program in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region |
This initiative develops and implements an Inuvialuit-led traditional knowledge and western science-based monitoring program that includes on-site soil and water testing in areas of concern, and that develops a monitoring framework to support evidence-based decision-making and effective management, monitoring and protection of Inuvialuit lands. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Métis Settlements Guardians Program Establishment |
This initiative will offer targeted training, ongoing capacity support, and wage-supplements to eight Métis Settlements to better position them to monitor and care for the lands on which their members practice their constitutionally protected rights for harvesting and other traditional land uses. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Northwest Territory Métis Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will build capacity and establish “eyes and ears" on the land to protect species and their habitats, to monitor and observe climate change and industrial related impacts on Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) traditional homelands, and to facilitate opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer to youth. The NWTMN estimates its membership to be over 3,000 Indigenous Métis from Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council and Fort Resolution Métis Government. |
Fort Smith, NT |
|
The Métis Guardian’s Program |
This initiative will engage youth, Elders, local Métis, and environmental technicians to assess the impacts of climate change in northern communities and wildlife populations, including caribou and fish. |
Saskatoon, SK |
|
Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Program |
This initiative will train and engage Métis citizen volunteers to conduct water and bait fish sampling in locations selected by communities using both Indigenous Knowledge and western science, to protect the Métis way of life, to preserve the traditional territories, and to transmit Indigenous Knowledge to youth and Métis citizens. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
Askîy |
This initiative will enable the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) to continue the core activities of its community-based monitoring programs, re-engaging Métis citizens in environmental concerns, and expanding monitoring activities to address these concerns more directly. Monitoring programs are designed to engage citizens, facilitate knowledge sharing within the community, provide opportunities for community involvement in monitoring, and keep citizens updated on project activities and outcomes. Monitoring programs have been developed to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity using methods that braid western science with Indigenous Knowledge. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Aullâsimavet |
This initiative will empower Inuit families to visit culturally significant areas within Nunatsiavut territory to restore their connections to the land, as well as gather baseline data and observe changes to the land, water and sea ice. Participating families will be chosen through a competitive call and keep observation logs for use by the Nunatsiavut Government to inform decision-making in their communities. |
Nain, NL |
|
Uumajuit Wardens Eco-System Monitoring |
This initiative will strengthen the ability of the Uumajuit wardens to engage in marine mammal conservation and terrestrial and freshwater wildlife protection in Nunavik. The responsibilities of Uumajuit wardens are set out in detail in the wildlife protection plan for Nunavik. With support from Inuit Guardians, the Uumajuit Wardens will play an increased role in monitoring environmental compliance of activities taking place in Nunavik, coordinating with both regional and external partners. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Wildlife harvest monitoring in Nunavik |
This initiative will support communities in Nunavik to build capacity to collect important harvest data. Currently, there is no reliable harvest data for most species in Nunavik. Lack of data impairs decision-making and threatens the sustainability of wildlife and food security. Guardians funding will support the Nunavik community to complete an inventory and assessment of past harvest monitoring efforts undertaken within Nunavik, identify other potential sources of harvest data and study examples of Indigenous harvest monitoring systems employed elsewhere to develop a harvest monitoring plan for Nunavik. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
Making science accessible to Nunavimmiut |
This initiative will empower communities and organizations in Nunavik to develop their own research and monitoring projects by providing in-kind support and training from professionals at the Nunavik Research Centre. Communities will develop the capacity to design and implement monitoring projects of benefit to their communities, the environment and ecosystems through adapted training, scientific knowledge transfer and research support provided by the Centre. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
Marralik-Ungunniavik Inuit Knowledge Sharing and Research Camp |
This initiative will support the revitalization of Indigenous Knowledge related to the Marralik-Ungunniavik estuary, a traditional Inuit hunting site. The loss of Indigenous Knowledge and practices threatens the sustainability of the area's beluga whale population. By establishing a youth camp at the estuary, Guardians and Elders will have the opportunity to share knowledge about wildlife management, respectful harvesting, and safe food preparation with the younger generation. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Regional Aquatic Cumulative Effects Monitoring Program |
This initiative will respond to core questions of community concern, including whether the water and fish are safe to drink and eat, and assess changes in the environment by monitoring and collecting data on eighteen sites. |
Rankin Inlet, NU |
|
English River First Nation’s Ancestral Lands Guardian Project |
This initiative will collect and disseminate data within the community to restore comfort about using land and waters, support compliance with traditional and provincial laws within the territory, and encouraging relationships and Knowledge Transfer within the community by bringing people on the land to learn from Elders. |
Patuanak, SK |
|
Ketegaunseebee Guardian Initiative Project 2022 |
This initiative will employ and engage community members in Garden River First Nation to protect important cultural areas and environmental features, collaborate with partners, map patrol routes for future Guardians programs, and identify next steps for the continuation of the Guardians program. Community members, including Elders, Knowledge Holders, and youth will be invited to participate in values-mapping interviews and providing recommendations on the development of the program. |
Garden River, ON |
|
Xólhmetes mekw’ li te tém:éxwtset te Sq’éwqel. Seabird Island takes care of everything on the land. |
This initiative will empower Seabird Island Band's Guardians to build capacity to engage in environmental enforcement, conservation and climate change mitigation. Guardians will assist in responding to environmental events within their territory such as flooding, restoration of salmon routes, creating harmonized approaches to wildlife plans, and acting as an advocate for domestic life that needs a voice. |
Agassiz, BC |
|
Timiskaming First Nation Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will provide field-based training to Guardians from Elders to facilitate Knowledge Transfer and the education of the next generation of land users. Through this learning, the initiative will build capacity and enable Guardians to bring cultural values into provincial forest planning processes. Guardians will also keep the community informed regarding ecosystem health, while identifying problems effectively to develop risk assessment and mitigation strategies while planning for land use priorities. |
Notre-Dame-du-Nord, QC |
|
Tla’amin Guardians |
This initiative will work with the Provincial and Federal agencies, as well as neighbouring communities, to ensure active and effective stewardship of Tla'amin lands and the attendant oceanfront, rivers, wildlife and artifacts that will allow the land to flourish even in the face of human encroachment and climate change. |
Power River, BC |
|
Ulkatcho Nations Guardian Program |
This initiative will support the creation of a stewardship organization that will provide training to Ulkatcho First Nation members in environmental monitoring practices, which will support sustainable economic growth for the Nation, strengthen environmental protection and respect traditional ways of knowing. In addition to this, the organization will serve as a watchdog for the many different extractive resources that occur on Ulkatcho lands, particularly forestry and mining. |
Anahim Lake, BC |
|
Whitesand First Nation Guardians (Whitesand Guardians) summer student program |
This initiative will support youth to develop a deeper understanding of forest management and empower them to pursue employment opportunities in the forestry and environmental sectors, while maintaining Indigenous Knowledge and local stewardship skills. Through the development of a youth camp, Whitesand Guardians will provide training in safety, forest management practices, traditional knowledge collection, mapping, and ground truthing, water and fisheries monitoring to increase capacity within the First Nation and strengthen ecological community connections. |
Armstrong Station, ON |
|
Wolf Lake Aki Sibi Guardian Program |
This initiative will build capacity within Wolf Lake First Nation to complete the collection of baseline data related to culturally important flora, fauna and habitats to ensure conservation. This data will be the initial step in the development of future conservation efforts and land use planning. Elders and Knowledge Holders will participate in the identification of locations and areas of concern to be investigated during the field season to facilitate traditional ecological Knowledge Transfer. |
Temiscaming, QC |
|
Abegweit Guardians |
This initiative will provide the Abegweit Guardians with the professional capacity and cultural ability to participate in conservation, restoration, ecosystem management, and climate change mitigation activities that will benefit both the Abegweit people and ecosystems around Traditional Abegweit Territory. |
Scotchfort, PE |
|
Conservation and Education through keystone species (Grizzly Bear and Bull Trout) in Treaty Six Territory: Traditional Knowledge and Science |
This initiative will develop two short educational courses focusing on land and water that will be anchored in Indigenous Knowledge, scientific monitoring and focus on species at risk within the Territory. Guardians will also install monitoring stations and use drone imagery to observe fish and wildlife. Finally, scientific literacy will be promoted by organizing camps where Elders will lead youth in land-based cultural and science-based activities. |
Glenevis, AB |
|
ANA Guardians Land Access and Use Initiative |
Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (ANA or Grassy Narrows First Nation) |
This initiative will identify and maintain land access routes and use sites, as well as gather information on Anishinaabe ways of being on the land and water. This work will promote community land use to secure emergency evacuation routes and to allow the land to heal so that the people can heal and practice their traditional way of life. |
Grassy Narrows, ON |
Ni Ho Ghe Di – ACFN Guardian Program |
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation – Dene Lands and Resource Management |
This initiative will increase capacity for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to monitor illegal hunting and poaching of bison on their traditional territory. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
Lake Nipigon Cumulative Impact Awareness Initiative |
This initiative will provide engagement opportunities on the land, as well as tools and data products. |
Macdiarmind, ON |
|
Kainais’ Skahkoyii Ecological and Invasive Species Initiatives |
This initiative will support hiring a new Land Guardian to build capacity and longevity in invasive species management on reserve lands. The new Guardian and Blood Tribe Lands Management staff will work with an external consultant to complete a baseline inventory of invasive plants, develop recommendations to keep the inventory current, and to design and implement a monitoring program to assess effectiveness of plant management treatments and mitigation. |
Standoff, AB |
|
Carcross/Tagish First Nation Environmental Monitoring Program – BC Expansion |
This initiative will review the scope of the current monitoring program, conduct extended patrols/monitoring in the British Columbia portion of the First Nation traditional territory and develop a strategy/report with implementation and resourcing requirements for their environmental monitors. |
Carcross, YT |
|
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation - Guardians Program |
This initiative will develop a steering committee to oversee and inform the undertaking of the initiative and hire Guardians to map and conduct scientific research and analysis of designated conservation land. |
Muncey, ON |
|
Nionwentsïo guardian program |
This initiative will support the Huron-Wendat to build capacity, autonomy, and Nationhood by re-establishing a link between Elders and youth, and by drawing on Indigenous Knowledge and western science to act on their cultural responsibility to protect their territory and the species within it. |
Wendake, QC |
|
Atikamekw guardians of Manawan |
This initiative will increase the Nation’s presence on the land, establish an official Guardians Mandate, train Guardians, and collect data relying on western science and Indigenous Knowledge. Manawan is one of three Atikamekw communities, the others being Opitciwan and Wemotaci, that form the Atikamekw Nation Council. Manawan wishes to lead by example in the management of the Nitaskian (traditional territory) and encourage a shared Guardians initiative. |
Manawan, QC |
|
Sahtu K’aowe Guardians Program |
This initiative will support developing a monitoring plan and program for key risk values, while also creating an internal mechanism for Guardian knowledge, observations and work. |
Déline, NT |
|
Dene Tha’ First Nation Established Community-Based Guardian Program |
This initiative will support developing tools to integrate data collection during monitoring activities into a standardized system that can be accessed to inform decision-making related to species and habitat conservation. |
Chateh, AB |
|
Ditidaht Guardian Program: Stewardship and Monitoring of cultural sites, fish, and wildlife habitats within Ditidaht Traditional Territory. |
This initiative will support monitoring environmentally and culturally significant sites to inform sustainable environmental management practices and to develop a restoration plan for Campus Creek. |
Port Alberni, BC |
|
Doig River First Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will provide training to build capacity for Guardians to assess water quality and quantity, as well as to examine the presence of contaminants in the area, which are degrading plant and wildlife populations. Guardians will report directly to the First Nation members who work with industry and other local stakeholders to support and help manage potential threats through various mitigation techniques. |
Rose Prairie, BC |
|
Re-connecting Our People with the Land |
This initiative will support Eskasoni's existing Guardians program to better meet community needs, employ Guardians year-round, and address additional issues to improve the approach to conservation, protection and the encouragement of traditional harvesting and gathering on the area. A chief priority for Guardians is to protect the local watershed and the bio-cultural diversity within Nation. |
Eskasoni, NS |
|
Neh keh tseh nee ee - kakinawetakwow uski (Keepers of the Land) |
This initiative will conduct surveying, monitoring and restoration work across Fort Nelson First Nation's territory, while engaging the community through training, Elder support and improved food security. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Ginoogaming First Nation Guardians (Emerging Initiative) |
This initiative will support building capacity for a dedicated community Guardian, foster inter-community relationships and knowledge sharing, and developing a Guiding Framework for the Guardians program. |
Longlac, ON |
|
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardian’s – Camera Trap Based Wildlife Monitoring Initiative |
This initiative will support developing a methodology for a camera trap network to monitor moose, wolf and bear populations and biodiversity. |
Kitwanga, BC |
|
NUTSHIMIUNNUAT |
This initiative will engage and train Guardians to work with Elders, members and partners to: establish a presence in the traditional territories; encourage the transmission of Indigenous Knowledge to future generations; evaluate and study the environmental impacts of climate change and industrial development; and take steps towards the conservation and restoration of the traditional territories so that they remain healthy for future generations. |
Sept-Îles, QC |
|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will support work to be present and active on the land in the form of environmental and compliance monitoring and surveillance; working to preserve and transmit Indigenous Knowledge gained by Elders and promote/facilitate nature-based learning with youth. A large portion of funding will be used for field staff, enabling the hiring of two full-time Guardians, a seasonal Guardian and two Youth Guardians as well as contributing to salaries and wages for an onsite biologist and Natural Resources Manager. Species of interest inventory programs will be created, the current water quality baseline study will be maintained, culturally significant sites will be identified, and educational and engagement opportunities will be facilitated including Indigenous Knowledge workshops, social media videos, and work with the local school to create a small butternut nursery. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
Kwadacha Guardians Program Building |
This initiative will support increasing Kwadacha presence on the land, conducting surveys of local wildlife populations, monitoring and collecting data on ecological health within the Territory, and providing educational opportunities to engage the community through site visits with Elders and youth. |
Fort Ware, BC |
|
Leq’a:mel Guardians |
This initiative will protect, steward, and reinforce connections of Indigenous peoples with Leq'á:mel Territory by conducting monitoring and habitat restoration work on-the-ground, and by developing a Leq'á:mel Guardians Framework that outlines a community-driven vision for goals, priorities, training needs, and organizational and administrative tools for Guardians. |
Deroche, BC |
|
Liard First Nation Indigenous Land Guardian Program |
This initiative will support effective and reliable means of communication for environmental information with the community. Guardians will be the eyes and ears on the land that monitor and report on the health of the environment, animals and ecological well-being of the Kaska people. |
Watson Lake, YT |
|
Skw’lax Wétsme (wats-ma: Protector) Program |
This initiative will support the development of the Guardians program, providing additional training, monitoring local watershed and fisheries, while engaging the community. |
Chase, BC |
|
Ni hat’ni Dene Guardians (“Watchers of the Land”) |
This initiative will support expanding Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation's ability to operate a year-round Guardians program, enabling them to better monitor Bathurst Caribou populations and engage in harvest deterrence, monitor ice safety when used for travel within the territory and engage in transmission of cultural knowledge to youth. |
Lutsel K’e, NT |
|
M.H.S.S., (Maaqutusiis hahoulthee stewardship society), Stewardship Guardian Program |
This initiative will provide lasting social and economic benefit for members of the Ahousaht community, while protecting cultural resources, enhancing the traditional way of life, and protecting biological diversity and natural environments. |
Tofino, BC |
|
Sovereignty, Self-Governance and Cultural Resilience through Marine Stewardship |
This initiative will support revitalizing the community's cultural connection to their marine environment and increasing their capacity to have a greater presence in the marine territory. Malahat Guardians will establish a consistent presence on the water to regularly observe activities, species presence, and development impacts. These observations are critical for an understanding of the territory, informed leadership and community decision-making, and connection with the environment. |
Mill Bay, BC |
|
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian Program |
Mikisew Cree First Nation – Government and Industry Relations |
This initiative will support the Mikisew Cree First Nation continuing its water quality and quantity monitoring work and expanding its program to work with industry partners and different levels of government. Funding will support the ongoing work of the Guardians, which serves as an important link between the community and external partners when studying the environment using both Indigenous Knowledge and western science. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
N/A |
This initiative will enable Nak'azdli Guardians to have an increased presence on the land and further opportunities to advance community engagement to develop a more significant role in land stewardship. Through enhanced monitoring, data collection, Knowledge Transfer and community engagement, Nak'azdli Guardians will be better able to protect ecologically sensitive sites and species of cultural significance. |
Fort James, BC |
|
Ndakina Guardian Program |
This initiative will ensure the continued practice and revitalization of Indigenous Knowledge and activities, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping, while also ensuring that the lands and waters are monitored and stewarded. This initiative will support conservation, research, education, and outreach activities that involve and reconnect Indigenous community members to Ndakina Territory. |
Wôlinak, QC |
|
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Land Guardians |
This initiative will revitalize, monitor, and preserve culturally significant sites and species by implementing a land use plan, developing an environmental monitoring framework for fish (Pickerel and Whitefish) and wildlife (Moose and Woodland Caribou), and pursuing the establishment of Indigenous protected and conserved areas (IPCAs). |
Nelson, BC |
|
P’egp’ig’lha Guardians |
This initiative will support land monitoring and data collection that aligns with the community's responsibility to care for the land and its resources. Elders and youth will engage in knowledge transfer, ensuring cultural values and protocols are followed. Community members will be encouraged to participate in ride-alongs that create learning opportunities on the land. Guardians will be responsible for leading observations, developing protocols and disseminating information on cultural values and environmental ethics related to the land. Information will also be shared with P’egp’ig’lha Council to assist in land-based decisions in defined areas of interest and responsibility. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will engage youth and Elders in data collection and monitoring activities related to land stewardship, habitat protection and conservation to build a stronger intergenerational knowledge system. The initiativedraws on western science from existing partners such as Ryerson University and environmental consultants as well as Indigenous Knowledge from local Elders, to equip the community with the capacity to better understand changes in their environment. |
Kisbey, SK |
|
Sagkeeng Territory-wide Guardians Program |
This initiative will enable Sagkeeng Guardians to monitor areas of high concern within their territory, such as those near industrial development, as well as identify where lesser-known impacts may occur. Sagkeeng First Nation envisions building a pool of resources, including trained and experienced Guardians along with robust data collection tools and procedures, to expand their initiative. These efforts will provide the foundation for the First Nation to monitor environmental impacts in their territory and apply mitigations for any identified concerns. |
Fort Alexander, MB |
|
Saugeen Ojibway Nation - Coastal Waters Monitoring Program |
This initiative will promote better understanding of the conditions and health of coastal habitats and wildlife across the Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory by: identifying, monitoring, and mitigating stressors and impacts on aquatic species and habitats, connecting membership to the environment of their territory, incorporating the Traditional Ecological Knowledge and priorities of membership into the scope of monitoring, data analysis and data interpretation, and providing meaningful training and employment opportunities to membership. |
Georgian Bluffs, ON |
|
T’Sou-ke Nation SṈE₭E Guardians |
This initiative will support the training of additional Guardians staff to engage in resource stewardship and monitoring in T'Sou-ke Territory. Funding will ensure Guardians continue to undertake ecologically important activities such as marine mammal monitoring, parks and support of protected areas management, tourism management, land and marine use planning and economic development. |
Sooke, BC |
|
Takla Nation Tier 2 Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will support continuing to build a full inventory of environmental data and spatial information, highlighting areas and species of concern, which will inform Nation-led land-use management planning. The initiative will also create space for youth and Elder engagement, fostering knowledge sharing and connection with the land. |
Prince George, BC |
|
T'àkhú Salmon Stewardship and Cultural Revitalization Project |
This initiative will support increasing capacity through the creation of new Guardians positions and expanding existing ones, increasing on-the-land presence by augmenting patrols and improving access to remote parts of the territory, and by renewing a cultural focus in salmon stewardship through organizing a youth camp that will support traditional fishing and intergenerational knowledge transfer. |
Atlin, BC |
|
Tataskweyak Cree Nation – Growing the Guardians Program |
This initiative will support additional training for Guardians in fish, water and land-based monitoring, hiring four Youth Guardians to bring a new generation to Traditional land stewardship and engaging in wildlife monitoring. |
Lake Split, MB |
|
Temagami First Nation Guardians |
This initiative will assess the integrity of the environment, build a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, build community capacity, and identify areas of concern through community engagement sessions and workshops, and through routine monitoring of lands, waters, cultural sites, and species. |
Lake Temagami, ON |
|
Tłı̨chǫ Highway Wildlife Monitoring Program |
This initiative will support Guardians as the eyes and ears on the ground to monitor wildlife habitat use and conditions, and to draw on Indigenous Knowledge and western science methods to make clear recommendations, mitigations, and policy changes regarding the new 97-kilometer Tłı̨chǫ Highway that opened on December 1, 2021. |
Behchoko, NT |
|
Nänkäk łihgha tr'ëdätr'ëhoh'ąy – On the land we work together |
This initiative will develop a field operations manual to define Guardian roles and responsibilities, improve methods and technologies used to collect field data, engage youth in on-the-land camps with Elders, and inventory historic and active resource roads and trails to better assess their impacts on subsistence harvest patterns and on t |
Dawson City, YT |
|
Tsal’alh Guardians Initiative – Mule Deer Population Study and Database Management |
This initiative will support building capacity within the Tsal'alh community to monitor mule deer population health and habitat quality and facilitate self-determined land and resource management. |
Shalalth, BC |
|
Tsay Keh Dene Environmental Monitoring Program |
This initiative will support detailed enhancements to the existing environmental monitoring framework, increasing administrative capacity and providing enhanced training to widen the scope of the exiting Guardians program. This will allow Tsay Keh Dene to better respond to environmental threats posed by climate change and natural resource development. |
Prince George, BC |
|
Xaxli’p Range Riders (2022-2023) |
This initiative will support work to protect the traditional way of life within the territory and maintain a physical presence on the land. It will also work with the Xaxli’p Community Forest and the Xaxli’p community, to further reclaim traditional language, and protect the Xaxli’p Territory in a traditional way on horseback. The Range Riders (Guardians) will also demonstrate an increased presence on the land through regular range patrols and encouraging use of the Territory through special projects such as a Xaxli'p cabin project and Youth Culture camps. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will engage four schools, including over 80 youth, in workshops on Indigenous Knowledge and western science that will give them the capacity to respect, monitor, and collect data on six existing water monitoring sites. It will also give youth the opportunity to participate in decision-making on the identification of three new water monitoring sites to better inform law and policies for lands, waters, plants, and animals. |
Silver Water, ON |
|
Dehcho K’ehodi Regional Stewardship & Guardians Program |
This initiative will achieve stewardship and monitoring objectives and strengthen the practice of Dene culture and way of life through training for Guardians, intergenerational knowledge transfer through Youth-Elder mentorships, and land-based learning opportunities including fishing camps. Funding will help expand the season to provide Guardians with more meaningful employment and expand the monitoring and cultural-based programs that they support. |
Fort Simpson, NT |
|
Grand Council Treaty #3 Stewardship Officer Program |
This initiative will support the creation of an initial Stewardship Officer position for the program's pilot, coordinating with other Treaty #3 Guardians Programs, establishing a framework for monitoring, regulating and managing important natural resources in the Nation, receiving guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and asserting environmental jurisdiction in the management of natural resources, including fisheries, hunting and trapping. |
Kenora, ON |
|
Coastal Stewardship Network |
This initiative will support local Guardian Watchmen programs within the Coastal Stewardship Network’s seven member communities and encourage a coordinated approach to First Nations stewardship across the broader coastal region by hosting workshops and developing shared tools such as a monitoring plan for data collection and management, specialized course content, and a training-specific strategic plan. |
West Vancouver, BC |
|
Setting up a network of guardians for decision-making on Nitassinan |
This initiative will build capacity in nine Innu communities to identify, document, and manage areas and species of concern by supporting the establishment of a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, a formal Guardians Network, a training plan for Guardians, and a data collection methodology. |
Sept-Rivières, QC |
|
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
This initiative will support the environmental services offered by the Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network. Since 2018, Four Rivers has been working closely with its nine member communities to secure funding agreements for individual Guardians projects, acquire vital monitoring equipment and other resources, deliver support and training, and to standardize monitoring approaches, methods, and data organization. Four Rivers seeks to expand by formalizing a steering and decision-making body, expanding the emergency environmental fungal disease Blastomyces and searching for the source in immediate homelands, building a website, and establishing an internship program. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Mushkegowuk Council’s Regional Guardians Network |
This initiative will support extensive community engagement to assess the priorities and concerns held by community members as they relate to future monitoring activities. This community outreach will be critical for the Guardians Network to produce integrated policies and procedures for monitoring activities across the region's terrestrial and marine environments. |
Moose Factory, ON |
|
Niiwin Wendaanimok Anishinaabe Guardians |
This initiative will support monitoring activities associated with a highway construction project in the territory to ensure appropriate mitigation efforts are occurring, including completing environmental sampling to assess contamination, mapping areas to be protected in future phases of construction and patrolling the lands to observe potential hazards for habitats and species at risk. |
Kenora, ON |
|
S’ólh Téméxw Guardians |
This initiative will develop a S'ólh Téméxw Guardians Plan that clearly outlines a regional structure of relationships on Guardians within the S'ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance and that includes several key documents, such as a terms of reference, an internal protocol document, an external partner protocol document, a needs assessment document, and a scope assessment document. |
Chilliwack, BC |
|
Seal River Watershed Alliance Guardians Network Initiative |
This initiative will facilitate capacity-building, training, outreach, and gatherings to establish a Guardians Network across four First Nations of the Seal River Watershed Alliance. The Guardians Network will support members to exercise their inherent rights and responsibilities to the lands and waters, and to practice and share their cultures on their traditional territories. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Tŝilhqot’in Guardian Stewardship Program |
This initiative will continue on-the-ground research, monitoring, and patrols in the territory, while also advancing the establishment of a Guardians Network and building capacity at a community-level through training for Guardians. |
Williams Lake, BC |
|
Nova Scotia Earth Keepers / Nuji kelo’toqatijik Network |
This initiative will provide training, education and outreach opportunities to Guardians and Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq community members, conduct on-the-ground monitoring, and engage youth to expand the Earth Keeper Network's ability to address concerns for both lands and waters in a way that is consistent with traditional teachings. |
Eskasoni, NS |
|
Keewaytinook Okimakanak Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will facilitate opportunities for community members to participate in developing both Indigenous and western knowledge-based approaches to environmental assessments, monitoring, evaluations, and decision-making. This will enhance the communities' capacity for addressing and mitigating environmental threats caused by climate change and industrial development. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
Pimachiowin Aki Corp. / Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
This initiative will support the conservation of lands and waters and empower the communities of Anishinaabe First Nation of Bloodvein River, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Pauingassi First Nation and Poplar River First Nation in collective decision-making. It will actively engage Elders and youth in Indigenous Knowledge, enhance education and training opportunities, conduct analyses and reporting on outcomes, implement local land management plans, and increase awareness and understanding of Anishinaabe culture. |
Winnipeg, MB |
People and the Land – Strengthening our Guardian Program |
This initiative will support Guardians in the member Nations of Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. to develop skills in forestry, environmental monitoring, stewardship, and Indigenous and cultural knowledge. Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. provides a forum for active participation in the resource sector for its communities as they explore and grow their Lands and Resource Departments. |
Chapleau, ON |
|
Nlaka’pamux Guardians |
This initiative will implement a stronger community outreach function within the Guardians program to restore people's connection with the land, improve data collection to empower leadership decisions, and apply Stewardship Protocols to the land to establish a higher standard of accountability for industry partners, tourists and general land users within the territory. |
Merritt, BC |
|
Okanagan Nation Alliance Guardians Program |
This initiative will implement a full-time Guardians program serving the six Sylix communities that are part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. The initiative will focus primarily on the collection of data related to wildlife, ecosystems and cultural and ceremonial sites. This information will be reported to the Chief's Executive Council and the Sylix Natural Resource Committee to inform decision making and directives for stewardship on the land. The Okanagan Nation Alliance consists of the following six member communities: Upper Nicola, Okanagan, Penticton, Osoyoos and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands, Westbank First Nation and the Colville Confederate of Tribes. |
West Kelowna, BC |
|
Kugaaruk Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by creating and extending/expanding economic, employment, and training opportunities for Guardians focused on gathering and databasing local Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) in Kuugaruk. |
Kugaaruk, NU |
|
Building up Inuit representation in wildlife management and action |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Quebec by building the capacity of the organization as a whole and strengthening Inuit representation and self-governance through communication strategies for management projects, Inuit knowledge and local management decisions; structuring a base for organizing knowledge, resources and program planning; and equipping local teams with the means to conduct daily Guardians activities and stewardship. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Knowledge Mobilization of an Inuvialuktun Glossary of Terms Related to Climate Change, Clean Energy, and the Environment |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in the Northwest Territories by continuing to compile a glossary of terms related to climate change, clean energy, and the environment and by hosting workshops to translate additional terms in the three Inuvialuktun dialects, which will help close the growing communication gap between Indigenous Knowledge and climate change, clean energy and environmental research. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Guardians of Akuliaqattaq |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Nunavut by engaging with the community of Ikpiarjuk, training young Guardians through mentorship and intergenerational exchange, monitoring terrestrial and freshwater species, and developing a community-based and owned Geographic Information System. |
Ikpiarjuk, NU |
2023-24
Program title |
Proponent |
Description |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Aullâsimavet |
This initiative will empower Inuit families to visit culturally significant areas within Nunatsiavut territory to restore their connections to the land, as well as gather baseline data and observe changes to the land, water and sea ice. Participating families will be chosen through a competitive call and keep observation logs for use by the Nunatsiavut Government to inform decision-making in their communities. |
Nain, NL |
|
Uumajuit Wardens Eco-System Monitoring |
This initiative will strengthen the ability of the Uumajuit wardens to engage in marine mammal conservation and terrestrial and freshwater wildlife protection in Nunavik. The responsibilities of Uumajuit wardens are set out in detail in the wildlife protection plan for Nunavik. With support from Inuit Guardians, the Uumajuit Wardens will play an increased role in monitoring environmental compliance of activities taking place in Nunavik, coordinating with both regional and external partners. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Wildlife harvest monitoring in Nunavik |
This initiative will support communities in Nunavik to build capacity to collect important harvest data. Currently, there is no reliable harvest data for most species in Nunavik. Lack of data impairs decision-making and threatens the sustainability of wildlife and food security. Guardians funding will support the Nunavik community to complete an inventory and assessment of past harvest monitoring efforts undertaken within Nunavik, identify other potential sources of harvest data and study examples of Indigenous harvest monitoring systems employed elsewhere to develop a harvest monitoring plan for Nunavik. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
Making science accessible to Nunavimmiut |
This initiative will empower communities and organizations in Nunavik to develop their own research and monitoring projects by providing in-kind support and training from professionals at the Nunavik Research Centre. Communities will develop the capacity to design and implement monitoring projects of benefit to their communities, the environment and ecosystems through adapted training, scientific knowledge transfer and research support provided by the Centre. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
Marralik-Ungunniavik Inuit Knowledge Sharing and Research Camp |
This initiative will support the revitalization of Indigenous Knowledge related to the Marralik-Ungunniavik estuary, a traditional Inuit hunting site. The loss of Indigenous Knowledge and practices threaten the sustainability of the area's beluga whale population. By establishing a youth camp at the estuary, Guardians and Elders will have the opportunity to share knowledge about wildlife management, respectful harvesting, and safe food preparation with the younger generation. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Inuvialuit Stewardship: Traditional Knowledge and Science-based Land Monitoring Program in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region |
This initiative develops and implements an Inuvialuit-led traditional knowledge and western science-based monitoring program that includes on-site soil and water testing in areas of concern, and that develops a monitoring framework to support evidence-based decision-making and effective management, monitoring and protection of Inuvialuit lands. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Regional Aquatic Cumulative Effects Monitoring Program |
This initiative will respond to core questions of community concern, including whether the water and fish are safe to drink and eat, and assess changes in the environment by monitoring and collecting data on eighteen sites. |
Rankin Inlet, NU |
|
Guardians of Kangiqtualuk |
This initiative accelerates the expansion of the existing Young Hunters Program, providing training to empower youth to participate in wildlife monitoring and traditional harvesting activities, expanding the community’s ability to engage in long-term stewardship of their traditional territory. Community members are engaged in the development of the program, which is informed by Indigenous Knowledge, values and languages. This initiative also records local environmental knowledge and provides updates through social media, as well as develops a mobile phone application and Geographic Information System (GIS) to manage wildlife data. |
Pangnirtung, NU |
|
Askîy |
This initiative will enable the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) to continue the core activities of its community-based monitoring programs, re-engaging Métis citizens in environmental concerns, and expanding monitoring activities to address these concerns more directly. Monitoring programs are designed to engage with citizens, facilitate knowledge sharing within the community, provide opportunities for community involvement in monitoring, and keep citizens updated on project activities and outcomes. Monitoring programs have been developed to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity using methods that braid western science with Indigenous Knowledge. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Métis Settlements Guardians Program Establishment |
This initiative will offer targeted training, ongoing capacity support, and wage-supplements to eight Métis Settlements to better position them to monitor and care for the lands on which their members practice their constitutionally protected rights for harvesting and other traditional land uses. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Northwest Territory Métis Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will build capacity and establish “eyes and ears" on the land to protect species and their habitats, to monitor and observe climate change and industrial related impacts on Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) traditional homelands, and to facilitate opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer to youth. The NWTMN estimates its membership to be over 3,000 Indigenous Métis from Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council and Fort Resolution Métis Government. |
Fort Smith, NT |
|
The Métis Guardian’s Program |
This initiative will engage youth, Elders, local Métis, and environmental technicians to assess the impacts of climate change in northern communities and wildlife populations, including caribou and fish. |
Saskatoon, SK |
|
Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Program |
This initiative will train and engage Métis citizen volunteers to conduct water and bait fish sampling in locations selected by communities using both Indigenous Knowledge and western science, to protect the Métis way of life, to preserve the traditional territories, and to transmit Indigenous Knowledge to youth and Métis citizens. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
Culturally important species monitoring by Métis Guardian/Harvesters in British Columbia |
This initiative aims to protect the land and Métis traditional ways of life, including harvesting, language, and other cultural practices for present and future generations. The initiative adds to an existing annual harvester database and works with Métis harvesters and land-users to identify and collect data on culturally important species and habitats. |
Surrey, BC |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Program |
This initiative uses stewardship of the land to fight against climate change and improve water quality, wildlife/ecosystem conservation, and other environmental issues evident within the Homeland of the Métis Nation. A key focus is to promote cultural and environmental awareness; conducting environmental and ecological protection and preservation through hands-on experiential learning; and providing the opportunity for Métis Youth to learn from Métis Elders. They are also putting a large focus on the promotion of Métis languages including, but not limited to, Michif, Saulteaux, and Cree. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Kugaaruk Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by creating and extending/expanding economic, employment, and training opportunities for Guardians focused on gathering and databasing local Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) in Kuugaruk. |
Kugaaruk, NU |
|
Building up Inuit representation in wildlife management and action |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Quebec by building the capacity of the organization as a whole and strengthening Inuit representation and self-governance through communication strategies for management projects, Inuit knowledge and local management decisions; structuring a base for organizing knowledge, resources and program planning; and equipping local teams with the means to conduct daily Guardians activities and stewardship. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Knowledge Mobilization of an Inuvialuktun Glossary of Terms Related to Climate Change, Clean Energy, and the Environment |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in the Northwest Territories by continuing to compile a glossary of terms related to climate change, clean energy, and the environment and by hosting workshops to translate additional terms in the three Inuvialuktun dialects, which will help close the growing communication gap between Indigenous Knowledge and climate change, clean energy and environmental research. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Guardians of Akuliaqattaq |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Nunavut by engaging with the community of Ikpiarjuk, training young Guardians through mentorship and intergenerational exchange, monitoring terrestrial and freshwater species, and developing a community-based and owned Geographic Information System. |
Ikpiarjuk, NU |
|
Dzawada’enuxw Guardianship |
This initiative links to the Habitat Conservation and Protection Program of the Conserving Nature Core Responsibility. It will specifically contribute to the following Conserving Nature Expected Results: Canada's wildlife and habitat are conserved and protected; and Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation. The initiative will deliver results by engaging the community for input on program development and ensuring that the nation is building a program that includes all voices of their membership, including every age and gender. This will lead to a plan forward that represents the Dzawada’enuxw worldview and a focus on sustainable development for a long-term Guardian initiative. |
Kingcome Inlet, BC |
|
SCN Guardians Program |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by: addressing a lack of connection between youth and Elders by hosting and taking part in at least three events on lands and waters to share intergenerational knowledge; contributing to increased health of low moose populations through monitoring and preparing/presenting a report to the community and leadership to inform decision-making and support protection efforts; supporting Indigenous language by hiring a Guardian who can communicate activities and species in Cree; developing a better understanding of land users by hiring and training Guardians to patrol, gather information, engage in activities on lands and waters to prepare a summary report on land use. The initiative is also hoping to address concerns with local fish populations, the health of medicines and logging. |
Pelican Rapids, MB |
|
Woodstock First Nation Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will build a foundation for a long-term Guardians program by developing a funding strategy to maintain and grow capacity, drafting policies and harvesting management plans for priority species (including for the Elver fishery, firewood harvest, and moose hunting), monitoring and collecting data on species and habitats at risk, engaging community in meetings to share knowledge and inform Guardians roles, responsibilities, and priorities, and establishing partnerships with neighbouring communities to work towards the establishment of a regional Guardians network. |
Woodstock, NB |
|
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Guardians Initiative – Phase 1 – Establishing Environmental Monitoring Standards. |
This initiative will support the acceleration of the creation of a Guardian program by establishing a Steering Committee consisting of at least four community members: one member from Gimaa, and Council and staff members from various departments of Atikamekshen Anishnawbek. The primary role of the Steering Committee is to determine areas within traditional territory to monitor and to establish protocols for monitoring and developing standards for land-use that ensure lands will be maintained and conserved. |
Naughton, ON |
|
N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of the Kebaowek First Nation Guardian program by improving youth access to employment and culturally appropriate educational training opportunities that focus on partnership and relationship building between youth and Elders for transfer of valuable Indigenous Knowledge and expertise; exploring existing processes and policies in conservation and preservation to create economic and self-sustainability and well-being; assisting in decision-making through increased monitoring and assessments of local lands and waters; and supporting research and methodology of monitoring species at risk to include all native plants and animals. |
Kebaowek, QC |
|
Na-cho Nyak Dun Land Guardians Training Framework Project |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by developing a training program for Lands Guardians to build lands stewardship capacity within the Na-cho Nyak Dun community. The training will involve three core components: an Elder and Youth Guardian mentorship component; a training courses component where a number of training courses will be offered by a qualified training institute and will provide education and certifications in critical skills needed to conduct on-the-land monitoring and stewardship safely and effectively; and a curriculum development component where a framework will be developed for delivering a comprehensive training program to community members to become Land Guardians and undertake a variety of land stewardship initiatives. |
Mayo, YT |
|
Abegweit Guardians |
This initiative will provide the Abegweit Guardians with the professional capacity and cultural ability to participate in conservation, restoration, ecosystem management, and climate change mitigation activities that will benefit both the Abegweit people and ecosystems around Traditional Abegweit Territory. |
Scotchfort, PE |
|
Conservation and Education through keystone species (Grizzly Bear and Bull Trout) in Treaty Six Territory: Traditional Knowledge and Science |
This initiative will develop two short educational courses focusing on land and water that will be anchored in Indigenous Knowledge, scientific monitoring and focus on species at risk within the Territory. Guardians will also install monitoring stations and use drone imagery to observe fish and wildlife. Finally, scientific literacy will be promoted by organizing camps where Elders will lead youth in land-based cultural and science-based activities. |
Glenevis, AB |
|
ANA Guardians Land Access and Use Initiative |
Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (ANA or Grassy Narrows First Nation) |
This initiative will identify and maintain land access routes and use sites, as well as gather information on Anishinaabe ways of being on the land and water. This work will promote community land use to secure emergency evacuation routes and to allow the land to heal so that the people can heal and practice their traditional way of life. |
Grassy Narrows, ON |
Ni Ho Ghe Di – ACFN Guardian Program |
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation – Dene Lands and Resource Management |
This initiative will increase capacity for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to monitor illegal hunting and poaching of bison on their traditional territory. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
Lake Nipigon Cumulative Impact Awareness Initiative |
This initiative will provide engagement opportunities on the land, as well as tools and data products. |
Macdiarmind, ON |
|
Carcross/Tagish First Nation Environmental Monitoring Program – BC Expansion |
This initiative will review the scope of the current monitoring program, conduct extended patrols/monitoring in the British Columbia portion of the First Nation traditional territory and develop a strategy/report with implementation and resourcing requirements for their environmental monitors. |
Carcross, YT |
|
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation - Guardians Program |
This initiative will develop a steering committee to oversee and inform the undertaking of the initiative and hire Guardians to map and conduct scientific research and analysis of designated conservation land. |
Muncey, ON |
|
Nionwentsïo guardian program |
This initiative will support the Huron-Wendat to build capacity, autonomy, and Nationhood by re-establishing a link between Elders and youth, and by drawing on Indigenous Knowledge and western science to act on their cultural responsibility to protect their territory and the species within it. |
Wendake, QC |
|
Atikamekw guardians of Manawan |
This initiative will increase the Nation’s presence on the land, establish an official Guardians Mandate, train Guardians, and collect data relying on western science and Indigenous Knowledge. Manawan is one of three Atikamekw communities, the others being Opitciwan and Wemotaci, that form the Atikamekw Nation Council. Manawan wishes to lead by example in the management of the Nitaskian (traditional territory) and encourage a shared Guardians initiative. |
Manawan, QC |
|
Sahtu K’aowe Guardians Program |
This initiative will support developing a monitoring plan and program for key risk values, while also creating an internal mechanism for Guardian knowledge, observations and work. |
Déline, NT |
|
Dene Tha’ First Nation Established Community-Based Guardian Program |
This initiative will support developing tools to integrate data collection during monitoring activities into a standardized system that can be accessed to inform decision-making related to species and habitat conservation. |
Chateh, AB |
|
Ditidaht Guardian Program: Stewardship and Monitoring of cultural sites, fish, and wildlife habitats within Ditidaht Traditional Territory. |
This initiative will support monitoring environmentally and culturally significant sites to inform sustainable environmental management practices and to develop a restoration plan for Campus Creek. |
Port Alberni, BC |
|
Doig River First Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will provide training to build capacity for Guardians to assess water quality and quantity, as well as to examine the presence of contaminants in the area, which are degrading plant and wildlife populations. Guardians will report directly to the First Nation members who work with industry and other local stakeholders to support and help manage potential threats through various mitigation techniques. |
Rose Prairie, BC |
|
Re-connecting Our People with the Land |
This initiative will support Eskasoni's existing Guardians program to better meet community needs, employ Guardians year-round, and address additional issues to improve the approach to conservation, protection and the encouragement of traditional harvesting and gathering on the area. A chief priority for Guardians is to protect the local watershed and the bio-cultural diversity within Nation. |
Eskasoni, NS |
|
Neh keh tseh nee ee - kakinawetakwow uski (Keepers of the Land) |
This initiative will conduct surveying, monitoring and restoration work across Fort Nelson First Nation's territory, while engaging the community through training, Elder support and improved food security. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Ginoogaming First Nation Guardians (Emerging Initiative) |
This initiative will support building capacity for a dedicated community Guardian, foster inter-community relationships and knowledge sharing, and developing a Guiding Framework for the Guardians program. |
Longlac, ON |
|
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardian’s – Camera Trap Based Wildlife Monitoring Initiative |
This initiative will support developing a methodology for a camera trap network to monitor moose, wolf and bear populations and biodiversity. |
Kitwanga, BC |
|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will support work to be present and active on the land in the form of environmental and compliance monitoring and surveillance; working to preserve and transmit Indigenous Knowledge gained by Elders and promote/facilitate nature-based learning with youth. A large portion of funding will be used for field staff, enabling the hiring of two full-time Guardians, a seasonal Guardian and two Youth Guardians as well as contributing to salaries and wages for an onsite biologist and Natural Resources Manager. Species of interest inventory programs will be created, the current water quality baseline study will be maintained, culturally significant sites will be identified, and educational and engagement opportunities will be facilitated including Indigenous Knowledge workshops, social media videos, and work with the local school to create a small butternut nursery. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
Leq’a:mel Guardians |
This initiative will protect, steward, and reinforce connections of Indigenous peoples with Leq'á:mel Territory by conducting monitoring and habitat restoration work on-the-ground, and by developing a Leq'á:mel Guardians Framework that outlines a community-driven vision for goals, priorities, training needs, and organizational and administrative tools for Guardians. |
Deroche, BC |
|
Liard First Nation Indigenous Land Guardian Program |
This initiative will support effective and reliable means of communication for environmental information with the community. Guardians will be the eyes and ears on the land that monitor and report on the health of the environment, animals and ecological well-being of the Kaska people. |
Watson Lake, YT |
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Ni hat’ni Dene Guardians (“Watchers of the Land”) |
This initiative will support expanding Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation's ability to operate a year-round Guardians program, enabling them to better monitor Bathurst Caribou populations and engage in harvest deterrence, monitor ice safety when used for travel within the territory and engage in transmission of cultural knowledge to youth. |
Lutsel K’e, NT |
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M.H.S.S., (Maaqutusiis hahoulthee stewardship society), Stewardship Guardian Program |
This initiative will provide lasting social and economic benefit for members of the Ahousaht community, while protecting cultural resources, enhancing the traditional way of life, and protecting biological diversity and natural environments. |
Tofino, BC |
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Sovereignty, Self-Governance and Cultural Resilience through Marine Stewardship |
This initiative will support revitalizing the community's cultural connection to their marine environment and increasing their capacity to have a greater presence in the marine territory. Malahat Guardians will establish a consistent presence on the water to regularly observe activities, species presence, and development impacts. These observations are critical for an understanding of the territory, informed leadership and community decision-making, and connection with the environment. |
Mill Bay, BC |
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Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian Program |
Mikisew Cree First Nation – Government and Industry Relations |
This initiative will support the Mikisew Cree First Nation to continue its water quality and quantity monitoring work and expanding its program to work with industry partners and different levels of government. Funding will support the ongoing work of the Guardians, which serves as an important link between the community and external partners when studying the environment using both Indigenous Knowledge and western science. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
N/A |
This initiative will enable Nak'azdli Guardians to have an increased presence on the land and further opportunities to advance community engagement to develop a more significant role in land stewardship. Through enhanced monitoring, data collection, Knowledge Transfer and community engagement, Nak'azdli Guardians will be better able to protect ecologically sensitive sites and species of cultural significance. |
Fort James, BC |
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Ndakina Guardians Program |
This initiative will ensure the continued practice and revitalization of Indigenous Knowledge and activities, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping, while also ensuring that the lands and waters are monitored and stewarded. This initiative will support conservation, research, education, and outreach activities that involve and reconnect Indigenous community members to Ndakina Territory. |
Wolinak, QC |
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Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Land Guardians |
This initiative will revitalize, monitor, and preserve culturally significant sites and species by implementing a land use plan, developing an environmental monitoring framework for fish (Pickerel and Whitefish) and wildlife (Moose and Woodland Caribou), and pursuing the establishment of Indigenous protected and conserved areas (IPCAs). |
Nelson, BC |
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P’egp’ig’lha Guardians |
This initiative will support land monitoring and data collection that aligns with the community's responsibility to care for the land and its resources. Elders and youth will engage in knowledge transfer, ensuring cultural values and protocols are followed. Community members will be encouraged to participate in ride-alongs that create learning opportunities on the land. Guardians will be responsible for leading observations, developing protocols and disseminating information on cultural values and environmental ethics related to the land. Information will also be shared with P’egp’ig’lha Council to assist in land-based decisions in defined areas of interest and responsibility. |
Lilooet, BC |
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Sagkeeng Territory-wide Guardians Program |
This initiative will enable Sagkeeng Guardians to monitor areas of high concern within their territory, such as those near industrial development, as well as identify where lesser-known impacts may occur. Sagkeeng First Nation envisions building a pool of resources, including trained and experienced Guardians along with robust data collection tools and procedures, to expand their initiative. These efforts will provide the foundation for the First Nation to monitor environmental impacts in their territory and apply mitigations for any identified concerns. |
Fort Alexander, MB |
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Saugeen Ojibway Nation - Coastal Waters Monitoring Program |
This initiative will promote better understanding of the conditions and health of coastal habitats and wildlife across the Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory by: identifying, monitoring, and mitigating stressors and impacts on aquatic species and habitats, connecting membership to the environment of their territory, incorporating the Traditional Ecological Knowledge and priorities of membership into the scope of monitoring, data analysis and data interpretation, and providing meaningful training and employment opportunities to membership. |
Georgian Bluffs, ON |
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Takla Nation Tier 2 Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will support continuing to build a full inventory of environmental data and spatial information, highlighting areas and species of concern, which will inform Nation-led land-use management planning. The initiative will also create space for youth and Elder engagement, fostering knowledge sharing and connection with the land. |
Prince George, BC |
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T'àkhú Salmon Stewardship and Cultural Revitalization Project |
This initiative will support increasing capacity through the creation of new Guardians positions and expanding existing ones, increasing on-the-land presence by augmenting patrols and improving access to remote parts of the territory, and by renewing a cultural focus in salmon stewardship through organizing a youth camp that will support traditional fishing and intergenerational knowledge transfer. |
Atlin, BC |
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Temagami First Nation Guardians |
This initiative will assess the integrity of the environment, build a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, build community capacity, and identify areas of concern through community engagement sessions and workshops, and through routine monitoring of lands, waters, cultural sites, and species. |
Lake Temegami, ON |
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Tłı̨chǫ Highway Wildlife Monitoring Program |
This initiative will support Guardians as the eyes and ears on the ground to monitor wildlife habitat use and conditions, and to draw on Indigenous Knowledge and western science methods to make clear recommendations, mitigations, and policy changes regarding the new 97-kilometer Tłı̨chǫ Highway that opened on December 1, 2021. |
Behchoko, NT |
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Nänkäk łihgha tr'ëdätr'ëhoh'ąy – On the land we work together |
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in |
This initiative will develop a field operations manual to define Guardian roles and responsibilities, improve methods and technologies used to collect field data, engage youth in on-the-land camps with Elders, and inventory historic and active resource roads and trails to better assess their impacts on subsistence harvest patterns and on the movements and distribution of wildlife. |
Dawson City, YT |
N/A |
Acho Dene Koe First Nation |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by collecting environmental and cultural knowledge, purchasing field equipment, training Guardians on river monitoring and construction, environmental monitoring, and on-the-ground monitoring of the Liard River watershed. The activities will take place in Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard in the Northwest Territories. |
Fort Liard, NT |
N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by promoting the transmission of traditions and customs from the elders to the young people of Gespeg in terms of hunting and fishing, respect for the code of practice, ensure the survival and respect of his practice area. The guardians will be present on the territory to transmit the traditions and customs of the ancestral activities of occupation of the territory. This initiative will promote communication with non-Aboriginals on Mi'gmaq traditions as well as the sharing of the territory to promote reconciliation between the users of the territory and the resources. The activities will take place on the territory of the Indian Band of the Micmacs of Gaspé, in the city of Gaspé, province of Quebec. |
Gaspé, QC |
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Beaver Lake Cree Nation Guardians of the Water Project |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by developing a beaver management plan that includes lethal and non-lethal management strategies for mitigating harvesting impacts and practicing traditional trapping. This initiative will encourage more youth to participate and learn traditional and commercial hide tanning and garment making. The activities will take place in Lac La Biche, Alberta. |
Lac La Biche, AB |
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Connecting Scianew Guardians |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by solidifying community participation, hiring additional employees and specialists, developing a communications strategy to increase communication with the community, developing a training strategy for GIS training, and communicating with local neighbouring communities to meet Guardians and share experiences and knowledge. The activities will take place in Beecher Bay First Nation in Sooke, British Columbia. |
Beecher Bay, BC |
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Blueberry River First Nations Land and Water Guardians |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of the Guardians program within Blueberry First Nation by pursuing a training and capacity-building initiative to establish a Guardians program that uses "two-eyed seeing" and weaves together Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science to restore and maintain both cultural continuity and ecosystem health. The initiative will support the development, implementation, refinement and expansion of existing monitoring programs, including the cultural monitoring program, vegetation monitoring program, and water monitoring program. Regular monitoring of lands and waters through the Guardians program will inform where and when intervention (i.e., culturally appropriate ecological restoration) will be most effective. Having a community-driven and focused training program will help ensure the long-term success and continuity of stewardship and restoration initiatives while supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer and healing lands and waters for future generations. Project activities will take place in Blueberry River First Nations in British Columbia. |
Buick, BC |
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Land Guardian |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by funding a Land Guardian leadership role that will support Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas development, community engagement, Traditional Ecological Knowledge Studies, planning and executing Caldwell lands environmental initiatives, reviewing class environmental assessments, and building capacity. The activities will take place in Caldwell First Nation in Leamington, Ontario. |
Leamington, ON |
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N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardian programs by hiring Guardians, conducting wildlife management activities, developing and maintaining facilities to support Guardians and community members, facilitating community programming, and delivering field-based orientation to community members. The activities will take place in Cold Lake in Alberta. |
Cold Lake, AB |
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For the Abitibiwinniks |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs to train members of the Abitibiwinni First Nation to do monitoring and knowledge-building work on the land by applying Indigenous Knowledge as well as Western science. The initiative also aims to document the information acquired during the work of the guardians as well as the knowledge of the members of the community, particularly the elders, who occupy or actively occupied the territory. The activities will take place on the territory of the Council of the Abitibiwinni First Nation in the town of Pikogan, province of Quebec. |
Pikogan, QC |
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Essipiu Assinu Nakatuenitamu |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of guardian programs, acting as an authority on traditional activities and involving participation in the management of the territory, natural resources and the environment. The initiative will strengthen the link between the guardian and the community, as well as acquiring and sharing Nitassinan knowledge. Activities will take place in the town of Essipit in the province of Quebec. |
Essipit, QC |
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Constance Lake First Nation Indigenous Guardians |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by advancing the capacity of the Community Guardian, inspiring youth, engaging Elders and the community in gathering Indigenous Knowledge and scientific data, and developing a guiding framework to lead the Guardians initiative in the future. The activities will take place in Constance Lake First Nation in Constance Lake, Ontario. |
Constance Lake, ON |
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Xwemalhkwu Stewardship – Homalco First Nation Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by keeping watch over the territory, by ensuring sustainable management of resources, that land and marine use agreements are implemented, and community members reconnect with their territory. The initiative aims to engage the Homalco First Nation community membership to continue the work of their ancestors in upholding inherent laws and stewardship. This goal will be achieved by employing and training two Homalco community members, purchasing technical equipment, providing training for the safe and effective guardianship of the Homalco territory and preparing a Guardians Territorial Monitoring Strategy to provide clear direction on roles and expectations for the Guardians. By hiring and training Guardians, the community will be able to enhance its presence in the territory, create further opportunities for education to support stewardship initiatives that focus on best practices for management of territorial land, waters and resources, and increase data collection to support fisheries and wildlife management, tourism and cultural programs. The activities will take place in Homalco First Nation in British Columbia. |
Campbell River, BC |
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K'ahsho Got'ine Seasonal Monitoring Program |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by hiring additional Guardians, purchasing equipment to help expand the existing monitoring program, planning a summer monitoring program, and guiding next steps to continue building a strong and sustainable stewardship program. The activities will take place in Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories. |
Fort Good Hope, NT |
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Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation Land Guardians |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by addressing Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation's concern about dwindling salmon numbers returning to traditional salmon spawning creeks and rivers, to aid in understanding what changes may be happening on the land and water that may be contributing to low salmon numbers, and by training Guardians to monitor the health of local creeks and rivers. The initiative plans to train two community members to become Land Guardians to collect water samples, take water field and stream/river flow measurements and to collect valuable scientific data. Elders will also teach the Guardians where salmon traditionally spawn, how and when to respectfully monitor the water, and provide Indigenous Knowledge on what other factors may be disrupting salmon runs and causing low numbers of fish to return. In addition, the community is also concerned with the contamination of water within their Traditional Territory, which will also be addressed by the water samples taken by the Guardians. Finally, the initiative will engage youth in monitoring the health of land and water by engaging in meaningful work and connecting with cultural values. The activities will take place in Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation in the Yukon. |
Carmacks, YT |
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The Guardians Project - Increasing Capacity, Conservation and Resilience to Climate Change in Akwesasne |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by affording Akwesasne members the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of floodplain management in the traditional territory of Akwesasne to better inform decisions regarding preparedness and resilience to climate change. This initiative will increase the capacity of stewardship, engagement, and better management of the lands and will map out the local territory using technology as a supporting tool to assess the current state of the landscape. This will be done by contracting LiDAR mapping; sharing Indigenous Knowledge and teachings through workshops and outreach; data collection and monitoring to maintain and support Indigenous lands, waters, animals and plants; and creating a draft flood management plan. The activities will take place in the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in Akwesasne, Ontario. |
Akwesasne, ON |
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Norway House Cree Nation Land & Resource Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by focusing on the protection and governance of local resources; improving management within the traditional territory through control and administration over the lands, waters, and resources of Norway House Cree Nation; ensuring that sustainability of resources and protection of Treaty and Indigenous Rights lies at the forefront of all proposed development; facilitating opportunities for the many stakeholder groups in the community to collaborate and address common and overlapping issues, and to develop partnerships to conduct research and studies; mapping and Indigenous naming of traditional areas and waterbodies; documenting existing Nation land laws in written form and policy development; training of local Land Guardians/Environmental Monitors using a combination of Indigenous Knowledge and Western science methods to monitor activities and condition of all the Nation's territory; and collaborating with local groups to develop a community land-based education curriculum for the Nation's youth with a Cree language component. The activities will take place in Norway House, Manitoba. |
Norway House, MB |
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N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by conducting site assessments, compiling and organizing data from the site assessments, analyzing and reporting on the data from the site assessments, and holding a focus group for program participants to discuss the findings. The activities will take place in Okanagan Indian Band in Vernon, British Columbia. |
Vernon, BC |
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N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by gathering and applying Indigenous laws, teaching and knowledge, maintaining and supporting Indigenous relationships with lands, waters, animals and plants, capacity building, outreach, education and training, emergency response, data collection and monitoring, species and habitat identification, monitoring and protection, habitat stewardship, observation, and recording and reporting. In conducting stewardship activities over the past four years, the Guardians have become a critical part of the Penticton Indian Band's decision-making matrix. The team actively protects sensitive and valued ecosystems through the eviction of trespassers and garbage clean up. This initiative aims to continue the Guardians’ role as a critical resource and mentor for other communities as well as focusing on the protection of Syilx interests by identifying ecological threats to prevent and mitigate further harm, preventing impacts to Syilx land and environmental interests by reporting non-compliance and educating the public, and advancing public education and engagement through community collaboration. The activities will take place in Penticton in British Columbia. |
Penticton, BC |
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N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by continuing current Saulteau's Indigenous Guardians program activities such as measuring park land use, monitoring natural resources, promoting cultural values, and other stewardship activities; measuring methyl-mercury in fish tissue; determining metals in the environment; operating a lake trout hatchery; mapping winter food security for the Klinse-Za caribou herd; and measuring water quality and quantity in Moberly Lake. The activities will take place in Saulteau First Nations in British Columbia. |
Moberly Lake, BC |
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Shawanaga First Nation Lands and Resource Conservation |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by building capacity internally and externally and developing partnerships with other First Nations communities; protecting lands, waters and natural resources through research, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with the existing lands management framework; and supporting the transfer of knowledge within the community between Elders, Youth, lands staff, Guardians, and outside of the community through partnerships created by community events and educational resources. The activities will take place in the traditional territory of Shawanaga First Nation in Ontario. |
Nobel, ON |
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Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Guardians Programs Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by increasing the protection and stewardship of fisheries and marine habitats important to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh way of life, participation in initiatives for protecting lands and waters that align with community values, increasing monitoring, and enforcement of the territory to eliminate illegal dumping, poaching and destruction of sensitive habitat. The activities will take place in Squamish Nation in North Vancouver, British Columbia. |
North Vancouver, BC |
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N/A |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by supporting the creation of a stewardship organization that will provide training to Ulkatcho First Nation members in environmental monitoring practices, which will support sustainable economic growth for the Nation, strengthen environmental protection and respect traditional ways of knowing. In addition to this, the organization will serve as a watchdog for the many different extractive resources that occur on Ulkatcho lands, particularly forestry and mining. The activities will take place in the traditional territory of Ulkatcho First Nation in British Columbia. |
Anahim Lake, BC |
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Upper Similkameen Indian Band Guardian Program |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by hiring Guardians staff, engaging with the community, developing a Chuchuwayha Family Centre program where activities will be directed towards youth with Elders sharing knowledge through storytelling and cultural experiences, training Guardians, and conducting monitoring activities. The initiative will conduct project scoping and progress meetings and Guardian visioning and cultural indicators meetings. These meetings will identify priority locations, define monitoring activities, and inform field programming for the 2023-2024 season. The activities will take place in Upper Similkameen Indian Band in British Columbia. |
Princeton, BC |
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Bkejwanong Indigenous Guardians |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by engaging the community, raising understanding of Walpole Island responsibility for traditional lands and waters, and developing ways to measure change and assess the impacts of stewardship activities. The initiative will support the hiring of two Guardians who will conduct on-the-ground environmental stewardship work within the Bkejwanong territory and undergo various cultural and science-based training to lead at-risk adults in the Indigenous Guardians Recruits Initiative and youth in the Bkejwanong Eco-Keepers Program. The Guardians will focus on creating a centralized tool and system for gathering knowledge to advance and accelerate Indigenous-led stewardship, monitoring, education and research to combat environmental threats facing local ecosystems. Other priorities for the initiative include capacity building in conservation and fostering healing and stewardship mindsets in the community. The activities will take place in Walpole Island First Nation in Ontario. |
Walpole Island, ON |
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Wanuskewin Natural Rejuvenation Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of the Guardians programs by increasing personnel on site, increasing training, purchasing additional equipment in the form of vehicles and tools, installing erosion control products, installing pond levelers, re-vegetating riparian assets, controlling/removing invasive species, performing trail maintenance, installing signage, installing and operating a greenhouse, and conducting prescribed fires. The activities will take place in Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan. |
Saskatoon, SK |
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Xatśūll First Nation Environmental and Cultural Guardianship Program |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of the Guardians programs by: proceeding to consistent, targeted, and long-term on-the-ground environmental monitoring to collect environmental and cultural heritage information to understand baseline condition and any deviations; keeping an eye on the health of the environment and carry out monitoring, protection, and stewardship measures to ensure the land and waters are healthy and thriving for future generations; and monitoring resource extraction industries across the First Nation territory to ensure the wellbeing and protection of their land and waters. The activities will take place in the traditional territory of Xatśūll First Nation in British Columbia. |
Williams Lake, BC |
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Askiy Okanawaynichikaywuk – Keepers of the Land |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by maintaining trails, monitoring cultural and historic sites, observing changes in the land, supporting respectful land use, and acting as ambassadors to York Factory First Nation territory. In the community, the Guardians will have a visible presence, doing community outreach, participating in land-based events, and helping to inform Council's decisions about land use, stewardship, and protection. The Keepers of the Land will learn from the Elders and collaboration with internal and external partners will contribute valuable on-the-land skills needed to ensure protection within the burgeoning protected area. The activities will take place in York Factory First Nation, York Landing in Manitoba. |
York Landing, MB |
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Dehcho K’ehodi Regional Stewardship & Guardians Program |
This initiative will achieve stewardship and monitoring objectives and strengthen the practice of Dene culture and way of life through training for Guardians, intergenerational knowledge transfer through Youth-Elder mentorships, and land-based learning opportunities including fishing camps. Funding will help expand the season to provide Guardians with more meaningful employment and expand the monitoring and cultural-based programs that they support. |
Fort Simpson, NT |
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Grand Council Treaty #3 Stewardship Officer Program |
This initiative will support the creation of an initial Stewardship Officer position for the program's pilot, coordinating with other Treaty #3 Guardians Programs, establishing a framework for monitoring, regulating and managing important natural resources in the Nation, receiving guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and asserting environmental jurisdiction in the management of natural resources, including fisheries, hunting and trapping. |
Kenora, ON |
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Coastal Stewardship Network |
This initiative will support local Guardian Watchmen programs within the Coastal Stewardship Network’s seven member communities and encourage a coordinated approach to First Nations stewardship across the broader coastal region by hosting workshops and developing shared tools such as a monitoring plan for data collection and management, specialized course content, and a training-specific strategic plan. |
West Vancouver, BC |
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Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
This initiative will support the environmental services offered by the Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network. Since 2018, Four Rivers has been working closely with its nine member communities to secure funding agreements for individual Guardians projects, acquire vital monitoring equipment and other resources, deliver support and training, and to standardize monitoring approaches, methods, and data organization. Four Rivers seeks to expand by formalizing a steering and decision-making body, expanding the emergency environmental fungal disease Blastomyces and searching for the source in immediate homelands, building a website, and establishing an internship program. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
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Niiwin Wendaanimok Anishinaabe Guardians |
This initiative will support monitoring activities associated with a highway construction project in the territory to ensure appropriate mitigation efforts are occurring, including completing environmental sampling to assess contamination, mapping areas to be protected in future phases of construction and patrolling the lands to observe potential hazards for habitats and species at risk. |
Kenora, ON |
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S’ólh Téméxw Guardians |
This initiative will develop a S'ólh Téméxw Guardians Plan that clearly outlines a regional structure of relationships on Guardians within the S'ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance and that includes several key documents, such as a term of reference, an internal protocol document, an external partner protocol document, a needs assessment document, and a scope assessment document. |
Chilliwack, BC |
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Seal River Watershed Alliance Guardians Network Initiative |
This initiative will facilitate capacity-building, training, outreach, and gatherings to establish a Guardians Network across four First Nations of the Seal River Watershed Alliance. The Guardians Network will support members to exercise their inherent rights and responsibilities to the lands and waters, and to practice and share their cultures on their traditional territories. |
Winnipeg, MB |
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Tŝilhqot’in Guardian Stewardship Program |
This initiative will continue on-the-ground research, monitoring, and patrols in the territory, while also advancing the establishment of a Guardians Network and building capacity at a community-level through training for Guardians. |
Williams Lake, BC |
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Nova Scotia Earth Keepers / Nuji kelo’toqatijik Network |
This initiative will provide training, education and outreach opportunities to Guardians and Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq community members, conduct on-the-ground monitoring, and engage youth to expand the Earth Keeper Network's ability to address concerns for both lands and waters in a way that is consistent with traditional teachings. |
Eskasoni, NS |
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Keewaytinook Okimakanak Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will facilitate opportunities for community members to participate in developing both Indigenous and western Knowledge-based approaches to environmental assessments, monitoring, evaluations, and decision-making. This will enhance the communities' capacity for addressing and mitigating environmental threats caused by climate change and industrial development. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
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Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
Pimachiowin Aki Corp. / Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network |
This initiative will support the conservation of lands and waters and empower the communities of Anishinaabe First Nation of Bloodvein River, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Pauingassi First Nation and Poplar River First Nation in collective decision-making. It will actively engage Elders and youth in Indigenous Knowledge, enhance education and training opportunities, conduct analyses and reporting on outcomes, implement local land management plans, and increase awareness and understanding of Anishinaabe culture. |
Winnipeg, MB |
People and the Land – Strengthening our Guardian Program |
This initiative will support Guardians in the member Nations of Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. to develop skills in forestry, environmental monitoring, stewardship, and traditional and cultural knowledge. Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. provides a forum for active participation in the resource sector for its communities as they explore and grow their Lands and Resource Departments. |
Chapleau, ON |
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Nlaka’pamux Guardians |
This initiative will implement a stronger community outreach function within the Guardians program to restore people's connection with the land, improve data collection to empower leadership decisions, and apply Stewardship Protocols to the land to establish a higher standard of accountability for industry partners, tourists and general land users within the territory. |
Merritt, BC |
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Okanagan Nation Alliance Guardians Program |
This initiative will implement a full-time Guardians program serving the six Syilx communities that are part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. The initiative will focus primarily on the collection of data related to wildlife, ecosystems and cultural and ceremonial sites. This information will be reported to the Chief's Executive Council and the Syilx Natural Resource Committee to inform decision making and directives for stewardship on the land. The Okanagan Nation Alliance consists of the following six member communities: Upper Nicola, Okanagan, Penticton, Osoyoos and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands, Westbank First Nation and the Colville Confederate of Tribes. |
West Kelowna, BC |
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Dane nan yḗ dāh Network |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by identifying and protecting areas of high ecological, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value as well as providing long-term ecological processes to generate biological diversity. The network is intended to provide long-term ecological and cultural monitoring by building a Guardians workforce that engages and encourages knowledge transfer between youth and adults in the community and will work with Elders and Knowledge holders to track changes on key wildlife habitats, traditional food and water sources, and to inform decisions and discussions on potential changes impacting Dena people's role and responsibility on the land. The activities will take place in the Kaska Nation in Lower Post, British Columbia. |
Lower Post, BC |
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Protecting our Shared Territories: The File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Collective Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will support the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council to establish a Guardians program that will work with member communities to capture oral epistemologies through an inter-generational dialogue, documenting occupation and land use for future generations, protecting medicines of Sacred Water Ways, and revitalizing language. The activities will take place in traditional territory of File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council in Saskatchewan. |
Fort Qu'Apelle, SK |
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Aki (Land) Guardians Local Nations Engagement |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by hiring Guardians to enforce environmental laws, regulations and policies, while focusing on restoring the traditional roles and responsibilities of Anishinabek in Treaty 2 Territory. This initiative will engage the local Nations to fine tune the laws and regulations that have been drafted through consultation with Knowledge Keepers and citizens. Guardians will be trained through practical education, incorporating Indigenous Knowledge, Western science, engagement with councils and circles, and environmental regulatory structures. Additionally, this initiative will focus on the development of 11 short documentaries to document and archive knowledge but also to serve as a foundation for their Guardians program. The activities will take place in Treaty 2 Territory in Manitoba. |
Dauphin, MB |
|
N/A |
Magnetawan First Nation Department of Lands, Resources and The Environment |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by continuing the existing long-term reptile and cultural keystone species monitoring program, while facilitating land-based learning, knowledge transfer, and technical skill sharing with other First Nations. Magnetawan First Nation's Guardians initiative is informed by a Two-eyed Seeing approach that helps strengthen the First Nation's abilities to create sustainable land management for future generations across Turtle Island. The activities will take place in the Georgian Bay region in Ontario. |
Britt, ON |
Nanwakolas - Stewardship through Guardian Capacity & Quality Data |
This initiative will support the expansion of Nanwakolas' existing Guardians program, allowing them to hire more Guardians and provide additional training opportunities so that they can continue current Guardians work and expand into other priority areas member Nations have identified. The initiative will include Guardians gatherings to ensure standardized data collection methods are used across member Nations, strenghtening the data used in decision-making by the Nations. Expanding the existing Guardians program will also support a longer field season for Guardians, providing more year-round employment of Guardians staff. The activities will take place in the traditional territory of Nanwakolas Council Society in British Columbia. |
Campbell River, BC |
|
#TeamSkú7pecen Knowledge Builder Program - Winter Territorial Stewardship |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by supporting Qwelmínte Secwépemc to continue implementing the #TeamSkú7pecen Knowledge Builder Program, which supports capacity building in the signatory communities by having one certified Winter Territorial Steward trained in each community, providing mentorship and Indigenous Knowledge transfer through a speaker series, and supporting educational opportunities using the Walking on Two Legs approach, that incorporates both Secwépemc ways of knowing and Western science. The activities will take place in Qwelmínte Secwépemc territory in British Columbia. |
Kamloops, BC |
|
Swan Lake First Nation Indigenous Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by focusing on youth engagement to train the next generation of land protectors, empowering the Nation to face the challenges of climate change, agricultural and industrial development. The initiative is providing training in soil, water, and habitat monitoring. Mentorship from Elders and Knowledge Keepers is incorporated in every activity. The Nation is also strengthening and expanding existing partnerships to build capacity for governance capacity and self-determination. The activities will take place in the traditional territory of Swan Lake First Nation in Manitoba. |
Swan Lake, MB |
|
Monitoring and protection of Athabasca Denesųłiné Nuhenéné and etthën using Denesųłiné traditional protocols. |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by monitoring, documenting and providing education and information on traditional harvesting protocols including wastage, overhunting, documenting a cow harvest and ensuring a clean harvesting site. Guardians will work with the community through education and mitigation for continued successful harvesting, and address the main concerns expressed by community members every year during the hunt. The initiative will also target youth education through school presentations and will facilitate Elder and youth knowledge transfer on the land. The activities will take place in Nuhenéné (Denesųłiné traditional territory) in Saskatchewan. |
Saskatoon, SK |
2024-25
Latitude / Longitude |
Program title |
Proponent |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Aullâsimavet |
This initiative will empower Inuit families to visit culturally significant areas within Nunatsiavut territory to restore their connections to the land, as well as gather baseline data and observe changes to the land, water and sea ice. Participating families will be chosen through a competitive call and keep observation logs for use by the Nunatsiavut Government to inform decision-making in their communities. |
Nain, NL |
|
Uumajuit Wardens Eco-System Monitoring |
This initiative will strengthen the ability of the Uumajuit wardens to engage in marine mammal conservation and terrestrial and freshwater wildlife protection in Nunavik. The responsibilities of Uumajuit wardens are set out in detail in the wildlife protection plan for Nunavik. With support from Inuit Guardians, the Uumajuit Wardens will play an increased role in monitoring environmental compliance of activities taking place in Nunavik, coordinating with both regional and external partners. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Wildlife harvest monitoring in Nunavik |
This initiative will support communities in Nunavik to build capacity to collect important harvest data. Currently, there is no reliable harvest data for most species in Nunavik. Lack of data impairs decision-making and threatens the sustainability of wildlife and food security. Guardians funding will support the Nunavik community to complete an inventory and assessment of past harvest monitoring efforts undertaken within Nunavik, identify other potential sources of harvest data and study examples of Indigenous harvest monitoring systems employed elsewhere to develop a harvest monitoring plan for Nunavik. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
Making science accessible to Nunavimmiut |
This initiative will empower communities and organizations in Nunavik to develop their own research and monitoring projects by providing in-kind support and training from professionals at the Nunavik Research Centre. Communities will develop the capacity to design and implement monitoring projects of benefit to their communities, the environment and ecosystems through adapted training, scientific knowledge transfer and research support provided by the Centre. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
Marralik-Ungunniavik Inuit Knowledge Sharing and Research Camp |
This initiative will support the revitalization of Indigenous Knowledge related to the Marralik-Ungunniavik estuary, a traditional Inuit hunting site. The loss of Indigenous Knowledge and practices threatens the sustainability of the area's beluga whale population. By establishing a youth camp at the estuary, Guardians and Elders will have the opportunity to share knowledge about wildlife management, respectful harvesting, and safe food preparation with the younger generation. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Inuvialuit Stewardship: Traditional Knowledge and Science-based Land Monitoring Program in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region |
This initiative develops and implements an Inuvialuit-led traditional knowledge and western science-based monitoring program that includes on-site soil and water testing in areas of concern, and that develops a monitoring framework to support evidence-based decision-making and effective management, monitoring and protection of Inuvialuit lands. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Regional Aquatic Cumulative Effects Monitoring Program |
This initiative will respond to core questions of community concern, including whether the water and fish are safe to drink and eat, and assess changes in the environment by monitoring and collecting data on eighteen sites. |
Rankin Inlet, NU |
|
Guardians of Kangiqtualuk |
This initiative accelerates the expansion of the existing Young Hunters Program, providing training to empower youth to participate in wildlife monitoring and traditional harvesting activities, expanding the community’s ability to engage in long-term stewardship of their traditional territory. Community members are engaged in the development of the initiative, which is informed by Indigenous Knowledge, values and languages. This initiative also records local environmental knowledge and provides updates through social media, and will develop a mobile phone application and Geographic Information System (GIS) to manage wildlife data. |
Pangnirtung, NU |
|
Askîy |
This initiative will enable the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) to continue the core activities of its community-based monitoring programs, re-engaging Métis citizens in environmental concerns, and expanding monitoring activities to address these concerns more directly. Monitoring programs are designed to engage with citizens, facilitate knowledge sharing within the community, provide opportunities for community involvement in monitoring, and keep citizens updated on project activities and outcomes. Monitoring programs have been developed to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity using methods that braid western science with Indigenous Knowledge. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Métis Settlements Guardians Program Establishment |
This initiative will offer targeted training, ongoing capacity support, and wage-supplements to eight Métis Settlements to better position them to monitor and care for the lands on which their members practice their constitutionally protected rights for harvesting and other traditional land uses. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
Northwest Territory Métis Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will build capacity and establish “eyes and ears" on the land to protect species and their habitats, to monitor and observe climate change and industrial related impacts on Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) traditional homelands, and to facilitate opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer to youth. The NWTMN estimates its membership to be over 3,000 Indigenous Métis from Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council and Fort Resolution Métis Government. |
Fort Smith, NT |
|
The Métis Guardian’s Program |
This initiative will engage youth, Elders, local Métis, and environmental technicians to assess the impacts of climate change in northern communities and wildlife populations, including caribou and fish. |
Saskatoon, SK |
|
Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Program |
This initiative will train and engage Métis citizen volunteers to conduct water and bait fish sampling in locations selected by communities using both Indigenous Knowledge and western science, to protect the Métis way of life, to preserve the traditional territories, and to transmit Indigenous Knowledge to youth and Métis citizens. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
Culturally important species monitoring by Métis Guardian/Harvesters in British Columbia |
This initiative aims to protect the land and Métis traditional ways of life, including harvesting, language, and other cultural practices for present and future generations. The initiative adds to an existing annual harvester database and works with Métis harvesters and land-users to identify and collect data on culturally important species and habitats. |
Surrey, BC |
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Program |
This initiative uses stewardship of the land to fight against climate change and improve water quality, wildlife/ecosystem conservation, and other environmental issues evident within the Homeland of the Métis Nation. A key focus is to promote cultural and environmental awareness; conducting environmental and ecological protection and preservation through hands-on experiential learning; and providing the opportunity for Métis Youth to learn from Métis Elders. They are also putting a large focus on the promotion of Métis languages including, but not limited to, Michif, Saulteaux, and Cree. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Kugaaruk Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs by creating and extending/expanding economic, employment, and training opportunities for Guardians focused on gathering and databasing local Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) in Kuugaruk. |
Kugaaruk, NU |
|
Building up Inuit representation in wildlife management and action |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Quebec by building the capacity of the organization as a whole and strengthening Inuit representation and self-governance through communication strategies for management projects, Inuit knowledge and local management decisions; structuring a base for organizing knowledge, resources and program planning; and equipping local teams with the means to conduct daily Guardians activities and stewardship. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
Knowledge Mobilization of an Inuvialuktun Glossary of Terms Related to Climate Change, Clean Energy, and the Environment |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in the Northwest Territories by continuing to compile a glossary of terms related to climate change, clean energy, and the environment and by hosting workshops to translate additional terms in the three Inuvialuktun dialects, which will help close the growing communication gap between Indigenous Knowledge and climate change, clean energy and environmental research. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
Guardians of Akuliaqattaq |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Nunavut by engaging with the community of Ikpiarjuk, training young Guardians through mentorship and intergenerational exchange, monitoring terrestrial and freshwater species, and developing a community-based and owned Geographic Information System. |
Ikpiarjuk, NU |
|
Environmental Stewardship on Air Quality Issues for Aamjiwnaang First Nation |
This initiative will monitor the air, water, and land surrounding Aamjiwnaang First Nation (AFN) that has been impacted by industry development. Guardians will identify environmental monitoring gaps (for example, soil, water, air, fish, plants, and species at risk), develop plans for data collection, improve emergency notification, as well as community responses to petroleum refineries, chemical plants, and other industrial facilities in proximity to AFN. |
Sarnia, ON |
|
The Birch Narrows Dene Nation Nuh Nene Strategic Plan |
This initiative will monitor the land, combining ancestral wisdom with modern ecological approaches. Strategic partnerships with neighbouring First Nations and partners, such as Tamarack Environmental Associates, NexGen Energy Ltd., and Fission Uranium Corp. will amplify the impact of conservation efforts. Through training, mentorship, and community engagement, the initiative will help the Nuh Nene Department in its goal of safeguarding cultural identity and the natural environment. |
Birch Narrows Dene Nation, SK |
|
Establishing Boothroyd Guardians Program |
This initiative will monitor environmental indicators within the territory, support restoration work in areas damaged by wildfire, and the subsequent erosion. Boothroyd Guardians will engage with land-user groups to increase understanding and respect for the environment. |
Boothroyd, BC |
|
Lower Nicola Indian Band – Indigenous Guardians Program - Tier 1 |
This initiative aims to build capacity, skills, and knowledge for a new Guardians program in the community. This will involve mapping and indexing areas in the territory, engaging with Elders and knowledge keepers, engaging with the community, drafting a plan, and working with chief and council to ensure the vision aligns with the strategic plan. |
Merritt, BC |
|
Protecting and enhancing the Pekuakamiulnuatsh heritage on Nitassinan |
This initiative aims to ensure the protection and preservation of the territory while maintaining the well-being of the Nation’s community members as they conduct their Nation’s traditional activities. The Guardians play a crucial role in supporting the Nation’s community, in land surveillance, and accompanying community members onto the Nation’s land. |
Mashteuiatsh, QC |
|
Songhees Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative continues work with community members, Band Council, and outside organizations to provide monitoring services, promote stewardship in the community, and restore habitat areas. This initiative helps establish stronger Indigenous presence on the water during fishing seasons, as it is critical in establishing more authority over fisheries and coastal resources on the land. |
Victoria, BC |
|
Spuzzum Nation Land Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will focus on protecting important ecosystems by monitoring key territorial and cultural sites, collecting ecological data, and safeguarding species like the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. The Guardians will also help to develop a framework for stewardship policies. |
Spuzzum, BC |
|
TTQ Guardians Program Initiation Project |
This initiative aims to collect and organize Xa’xtsa’s previously recorded cultural knowledge data, map priority areas, and develop a monitoring plan. The goal is to observe changes in the supply of traditional herbs and plants, the frequency and impacts of foraging on the land, vitality of salmon spawning, changes in unauthorized camping, and invasive plants and animals. |
Mount Currie, BC |
|
Wet’suwet’en First Nation Guardian Initiative: A Holistic Approach |
This initiative will monitor and collect data on moose population and mortality rates, assess wildlife habitats, set up wildlife cameras, and conduct riparian assessments. It will also explore starting a water-monitoring program in identified priority areas. These efforts will help the community observe and document activities or cumulative effects that impact their ability to practice traditional ways of life. |
Wet'suwet'en Village, BC |
|
Wotstak First Nation Guardians Initiative – Tier 1 |
This initiative will collect data and conduct ecosystem monitoring guided by Woodstock’s Indigenous Knowledge for conservation, with the goal of developing a land use plan. |
Woodstock First Nation, NB |
|
Abegweit Guardians |
This initiative embodies a cultural and traditional approach to natural resource management. The initiative also includes data collection and monitoring, and focusing on the use of lands, waters, and resources on traditional territories, including cultural sites. |
Mount Stewart, PE |
|
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nations Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will involve conducting and analyzing aerial surveys, creating a geographic information system (GIS) data management and visualization system using R-Studio and ArcPY, and continue to develop the Stoney Land and Water Course. |
Glenevis, AB |
|
The Neya Waban Guardian Program – Caretakers of the Land |
This initiative will gather crucial information that will support decision-making, identify quality habitat areas for wildlife, and develop management plans and protocols. The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation will continue to conduct Algonquin knowledge-based data collection to further protect the lands, water, animals, and air for the eleven communities across Ontario and Quebec. |
Golden Lake, ON |
|
Ni Ho Ghe Di – ACFN Guardian Program |
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation – Dene Lands and Resource Management |
This initiative will monitor and report on activities that may cause harm to the ecology, traditional lands, or traditional resources of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), such as poaching and illegally hunting on the traditional territory, especially to protect Ronald Lake Buffalos. The initiative will also support youth to strengthen their cultural pride and connection to the land and develop on-the-land skills. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek - Phase 2 - Monitoring of Atikameksheng Traditional Land |
This initiative will help with the collection of maple sap during Sugar Moon and other food harvestings, which is provided to Elders and the Nations’ food bank. Guardians will monitor the lands, conduct field site inspections for proposed forestry cuts to ensure grandmother trees are protected, and complete daily field work sheets and site inspections that will provide important environmental information on spills, violations, and forestry cuts. |
Naughton, ON |
|
Scianew Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will work toward environmental conservation, monitoring, training for Guardians, impact assessments, land sovereignty, and marine safety. This will be done through partnerships with neighbouring nations, Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) and Kotug Canada. |
Beecher Bay, BC |
|
Biinjitawaabik Zaaging Anishnaabek Community Guardians |
This initiative will implement sturgeon and mining site protocols, conduct environmental monitoring analysis, map the Lake Nipigon basin, and integrate the data into a geographic information system database. |
Macdiarmid, ON |
|
Caldwell First Nation Land Guardian Program |
This initiative will focus on education, training, on-the-land learning with technical experts and knowledge holders and listening sessions with the community. The Guardians will review class environmental assessments on behalf of Caldwell First Nation, monitor and participate in environmental projects in the Territory, and build multi-year capacity initiatives with emphasis on supporting the creation, development, and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas within traditional territory. |
Leamington, ON |
|
nłeʔképmx Guardians |
This initiative will continue to establish presence on the land and provide public education and awareness about the nłeʔképmx territory, protocols, and cultural practices. Guardians will monitor and record activities on the land with a focus on priority areas determined by the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. These priority areas include critical hunting, fishing, gathering, and other culturally important areas. nłeʔképmx Guardians will record, monitor, and manage for invasive species and will contribute to research regarding species at risk in the territory. |
Merritt, BC |
|
Essipiu Assinu Nakatuenitamu (those who take care of the Essipit territory) |
This initiative supports responsible governance and occupation of the Nation’s territory, land surveillance, and participation in community events, as well as collaboration on a variety of projects that encourage learning and skill development for Guardians and community members. |
Les Escoumins, QC |
|
Atikamekw guardians of Manawan |
This initiative will enhance the role of the Guardians in working with non-Indigenous land users and partners within the heart of the Nation and the community. This next phase focuses on being active on the land, collecting data, establishing an official community-recognized mandate, and increasing capacity and training, as well as strengthening the role of the Guardians within the community. |
Manawan, QC |
|
Pushing Forth: Taking the Pessamit Land Guardians to the Next Level |
This initiative includes a team of six territorial agents, specializing in data collection, surveillance of the lands, and comprehensive inventories of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The initiative will focus on monitoring and assessments, conducting an inventory of cultural sites, developing expertise in sampling, and community engagement and visibility. |
Betsiamites, QC |
|
Cumulative Effects Assessment of Chisasibi’s Intertidal Zones: Integrating Science, Tradition, and Stewardship |
This initiative will focus on integrating western science, Indigenous Knowledge, and stewardship to address key challenges in the Chisasibi community. The initiative will study the impact of development by reviewing existing research, mapping the community, analyzing vegetation, and collecting environmental samples. Additionally, it will build capacity through workshops and a mentorship initiative involving Kinwhapmaakins (Trapline Managers/Guardians). All data will be collected and combined into a detailed report on cumulative effects. |
Chiasibi, QC |
|
Sahtu K'aowe Guardians Project Supporting the Tsá Tué Biosphere Reserve |
This initiative supports monitoring of the Great Bear Lake and its watershed using two-eyed seeing methods (bridging western science and Indigenous Knowledge) for the conservation of biodiversity, ecological integrity, climate change adaptation, sustenance of local wildlife, and food security, as well as for cultural continuity and revitalization. |
Délįnę, NT |
|
Guardians of the Territory - Dene Tha' First Nation |
This initiative will engage in diverse activities, such as ecological restoration, supporting resource management plans, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Guardians will protect and recover species at risk, manage land use in the proposed Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area at M’behcholia (Bistcho Lake, Alberta), and conduct environmental and wildlife monitoring. |
Chateh, AB |
|
DKFN Guardians |
This initiative will monitor the lands and water. Guardians will patrol the land to ensure it is kept clean and will conduct water-quality sampling and clean fish monitoring. |
Fort Resolution, NT |
|
Doig River First Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will focus on improving monitoring of the lands and waters by combining cultural methods and western science. Doig River First Nation Guardians will continue to monitor the health of the land, guided by members, and will work collaboratively with the government to address any impacts. |
Rose Prairie, BC |
|
Elugweieg Toqwe’gig ugjit Ugs’tqamu aq ugjit Sapo’nug (We Work Together for Earth and for Tomorrow) |
Esgenoôpetitj Watershed Association |
This initiative will expand Esgenoôpetitj aquatic monitoring and governance, led by Esgenoôpetitj First Nation (EFN) Fishery Guardians in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada enforcement personnel in the management, conservation, and protection of the fisheries in the areas most utilized by the community. |
Esgenoôpetitj Indian Reserve No. 14, NB |
Re-Connecting Our People with the Land |
This initiative will help protect the Eskasoni Watershed and the bio-cultural diversity within the Nation for future generations, as well as reconnecting the people with the land by supporting community-led research and conducting surveys to monitor the changes in the fisheries and ecosystems. The Guardians will be responsible for monitoring activities within the watershed that could impact fish habitat, fish passage, and other species at risk or culturally significant species. This initiative will also support designation of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. |
Eskasoni, NS |
|
File Hills Qu'Appelle Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will monitor and document the health of waterways, including water quality, medicines, and the condition of riverbanks, focusing specifically on the Lower Qu’Appelle River and Chain of Lakes. It will also work to revitalize language and land stewardship practices. |
Fort Qu'Appelle, SK |
|
Amlamgog Earth Keepers |
This initiative will expand and enhance an existing salmon recovery initiative. This initiative will focus on flora and fauna monitoring, following the traditional guiding principle of Etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing). |
Fort Folly, NB |
|
Nahnéhé Gegenı́hı/ Kakinawetakwow Uski/ FNFN Land Guardian Initiative |
This initiative supports the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) stewardship, land management, and on-the-land cultural activities. The Guardian is guided by western science monitoring and research while grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding the health and condition of the lands and waters. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
Ketegaunseebee Aki Guardians |
This initiative will assist Garden River First Nation in monitoring and protecting the St. Marys River and the lands to uphold a treaty made with neighbouring Indigenous Nations. The initiative will focus on capacity-building, community engagement, and fieldwork including patrolling, monitoring species at risk and invasive species, and forestry. |
Garden River, ON |
|
Supporting and Maintaining a Strong and Efficient Heiltsuk Guardian Watchmen Program |
Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council |
This initiative will focus on capacity-building, monitoring local aquatics ecosystems and community fisheries for safe harvesting and to support and reestablish this life-sustaining relationship between the people and territory. |
Bella Bella, BC |
Nutshimiunnuat d'ITUM (gardiens du Nitassinan d’ITUM) |
This initiative consists of monitoring, protecting, and carrying out stewardship activities in the traditional territory of the Nation. Its objective is to ensure surveillance on the land and protection of the Nation, as well as contribute to studies and inventories on the impacts of climate change and industrial development within the territory. |
Sept-Îles, QC |
|
K'ahsho Got'ine Guardians |
This initiative monitors water, fish, plants, and wildlife through data collection. Funding will cover freight, sampling equipment (like depth gauges and sample kits), lab analysis, and seasonal Guardians jobs and training. The initiative will also establish water quality baselines to help the community better understand and adapt to the effects of climate change. |
Fort Good Hope, NT |
|
Kitasoo Xai’xais Guardian Watchmen Program Enhancement |
This initiative focuses on marine and terrestrial surveying, along with compliance and enforcement practices involving education, observation, and reporting. The Guardians also actively participate in the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary and undertake training for emergency response in search and rescue and oil spills. |
Klemtu, BC |
|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will monitor and inventory cultural keystone species, wild foods, and trees. The Guardians will provide water quality studies, identify culturally significant sites, and record videos to document traditional practices and activities. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
Kwadacha Nation Tier 2 Proposal |
This initiative aims to provide long-term ecological and cultural monitoring to track changes in key wildlife habitats, traditional food sources, and water sources. This will aid in discussing how potential changes may impact the roles and responsibilities of being Dena on the land. |
Prince George, BC |
|
Lake Babine Nation Yintah Guardians |
This initiative will lead the collaborative stewardship of yintah Lake Babine Nation (LBN) territory and the resources of two cultural keystone species, talok (Sockeye Salmon) and khida (moose), to restore moose populations to culturally meaningful levels, and to support fish monitoring, habitat restoration, and collaborative management. |
Burns Lake, BC |
|
Lennox Island First Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will help better manage, protect, and utilize the marine resources the community relies on. It will allow the Lennox Island watershed conservation group to participate in coastal erosion studies, take part in fisheries workshops (lobster-handling practices), a Black Ash reforestation project, and the development of a modernized solid-waste management plan. |
Lennox Island, PE |
|
LKFN Guardians and Climate Change Monitoring Project |
This initiative aims to monitor the environmental impacts of climate change in the Dehcho Region of Northwest Territories. The initiative will include monitoring of various indicators, such as permafrost melt, riverbank slumping/erosion, and shifting species populations. Guardians will be equipped with specialized training to monitor erosion, permafrost conditions, observe melt patterns, and assess the depth of thaw. This crucial data collection is important to assess the changing landscape. |
Fort Simpson, NT |
|
Ni hat’ni Dene (Watchers of the Land) |
This initiative maintains a long-term mandate to promote stewardship of Thaidene Nene, working full-time as caretakers of the land, water, and animals, ambassadors of the Dene way of life, and hosting visitors. Initiatives include protecting the Bathurst Caribou, passing on cultural knowledge to youth, and ensuring food security. |
Lutselk'e, NT |
|
Mamalilikulla First Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative involves ongoing activities where Guardians spend time on the land to collect data, monitor cultural sites, manage Grizzly Bear populations, plant crab apple trees to provide food for the bears, and improve fisheries. This work helps the Chief and Council make informed decisions. |
Campbell River, BC |
|
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian Program |
Mikisew Cree First Nation - Government and Industry Relations |
This initiative will study how oil sands development, particularly bitumen mining and hydroelectric projects, are affecting the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, the heart of Mikisew’s traditional territory. Guardians work year-round to monitor water quality, collect data, track flood events, and monitor the fish population. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
Iakwatonhontsanónhnha (We all mind her, the Earth) |
This initiative will develop an Environmental Charter for the community, helping to define roles and responsibilities of Conservation Officers. It will also consult on a Rights of Nature approach to protect the St. Lawrence River. |
Kahnawake, QC |
|
Muskowekwan First Nation Community-Based Guardians Initiative |
This initiative aims to enhance capacity-building for community members to monitor and understand the impacts of climate change. This will provide youth with an opportunity to be trained in Indigenous Knowledge, western science, and climate and environmental monitoring practices, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, participatory mapping, and knowledge gathering. |
Lestock, SK |
|
Nak’azdli Whut’en Yinka Huwunline (Looking After/Taking Care) Guardians Program |
This initiative will build geospatial mapping technology for Guardians to use in monitoring. It will create open portals for communication while protecting internal data and cultural information. The initiative will use remote sensing technology to create “living maps” that track seasonal phenology, quantify impacts, and present informed engagements on stewardship with industry, government, consultants, and academics. |
Fort St. James, BC |
|
Wildfire Recovery Monitoring |
This initiative will assess the conditions of the White Rock Lake watershed before and after wildfires for the Okanagan Indian Band. The Guardians will conduct site assessments, inventory culturally significant resources, monitor wildlife, and assess the severity of burn damage to guide restoration efforts. |
Vernon, BC |
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Pauquachin First Nation Marine Department - Stewardship Initiative |
This initiative monitors one of the most heavily travelled and utilized waterways within British Columbia. Guardians review culturally sensitive archaeological sites, harvesting areas, recreational and commercial fisheries use, environmental threats (pollution sources, dumping, illegal activities, and poaching), and conduct restoration in specified areas of importance. This initiative represents the community’s interests, concerns, and objectives to ensure waterways, food, historical sites, and cultural practices continue for generations to come. |
North Saanich, BC |
|
P’egp’ig’lha Guardians |
This initiative will conduct patrols of the land to ensure territorial health and study wildlife and fisheries. Guardians play an essential role in protecting and restoring the Stein-Nahatlatch Grizzly Bear population, assisting with wildfire recovery, and strengthening collaboration with other nearby Guardian programs. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation Community-Based Guardians Initiative |
This initiative aims to enhance capacity-building by training and employing youth to collect and analyze data about climate change and industrial impacts in the territory. Data will be used to draft a Land Use Management Plan to inform the Chief and Council’s decision-making on stewardship initiatives and habitat management to ensure sustainable sources of traditional food for the community. |
Kisbey, SK |
|
Guardians of the Abitibiwinnik territory |
This initiative will continue to train community members to conduct land surveillance and acquire new skills and knowledge from field work, utilizing both Indigenous Knowledge and western science. The initiative aims to document information acquired from Guardians’ activities, community members, and Elders. |
Amos, QC |
|
Quatsino Axsilaxa Ahwheatnagwusn Guardians Program |
This initiative aims to support the implementation of the Quatsino Land Use Plan and the Marine Use Plan. This will be done through field-based work, such as data collection and monitoring. These efforts will be central to ecosystem restoration and establishing food security through the local harvesting of traditional foods. |
Coal Harbour, BC |
|
Saik'uz Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will build upon long-term monitoring efforts through a self-sustaining, community-based Saik’uz Guardians Initiative. The Guardians will be guided by the wisdom of both Indigenous Knowledge and western science, for the purposes of empowerment and self-determination of the Nation’s future connected to the water and land of the Territory. |
Vanderhoof, BC |
|
Saulteau First Nations Indigenous Guardian Proposal |
This initiative will help the community take leadership in monitoring, protecting, and restoring the lands and waters, which is essential for the health and well-being of the community. Activities include supporting safe food harvesting and cultural activities, protecting Klinse-za Park, monitoring climate changes, and understanding how events like forest fires affect the community, fluctuations in weather patterns, and alterations in animal movements and water availability. |
Glaslyn, SK |
|
Mnisinoog (Warriors for the Bay): Shawanaga First Nation’s Guardians Program |
This initiative focuses on improving aquatic life by using river monitors to sustain and protect the health of the river ecosystem. Aquatic stewardship takes precedence with creel surveys, wide-scale monitoring of waterbodies, and a detailed study on fish consumption. |
Nobel, ON |
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Continuing to Build the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Guardians Programs Initiative |
This initiative will conduct stewardship activities, respond to climate events and emergencies, and increase public safety. The Guardians will continue to be on the land engaging and learning from Elders, knowledge keepers, and youth, as well as collaborating with other Nations to share information and build capacity across the National Guardians Network. |
North Vancouver, BC |
|
SLFN Land-Water-Nature Indigenous Guardianship Stewardship Initiative |
This initiative, together with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will continue to evaluate the revegetation terraces and re-seed as necessary, monitor water quality from the tile drainage structure, and monitor wildlife and pollinator populations. The data collected will assist in understanding the success rate of this project in reducing nutrient pollution and enhancing ecosystems. |
Swan Lake, MB |
|
Takla Nation's Tier 2 Guardians Initiative |
This ongoing initiative monitors more than 30 established sites across Takla’s lands and waters. This work is essential for Takla to implement environmental and cultural protections, including ensuring archaeological impact assessments are carried out by various proponents and government agencies align with Takla’s Archaeology Policy. Additionally, it builds capacity to monitor the caribou and moose populations and sustains the Guardians program by fostering engagement with youth in the community. |
Prince George, BC |
|
Haa Aaní Tulatín – Taku River Tlingit First Nation Land Guardian Program |
This initiative will respond to threats to the territory and monitor salmon populations. The Guardians will work to strengthen salmon stewardship by organizing multi-day camps that focus on traditional fishing, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and on-the-land monitoring. |
Stikine Region, BC |
|
Temagami First Nation Guardians |
This initiative prioritizes water quality, species, and habitat protection; preservation of Indigenous wisdom; and data collection and monitoring. Guardians will be engaged in monitoring, recording, and reporting activities related to land use and environmental protection. Specific attention will be given to Lake Temagami, including monitoring ice huts, houseboats, shores, and more. |
Lake Temagami, ON |
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USIB Land Guardian Program |
This initiative aims to address critical environmental challenges while deeply integrating Indigenous Knowledge, community engagement, and sustainable practices. The Guardians initiative emphasizes land conservation, sustainable resource management, and fostering ecosystem resilience. |
Hedley, BC |
|
Teechik Land Guardians: Nanh gwiinzii vik’ite’tri’giikhii (We Read the Land Well) |
This initiative will operate a network of camera traps to monitor predator–prey interactions on the Old Crow winter road and conduct baseline fish and water sampling at the headwaters of the Porcupine River. The Guardian Coordinator will be tasked with organizing patrols, analyzing monitoring data, and preparing communication material for community members and leaders. This capacity-building will strengthen monitoring efforts by enabling the initiative to process more samples, improve use of camera data, and allow Guardians to establish an annual trapping camp to expand into furbearer monitoring. |
Old Crow, YT |
|
Askiy Okanawaynichikaywuk (Keepers of the Land) |
This initiative will maintain trails, monitor cultural and historic sites, observe changes in the land, and support respectful land use. Guardians will have a visible presence, doing community outreach, participating in land-based events, and helping to inform the Council’s decisions about land use, stewardship, and protection. |
Ilford, MB |
|
Coastal Stewardship Network |
This initiative provides programming to the Coastal First Nations –Great Bear Initiative’s eight member nations, who work directly with communities to support Guardians along the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii to track resource use and ecosystem health, provide training and professional development, raise awareness, and help establish a stewardship presence on the coast. |
Vancouver, BC |
|
Innu Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will integrate the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu (Natuashish) communities through environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The initiative will focus on five objectives: creating additional Guardian positions, providing technical and safety training, hosting youth workshops for knowledge transfer, purchasing necessary equipment, and developing cultural initiatives to uphold and promote Innu traditions and ecological knowledge. |
Sheshatsiu, NL |
|
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay |
This initiative supports land-based learning, knowledge transfer, and technical skills training on species at risk, species monitoring, data collections, and other land-management activities using the two-eyed seeing approach. The initiative will also help to strengthen capacity and sustainable management for other First Nation groups. |
Britt, ON |
|
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
This initiative focuses on environmental stewardship and capacity-building in nine Matawa First Nations. The Four Rivers Regional Guardian Network will engage in virtual and in-person networking to expand its knowledge and capacity, including cultural exchanges within the network. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
|
Nanwakolas - Stewarding through Indigenous Scientific Knowledge |
This initiative will apply Kwakwaka’wakw values and Indigenous scientific knowledge on a variety of projects, including loxiwe (clam garden) restoration, canoe carving, hosting Guardian seasonal gathering events, as well as data collection on water, wildlife monitoring, climate change studies, and emergency response planning. |
Campbell River, BC |
|
Charting the Path Ahead – Anishinaabe Aki Shkabewisag (Niiwin Wendaanimok Anishinaabe Guardians Network) |
This initiative will support four Anishinaabe Nations to mitigate and monitor compliance on development in the territory; increase capacity to care for lands, water, plants, and animals; and work collaboratively to identify individual needs and create personalized coaching and mentorship programs. The Anishinaabe Guardians will identify and protect areas of significance by interviewing Elders and knowledge keepers. |
Kenora, ON |
|
Pimachiowin Aki First Nations Guardians Network |
This initiative will focus on seasonal fishing monitoring of Pickerel (Walleye), all-season road alignment, wildfire management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Guardians provide professional capacity and presence in Pimachiowin Aki, expressing Anishinaabe nationhood, as well as filling gaps in the Information Management System and provincial patrols and monitoring activities throughout the year. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
Seal River Watershed Alliance Land Guardians Network |
This initiative will employ 14 youth and senior staff in Land Guardian positions across the four Nations of the Alliance. This initiative builds technical capacity, administers species and habitat identification, monitoring, and protection, and stewards the watershed. |
Tadoule Lake, MB |
|
SCO First Nations Guardians Regional Network |
This initiative will focus on strengthening Indigenous jurisdiction over their traditional lands, capacity-building, training and skills development in environmental monitoring and management, and encouraging cooperation and collaboration between communities on stewardship and natural resource management issues. |
Headingley, MB |
|
St'át'imc' Land Guardians |
This initiative will focus on the implementation of the St’át’imc Water Accord. This includes collecting baseline data of three intact watersheds and three impacted watersheds to assess water quality. Other activities include capacity-building and reviewing stories and legends through workshops/collaborative research with the Indigenous Law Research Unit. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
Tsilhqot'in Guardian Network |
This initiative, led by the Tsilhqot’in National Government in collaboration with six Tsilhqot’in communities—Xeni Gwet’in, Tlesqox, Tletinqox, Tsi Del Del, ?Esdilagh, and Yunesit’in—aims to integrate and strengthen Tsilhqot’in values in the management of the region’s lands and waters. Working in partnership with provincial and federal land and water management agencies, the initiative will see Guardians conducting patrols for hunting, fishing, and fire prevention, as well as wildlife- and water-monitoring research to ensure sustainable stewardship of Tsilhqot’in territories. |
Williams Lake, BC |
|
Nova Scotia Earth Keepers/Nuji kelo’toqatijik Network |
This initiative includes gathering and sharing of Indigenous Knowledge, promoting Netukulimk hunting practices, and monitoring and data collection, including identifying areas suitable for cultural activities, harvesting of medical plants, monitoring species at risk, and education and outreach about culturally important species. |
Eskasoni, NS |
|
Gardiens du Ndakina |
This initiative will support the sustainability of traditional practices of members of the Nation, protect their rights to access ancestral territory, and preserve cultural heritage. This initiative will create conservation spaces, share and transfer Indigenous Knowledge, mentor youth, engage with the community, and promote food sovereignty, as well as many other activities. |
Wôlinak, QC |
|
The Height of Land Wakohtowin Guardian Program - Treaty No.9 |
This initiative is designed to enhance Indigenous Knowledge, practices, and way of life within the communities. Guardians will have first-hand experience in how ecosystem services and the conservation economy work. |
Chapleau, ON |
|
Monitoring and Protection of Athabasca Denesųłiné Nuhenéné in Saskatchewan |
This initiative will monitor lands and waters in Nuhenéné including Indigenous Protected Areas, caribou harvest areas, mineral exploration, and extraction activities. Guided by Elders, a focus of the Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources’ Guardians is to connect youth back to the land and build future leaders in sustainable management practices. |
Saskatoon, SK |
2025-26
|
Program title |
Proponent |
Description |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aullâsimavet |
This initiative will empower Inuit families to visit culturally significant areas within Nunatsiavut territory to restore their connections to the land, as well as gather baseline data and observe changes to the land, water and sea ice. Participating families will be chosen through a competitive call and keep observation logs for use by the Nunatsiavut Government to inform decision-making in their communities. |
Nain, NL |
|
|
Uumajuit Wardens Eco-System Monitoring |
This initiative will strengthen the ability of the Uumajuit wardens to engage in marine mammal conservation and terrestrial and freshwater wildlife protection in Nunavik. The responsibilities of Uumajuit wardens are set out in detail in the wildlife protection plan for Nunavik. With support from Inuit Guardians, the Uumajuit Wardens will play an increased role in monitoring environmental compliance of activities taking place in Nunavik, coordinating with both regional and external partners. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
|
Wildlife harvest monitoring in Nunavik |
This initiative will support communities in Nunavik to build capacity to collect important harvest data. Currently, there is no reliable harvest data for most species in Nunavik. Lack of data impairs decision-making and threatens the sustainability of wildlife and food security. Guardians funding will support the Nunavik community to complete an inventory and assessment of past harvest monitoring efforts undertaken within Nunavik, identify other potential sources of harvest data and study examples of Indigenous harvest monitoring systems employed elsewhere to develop a harvest monitoring plan for Nunavik. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
|
Making science accessible to Nunavimmiut |
This initiative will empower communities and organizations in Nunavik to develop their own research and monitoring projects by providing in-kind support and training from professionals at the Nunavik Research Centre. Communities will develop the capacity to design and implement monitoring projects of benefit to their communities, the environment and ecosystems through adapted training, scientific knowledge transfer and research support provided by the Centre. |
St. Laurent, QC |
|
|
Marralik-Ungunniavik Inuit Knowledge Sharing and Research Camp |
This initiative will support the revitalization of Indigenous Knowledge related to the Marralik-Ungunniavik estuary, a traditional Inuit hunting site. The loss of Indigenous Knowledge and practices threatens the sustainability of the area's beluga whale population. By establishing a youth camp at the estuary, Guardians and Elders will have the opportunity to share knowledge about wildlife management, respectful harvesting, and safe food preparation with the younger generation. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
|
Inuvialuit Stewardship: Traditional Knowledge and Science-based Land Monitoring Program in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region |
This initiative develops and implements an Inuvialuit-led traditional knowledge and western science-based monitoring program that includes on-site soil and water testing in areas of concern, and that develops a monitoring framework to support evidence-based decision-making and effective management, monitoring and protection of Inuvialuit lands. |
Inuvik, NT |
|
|
Regional Aquatic Cumulative Effects Monitoring Program |
This initiative will respond to core questions of community concern, including whether the water and fish are safe to drink and eat, and assess changes in the environment by monitoring and collecting data on eighteen sites. |
Rankin Inlet, NU |
|
|
Guardians of Kangiqtualuk |
This initiative accelerates the expansion of the existing Young Hunters Program, providing training to empower youth to participate in wildlife monitoring and traditional harvesting activities, expanding the community’s ability to engage in long-term stewardship of their traditional territory. Community members are engaged in the development of the initiative, which is informed by Indigenous Knowledge, values and languages. This initiative also records local environmental knowledge and provides updates through social media, and develops a mobile phone application and Geographic Information System (GIS) to manage wildlife data. |
Pangnirtung, NU |
|
|
Askîy |
This initiative will enable the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) to continue the core activities of its community-based monitoring programs, re-engaging Métis citizens in environmental concerns, and expanding monitoring activities to address these concerns more directly. Monitoring programs are designed to engage with citizens, facilitate knowledge sharing within the community, provide opportunities for community involvement in monitoring, and keep citizens updated on project activities and outcomes. Monitoring programs have been developed to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity using methods that braid western science with Indigenous Knowledge. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
|
Métis Settlements Guardians Program Establishment |
This initiative will offer targeted training, ongoing capacity support, and wage-supplements to eight Métis Settlements to better position them to monitor and care for the lands on which their members practice their constitutionally protected rights for harvesting and other traditional land uses. |
Edmonton, AB |
|
|
Northwest Territory Métis Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will build capacity and establish “eyes and ears" on the land to protect species and their habitats, to monitor and observe climate change and industrial related impacts on Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) traditional homelands, and to facilitate opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer to youth. The NWTMN estimates its membership to be over 3,000 Indigenous Métis from Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council and Fort Resolution Métis Government. |
Fort Smith, NT |
|
|
The Métis Guardian’s Program |
This initiative will engage youth, Elders, local Métis, and environmental technicians to assess the impacts of climate change in northern communities and wildlife populations, including caribou and fish. |
Saskatoon, SK |
|
|
Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Program |
This initiative will train and engage Métis citizen volunteers to conduct water and bait fish sampling in locations selected by communities using both Indigenous Knowledge and western science, to protect the Métis way of life, to preserve the traditional territories, and to transmit Indigenous Knowledge to youth and Métis citizens. |
Ottawa, ON |
|
|
Culturally important species monitoring by Métis Guardian/Harvesters in British Columbia |
This initiative aims to protect the land and Métis traditional ways of life, including harvesting, language, and other cultural practices for present and future generations. The project adds to an existing annual harvester database and works with Métis harvesters and land-users to identify and collect data on culturally important species and habitats. |
Surrey, BC |
|
|
Métis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Program |
This initiative uses stewardship of the land to fight against climate change and improve water quality, wildlife/ecosystem conservation, and other environmental issues evident within the Homeland of the Métis Nation. A key focus is to promote cultural and environmental awareness; conducting environmental and ecological protection and preservation through hands-on experiential learning; and providing the opportunity for Métis Youth to learn from Métis Elders. They are also putting a large focus on the promotion of Métis languages including, but not limited to, Michif, Saulteaux, and Cree. |
Winnipeg, MB |
|
|
Building up Inuit representation in wildlife management and action |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Quebec by building the capacity of the organization as a whole and strengthening Inuit representation and self-governance through communication strategies for management projects, Inuit knowledge and local management decisions; structuring a base for organizing knowledge, resources and program planning; and equipping local teams with the means to conduct daily Guardians activities and stewardship. |
Kuujjuaq, QC |
|
|
Guardians of Akuliaqattaq |
The initiative will accelerate the expansion of Guardians programs in Nunavut by engaging with the community of Ikpiarjuk, training young Guardians through mentorship and intergenerational exchange, monitoring terrestrial and freshwater species, and developing a community-based and owned Geographic Information System. |
Ikpiarjuk, NU |
|
|
Abegweit Guardians |
This initiative embodies a cultural and traditional approach to natural resource management. The initiative also includes data collection and monitoring, and focusing on the use of lands, waters, and resources on traditional territories, including cultural sites. |
Mount Stewart, PE |
|
|
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nations Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will involve conducting and analyzing aerial surveys, creating a geographic information system (GIS) data management and visualization system using R-Studio and ArcPY, and continue to develop the Stoney Land and Water Course. |
Glenevis, AB |
|
|
The Neya Waban Guardian Program – Caretakers of the Land |
This initiative will gather crucial information that will support decision-making, identify quality habitat areas for wildlife, and develop management plans and protocols. The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation will continue to conduct Algonquin knowledge-based data collection to further protect the lands, water, animals, and air for the eleven communities across Ontario and Quebec. |
Golden Lake, ON |
|
|
Ni Ho Ghe Di – ACFN Guardian Program |
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation – Dene Lands and Resource Management |
This initiative will monitor and report on activities that may cause harm to the ecology, traditional lands, or traditional resources of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), such as poaching and illegally hunting on the traditional territory, especially to protect Ronald Lake Buffalos. The initiative will also support youth to strengthen their cultural pride and connection to the land and develop on-the-land skills. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
|
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek - Phase 2 - Monitoring of Atikameksheng Traditional Land |
This initiative will help with the collection of maple sap during Sugar Moon and other food harvestings, which is provided to Elders and the Nations’ food bank. Guardians will monitor the lands, conduct field site inspections for proposed forestry cuts to ensure grandmother trees are protected, and complete daily field work sheets and site inspections that will provide important environmental information on spills, violations, and forestry cuts. |
Naughton, ON |
|
|
Scianew Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will work toward environmental conservation, monitoring, training for Guardians, impact assessments, land sovereignty, and marine safety. This will be done through partnerships with neighbouring nations, Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) and Kotug Canada. |
Beecher Bay, BC |
|
|
Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishnaabek Community Guardians |
This initiative will implement sturgeo n and mining site protocols, conduct environmental monitoring analysis, map the Lake Nipigon basin, and integrate the data into a geographic information system database. |
Macdiarmid, ON |
|
|
Caldwell First Nation Land Guardian Program |
This initiative will focus on education, training, on-the-land learning with technical experts and knowledge holders, and listening sessions with the community. The Guardians will review class environmental assessments on behalf of Caldwell First Nation, monitor and participate in environmental projects in the Territory, and build multi-year capacity initiatives with emphasis on supporting the creation, development, and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas within traditional territory. |
Leamington, ON |
|
|
nłeʔképmx Guardians |
This initiative will continue to establish presence on the land and provide public education and awareness about the nłeʔképmx territory, protocols, and cultural practices. Guardians will monitor and record activities on the land with a focus on priority areas determined by the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. These priority areas include critical hunting, fishing, gathering, and other culturally important areas. nłeʔképmx Guardians will record, monitor, and manage for invasive species and will contribute to research regarding species at risk in the territory. |
Merritt, BC |
|
|
Essipiu Assinu Nakatuenitamu (those who take care of the Essipit territory) |
This initiative supports responsible governance and occupation of the Nation’s territory, land surveillance, and participation in community events, as well as collaboration on a variety of projects that encourage learning and skill development for Guardians and community members. |
Les Escoumins, QC |
|
|
Gardiens Atikamekw de Manawan |
This initiative will enhance the role of the Guardians in working with non-Indigenous land users and partners within the heart of the Nation and the community. This next phase focuses on being active on the land, collecting data, establishing an official community-recognized mandate, and increasing capacity and training, as well as strengthening the role of the Guardians within the community. |
Manawan, QC |
|
|
Pushing Forth: Taking the Pessamit Land Guardians to the Next Level |
This initiative includes a team of six territorial agents, specializing in data collection, surveillance of the lands, and comprehensive inventories of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The initiative will focus on monitoring and assessments, conducting an inventory of cultural sites, developing expertise in sampling, and community engagement and visibility. |
Betsiamites, QC |
|
|
Cumulative Effects Assessment of Chisasibi’s Intertidal Zones: Integrating Science, Tradition, and Stewardship |
This initiative will focus on integrating western science, Indigenous Knowledge, and stewardship to address key challenges in the Chisasibi community. The initiative will study the impact of development by reviewing existing research, mapping the community, analyzing vegetation, and collecting environmental samples. Additionally, it will build capacity through workshops and a mentorship initiative involving Kinwhapmaakins (Trapline Managers/Guardians). All data will be collected and combined into a detailed report on cumulative effects. |
Chiasibi, QC |
|
|
Sahtu K'aowe Guardians Project Supporting the Tsá Tué Biosphere Reserve |
This initiative supports monitoring of the Great Bear Lake and its watershed using two-eyed seeing methods (bridging western science and Indigenous Knowledge) for the conservation of biodiversity, ecological integrity, climate change adaptation, sustenance of local wildlife, and food security, as well as for cultural continuity and revitalization. |
Délįnę, NT |
|
|
Guardians of the Territory - Dene Tha' First Nation |
This initiative will engage in diverse activities, such as ecological restoration, supporting resource management plans, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Guardians will protect and recover species at risk, manage land use in the proposed Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area at M’behcholia (Bistcho Lake, Alberta), and conduct environmental and wildlife monitoring. |
Chateh, AB |
|
|
DKFN Guardians |
This initiative will monitor the lands and water. Guardians will patrol the land to ensure it is kept clean and will conduct water-quality sampling and clean fish monitoring. |
Fort Resolution, NT |
|
|
Doig River First Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will focus on improving monitoring of the lands and waters by combining cultural methods and western science. Doig River First Nation Guardians will continue to monitor the health of the land, guided by members, and will work collaboratively with the government to address any impacts. |
Rose Prairie, BC |
|
|
Elugweieg Toqwe’gig ugjit Ugs’tqamu aq ugjit Sapo’nug (We Work Together for Earth and for Tomorrow) |
This initiative will expand Esgenoôpetitj aquatic monitoring and governance, led by Esgenoôpetitj First Nation (EFN) Fishery Guardians in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada enforcement personnel in the management, conservation, and protection of the fisheries in the areas most utilized by the community. |
Esgenoôpetitj Indian Reserve No. 14, NB |
|
|
Re-Connecting Our People with the Land |
This initiative will help protect the Eskasoni Watershed and the bio-cultural diversity within the Nation for future generations, as well as reconnecting the people with the land by supporting community-led research and conducting surveys to monitor the changes in the fisheries and ecosystems. The Guardians will be responsible for monitoring activities within the watershed that could impact fish habitat, fish passage, and other species at risk or culturally significant species. This initiative will also support designation of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. |
Eskasoni, NS |
|
|
File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Guardians Initiative |
This initiative will monitor and document the health of waterways, including water quality, medicines, and the condition of riverbanks, focusing specifically on the Lower Qu’Appelle River and Chain of Lakes. It will also work to revitalize language and land stewardship practices. |
Fort Qu'Appelle, SK |
|
|
Amlamgog Earth Keepers |
This initiative will expand and enhance an existing salmon recovery initiative. This initiative will focus on flora and fauna monitoring, following the traditional guiding principle of Etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing). |
Fort Folly, NB |
|
|
Nahnéhé Gegenı́hı/ Kakinawetakwow Uski/ FNFN Land Guardian Initiative |
This initiative supports the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) stewardship, land management, and on-the-land cultural activities. The Guardian is guided by western science monitoring and research while grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding the health and condition of the lands and waters. |
Fort Nelson, BC |
|
|
Ketegaunseebee Aki Guardians |
This initiative will assist Garden River First Nation in monitoring and protecting the St. Marys River and the lands to uphold a treaty made with neighbouring Indigenous Nations. The initiative will focus on capacity-building, community engagement, and fieldwork including patrolling, monitoring species at risk and invasive species, and forestry. |
Garden River, ON |
|
|
Supporting and maintaining a strong and efficient Heiltsuk Guardian Watchmen Program |
Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council |
This initiative will focus on capacity-building, monitoring local aquatics ecosystems and community fisheries for safe harvesting and to support and reestablish this life-sustaining relationship between the people and territory. |
Bella Bella, BC |
|
Nutshimiunnuat d'ITUM (gardiens du Nitassinan d’ITUM) |
This initiative consists of monitoring, protecting, and carrying out stewardship activities in the traditional territory of the Nation. Its objective is to ensure surveillance on the land and protection of the Nation, as well as contribute to studies and inventories on the impacts of climate change and industrial development within the territory. |
Sept-Îles, QC |
|
|
K'ahsho Got'ine Guardians |
This initiative monitors water, fish, plants, and wildlife through data collection. Funding will cover freight, sampling equipment (like depth gauges and sample kits), lab analysis, and seasonal Guardians jobs and training. The initiative will also establish water quality baselines to help the community better understand and adapt to the effects of climate change. |
Fort Good Hope, NT |
|
|
Kitasoo Xai Xai's Guardian Watchmen Enhancement |
This initiative focuses on marine and terrestrial surveying, along with compliance and enforcement practices involving education, observation, and reporting. The Guardians also actively participate in the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary and undertake training for emergency response in search and rescue and oil spills. |
Klemtu, BC |
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|
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardian Initiative |
This initiative will monitor and inventory cultural keystone species, wild foods, and trees. The Guardians will provide water quality studies, identify culturally significant sites, and record videos to document traditional practices and activities. |
Maniwaki, QC |
|
|
Kwadacha Nation Tier 2 Proposal |
This initiative aims to provide long-term ecological and cultural monitoring to track changes in key wildlife habitats, traditional food sources, and water sources. This will aid in discussing how potential changes may impact the roles and responsibilities of being Dena on the land. |
Prince George, BC |
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Lake Babine Nation Yintah Guardians |
This initiative will lead the collaborative stewardship of yintah Lake Babine Nation (LBN) territory and the resources of two cultural keystone species, talok (Sockeye Salmon) and khida (moose), to restore moose populations to culturally meaningful levels, and to support fish monitoring, habitat restoration, and collaborative management. |
Burns Lake, BC |
|
|
Lennox Island First Nation Guardians Program |
This initiative will help better manage, protect, and utilize the marine resources the community relies on. It will allow the Lennox Island watershed conservation group to participate in coastal erosion studies, take part in fisheries workshops (lobster-handling practices), a Black Ash reforestation project, and the development of a modernized solid-waste management plan. |
Lennox Island, PE |
|
|
LKFN Guardians and Climate Change Monitoring Project |
This initiative aims to monitor the environmental impacts of climate change in the Dehcho Region of Northwest Territories. The initiative will include monitoring of various indicators, such as permafrost melt, riverbank slumping/erosion, and shifting species populations. Guardians will be equipped with specialized training to monitor erosion, permafrost conditions, observe melt patterns, and assess the depth of thaw. This crucial data collection is important to assess the changing landscape. |
Fort Simpson, NT |
|
|
Ni hat'ni Dene (Watchers of the Land) |
This initiative maintains a long-term mandate to promote stewardship of Thaidene Nene, working full-time as caretakers of the land, water, and animals, ambassadors of the Dene way of life, and hosting visitors. Initiatives include protecting the Bathurst Caribou, passing on cultural knowledge to youth, and ensuring food security. |
Lutselk'e, NT |
|
|
Mamalilikulla First Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative involves ongoing activities in which Guardians spend time on the land to collect data, monitor cultural sites, manage Grizzly Bear populations, plant crab apple trees to provide food for the bears, and improve fisheries. This work helps the Chief and Council make informed decisions. |
Campbell River, BC |
|
|
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian Program |
Mikisew Cree First Nation - Government and Industry Relations |
This initiative will study how oil sands development, particularly bitumen mining and hydroelectric projects, are affecting the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, the heart of Mikisew’s traditional territory. Guardians work year-round to monitor water quality, collect data, track flood events, and monitor the fish population. |
Fort McMurray, AB |
|
Iakwatonhontsanónhnha – We all mind her, the Earth |
This initiative will develop an Environmental Charter for the community, helping to define roles and responsibilities of Conservation Officers. It will also consult on a Rights of Nature approach to protect the St. Lawrence River. |
Kahnawake, QC |
|
|
Muskowekwan First Nation Community-Based Guardians Initiative |
This initiative aims to enhance capacity-building for community members to monitor and understand the impacts of climate change. This will provide youth with an opportunity to be trained in Indigenous Knowledge, western science, and climate and environmental monitoring practices, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, participatory mapping, and knowledge gathering. |
Lestock, SK |
|
|
Nak’azdli Whut’en Yinka Huwunline (Looking After/Taking Care) Guardians Program |
This initiative will build geospatial mapping technology for Guardians to use in monitoring. It will create open portals for communication while protecting internal data and cultural information. The initiative will use remote sensing technology to create “living maps” that track seasonal phenology, quantify impacts, and present informed engagements on stewardship with industry, government, consultants, and academics. |
Fort St. James, BC |
|
|
Wildfire Recovery Monitoring |
This initiative will assess the conditions of the White Rock Lake watershed before and after wildfires for the Okanagan Indian Band. The Guardians will conduct site assessments, inventory culturally significant resources, monitor wildlife, and assess the severity of burn damage to guide restoration efforts. |
Vernon, BC |
|
|
Pauquachin First Nation Marine Department - Stewardship Initiative |
This initiative monitors one of the most heavily travelled and utilized waterways within British Columbia. Guardians review culturally sensitive archaeological sites, harvesting areas, recreational and commercial fisheries use, environmental threats (pollution sources, dumping, illegal activities, and poaching), and conduct restoration in specified areas of importance. This initiative represents the community’s interests, concerns, and objectives to ensure waterways, food, historical sites, and cultural practices continue for generations to come. |
North Saanich, BC |
|
|
P’egp’ig’lha Guardians |
This initiative will conduct patrols of the land to ensure territorial health and study wildlife and fisheries. Guardians play an essential role in protecting and restoring the Stein-Nahatlatch Grizzly Bear population, assisting with wildfire recovery, and strengthening collaboration with other nearby Guardian programs. |
Lillooet, BC |
|
|
Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation Community-Based Guardians Initiative |
This initiative aims to enhance capacity-building by training and employing youth to collect and analyze data about climate change and industrial impacts in the territory. Data will be used to draft a Land Use Management Plan to inform the Chief and Council’s decision-making on stewardship initiatives and habitat management to ensure sustainable sources of traditional food for the community. |
Kisbey, SK |
|
|
Guardians of the Abitibiwinnik territory |
This initiative will continue to train community members to conduct land surveillance and acquire new skills and knowledge from field work, utilizing both Indigenous Knowledge and western science. The initiative aims to document information acquired from Guardians’ activities, community members, and Elders. |
Amos, QC |
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Quatsino Axsilaxa Ahwheatnagwusn Guardians Program |
This initiative aims to support the implementation of the Quatsino Land Use Plan and the Marine Use Plan. This will be done through field-based work, such as data collection and monitoring. These efforts will be central to ecosystem restoration and establishing food security through the local harvesting of traditional foods. |
Coal Harbour, BC |
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|
Saik'uz Guardian Program |
This initiative will build upon long-term monitoring efforts through a self-sustaining, community-based Saik’uz Guardians Initiative. The Guardians will be guided by the wisdom of both Indigenous Knowledge and western science, for the purposes of empowerment and self-determination of the Nation’s future connected to the water and land of the Territory. |
Vanderhoof, BC |
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Saulteau First Nations Indigenous Guardian Proposal |
This initiative will help the community take leadership in monitoring, protecting, and restoring the lands and waters, which is essential for the health and well-being of the community. Activities include supporting safe food harvesting and cultural activities, protecting Klinse-za Park, monitoring climate changes, and understanding how events like forest fires affect the community, fluctuations in weather patterns, and alterations in animal movements and water availability. |
Glaslyn, SK |
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Mnisinoog (Warriors for the Bay): Shawanaga First Nation’s Guardians Program |
This initiative focuses on improving aquatic life by using river monitors to sustain and protect the health of the river ecosystem. Aquatic stewardship takes precedence with creel surveys, wide-scale monitoring of waterbodies, and a detailed study on fish consumption. |
Nobel, ON |
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Continuing to Build the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Guardians Programs Initiative |
This initiative will conduct stewardship activities, respond to climate events and emergencies, and increase public safety. The Guardians will continue to be on the land engaging and learning from Elders, knowledge keepers, and youth, as well as collaborating with other Nations to share information and build capacity across the National Guardians Network. |
North Vancouver, BC |
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SLFN Land-Water-Nature Indigenous Guardianship Stewardship Initiative |
This initiative, together with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will continue to evaluate the revegetation terraces and re-seed as necessary, monitor water quality from the tile drainage structure, and monitor wildlife and pollinator populations. The data collected will assist in understanding the success rate of this project in reducing nutrient pollution and enhancing ecosystems. |
Swan Lake, MB |
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Takla Nation's Tier 2 Guardians Initiative |
This ongoing initiative monitors more than 30 established sites across Takla’s lands and waters. This work is essential for Takla to implement environmental and cultural protections, including ensuring archaeological impact assessments are carried out by various proponents and government agencies align with Takla’s Archaeology Policy. Additionally, it builds capacity to monitor the caribou and moose populations and sustains the Guardians program by fostering engagement with youth in the community. |
Prince George, BC |
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Haa Aaní Tulatín – Taku River Tlingit First Nation Land Guardian Program |
This initiative will respond to threats to the territory and monitor salmon populations. The Guardians will work to strengthen salmon stewardship by organizing multi-day camps that focus on traditional fishing, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and on-the-land monitoring. |
Stikine Region, BC |
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Temagami First Nation Guardians |
This initiative prioritizes water quality, species, and habitat protection; preservation of Indigenous wisdom; and data collection and monitoring. Guardians will be engaged in monitoring, recording, and reporting activities related to land use and environmental protection. Specific attention will be given to Lake Temagami, including monitoring ice huts, houseboats, shores, and more. |
Lake Temagami, ON |
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USIB Land Guardian Program |
This initiative aims to address critical environmental challenges while deeply integrating Indigenous Knowledge, community engagement, and sustainable practices. The Guardians initiative emphasizes land conservation, sustainable resource management, and fostering ecosystem resilience. |
Hedley, BC |
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Teechik Land Guardians: Nanh gwiinzii vik’ite’tri’giikhii (We Read the Land Well) |
This initiative will operate a network of camera traps to monitor predator–prey interactions on the Old Crow winter road and conduct baseline fish and water sampling at the headwaters of the Porcupine River. The Guardian Coordinator will be tasked with organizing patrols, analyzing monitoring data, and preparing communication material for community members and leaders. This capacity-building will strengthen monitoring efforts by enabling the initiative to process more samples, improve use of camera data, and allow Guardians to establish an annual trapping camp to expand into furbearer monitoring. |
Old Crow, YT |
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Askiy Okanawaynichikaywuk (Keepers of the Land) |
This initiative will maintain trails, monitor cultural and historic sites, observe changes in the land, and support respectful land use. Guardians will have a visible presence, doing community outreach, participating in land-based events, and helping to inform Council’s decisions about land use, stewardship, and protection. |
Ilford, MB |
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Coastal Stewardship Network |
This initiative provides programming to the Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative’s eight member nations, who work directly with communities to support Guardians along the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii to track resource use and ecosystem health, provide training and professional development, raise awareness, and help establish a stewardship presence on the coast. |
Vancouver, BC |
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Innu Nation Guardian Program |
This initiative will integrate the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu (Natuashish) communities through environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The initiative will focus on five objectives: creating additional Guardian positions, providing technical and safety training, hosting youth workshops for knowledge transfer, purchasing necessary equipment, and developing cultural initiatives to uphold and promote Innu traditions and ecological knowledge. |
Sheshatsiu, NL |
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Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay |
This initiative supports land-based learning, knowledge transfer, and technical skills training on species at risk, species monitoring, data collections, and other land-management activities using the two-eyed seeing approach. The initiative will also help to strengthen capacity and sustainable management for other First Nation groups. |
Britt, ON |
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Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network |
This initiative focuses on environmental stewardship and capacity-building in nine Matawa First Nations. The Four Rivers Regional Guardian Network will engage in virtual and in-person networking to expand its knowledge and capacity, including cultural exchanges within the network. |
Thunder Bay, ON |
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Nanwakolas - Stewarding through Indigenous Scientific Knowledge |
This initiative will apply Kwakwaka’wakw values and Indigenous scientific knowledge on a variety of projects, including loxiwe (clam garden) restoration, canoe carving, hosting Guardians seasonal gathering events, as well as data collection on water, wildlife monitoring, climate change studies, and emergency response planning. |
Campbell River, BC |
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Charting the Path Ahead – Anishinaabe Aki Shkabewisag (Niiwin Wendaanimok Anishinaabe Guardians Network) |
This initiative will support four Anishinaabe Nations to mitigate and monitor compliance on development in the territory; increase capacity to care for lands, water, plants, and animals; and work collaboratively to identify individual needs and create personalized coaching and mentorship programs. The Anishinaabe Guardians will identify and protect areas of significance by interviewing Elders and knowledge keepers. |
Kenora, ON |
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Pimachiowin Aki First Nations Guardians Network |
This initiative will focus on seasonal fishing monitoring of Pickerel (Walleye), all-season road alignment, wildfire management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Guardians provide professional capacity and presence in Pimachiowin Aki, expressing Anishinaabe nationhood, as well as filling gaps in the Information Management System and provincial patrols and monitoring activities throughout the year. |
Winnipeg, MB |
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Seal River Watershed Alliance Land Guardians Network |
This initiative will employ 14 youth and senior staff in Land Guardian positions across the four Nations of the Alliance. This initiative builds technical capacity, administers species and habitat identification, monitoring, and protection, and stewards the watershed. |
Tadoule Lake, MB |
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SCO First Nations Guardians Regional Network |
This initiative will focus on strengthening Indigenous jurisdiction over their traditional lands, capacity-building, training and skills development in environmental monitoring and management, and encouraging cooperation and collaboration between communities on stewardship and natural resource management issues. |
Headingley, MB |
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St'át'imc' Land Guardians |
This initiative will focus on the implementation of the St’át’imc Water Accord. This includes collecting baseline data of three intact watersheds and three impacted watersheds to assess water quality. Other activities include capacity-building and reviewing stories and legends through workshops/collaborative research with the Indigenous Law Research Unit. |
Lillooet, BC |
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Tsilhqot'in Guardian Network |
This two-year initiative, led by the Tsilhqot’in National Government in collaboration with six Tsilhqot’in communities—Xeni Gwet’in, Tlesqox, Tletinqox, Tsi Del Del, ?Esdilagh, and Yunesit’in—aims to integrate and strengthen Tsilhqot’in values in the management of the region’s lands and waters. Working in partnership with provincial and federal land and water management agencies, the initiative will see Guardians conducting patrols for hunting, fishing, and fire prevention, as well as wildlife- and water-monitoring research to ensure sustainable stewardship of Tsilhqot’in territories. |
Williams Lake, BC |
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Nova Scotia Earth Keepers/Nuji kelo’toqatijik Network |
This initiative includes gathering and sharing of Indigenous Knowledge, promoting Netukulimk hunting practices, and monitoring and data collection, including identifying areas suitable for cultural activities, harvesting of medical plants, monitoring species at risk, and education and outreach about culturally important species. |
Eskasoni, NS |
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Ndakina Guardians Program |
This initiative will support the sustainability of traditional practices of members of the Nation, protect their rights to access ancestral territory, and preserve cultural heritage. This initiative will create conservation spaces, share and transfer Indigenous Knowledge, mentor youth, engage with the community, and promote food sovereignty, as well as many other activities. |
Wôlinak, QC |
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The Height of Land Wakohtowin Guardian Program - Treaty No.9 |
This initiative is designed to enhance Indigenous knowledge, practices, and way of life within the communities. Guardians will have first-hand experience in how ecosystem services and the conservation economy work. |
Chapleau, ON |
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Monitoring and Protection of Athabasca Denesųłiné Nuhenéné in Saskatchewan |
This initiative will monitor lands and waters in Nuhenéné including Indigenous Protected Areas, caribou harvest areas, mineral exploration, and extraction activities. Guided by Elders, a focus of the Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources’ Guardians is to connect youth back to the land and build future leaders in sustainable management practices. |
Saskatoon, SK |
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Food Sovereignty and Land and Language Preservation for the Algonquins of Barriere Lake |
This initiative establishes a Guardians program for land and wildlife stewardship. Guardians will collect Indigenous Knowledge on wildlife, habitats, hunting, and environmental health. It also preserves language and cultural heritage through land-based activities, youth engagement, and collaboration with educational institutions to strengthen environmental and cultural resilience and promote sustainable practices. |
Rapid Lake, QC |
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Batchewana First Nation |
This initiative will begin the development of a Stewardship Plan for the original reserve. It will establish principles for resource activities and a framework for community law application. This is key to inform the 2025 Strategic Plan, supporting sustainable resource management and asserting the Nation's role in protecting cultural/ecological integrity. The initiative focuses on planning and community engagement. |
Sault Ste. Marie, ON |
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| Black River First Nation (BRFN) Guardians Initiative | Black River First Nation | This initiative aims to hire and support a permanent Land Guardian to increase on-the-land presence and participation in projects. The Guardian will monitor, observe, and record land conditions, balancing Indigenous Knowledge and Western science. They'll collaborate with Elders to integrate community values and build stronger relationships with neighboring Guardian programs for a future regional network. | Pine Falls, MB |
| Chemawawin Cree Nation (CCN) Guardians Program | Chemawawin Cree Nation | This initiative restores land/water connections and care responsibilities. It will develop a Guardians Wildlife Monitoring Plan, guided by Elders for cultural values. Monitoring includes moose, caribou, muskrat, and birds using trail cameras/autonomous recording units (ARUs). It also integrates Cree language/teachings and place names, empowering youth as land caretakers. | Easterville, MB |
| Chipewyan Prairie First Nation Woodland Caribou Habitat Monitoring Program | Chipewyan Prairie First Nation | This initiative develops a Guardian program to monitor and protect woodland caribou habitat in Treaty 8 territory. Rooted in Western and Indigenous Knowledge, it pairs youth with Elders to implement culturally grounded monitoring. Through storytelling and land-based engagement, the program tracks environmental changes affecting caribou, an animal deeply tied to the Nation's identity. | Chard, AB |
| Couchiching First Nation Guardians Program | Couchiching First Nation | This initiative develops a new Guardians program integrating Anishinaabemowin revitalization, cultural education, and conservation. It will reconnect youth and Elders by documenting fluent speakers, sharing intergenerational teachings on traditional medicine, fishing, and harvesting, and protecting culturally significant sites like wild rice beds. This lays the foundation for long-term, community-led stewardship. | Fort Frances, ON |
| Duncan's First Nation (DFN) Guardians Initiative | Duncan's First Nation | This initiative develops a formal Guardians program to strengthen the Lands Department's capacity against industrial activity, climate change, and wildlife decline. It will establish a Nation-led stewardship approach to protect culturally significant areas, monitor key species/habitats, and support informed decision-making. Rooted in Dene language and traditions, it engages Elders and youth in land-based learning. | Brownvale, AB |
| Eagle Lake First Nation (ELFN) Guardians Program | Eagle Lake First Nation | This initiative employs a Community Elder to lead foundational planning for a full Guardians program. The Elder will assess risks, identify priority areas, articulate traditional values, and facilitate knowledge sharing with youth. They'll also support staff in drafting the program framework, ensuring it reflects ELFN traditions and Maanachi totaa-aki, laying groundwork for a lasting program. | Migisi Sahgaigan, ON |
| Athabasca Denesuliné Né Né Land Corporation (ADNLC) | Fond du Lac, Black Lake, and Hatchet Lake First Nations | This initiative launches a community-driven Land Monitoring Program to protect barren-ground caribou (etthen) and their habitat in Nuhenënë. Rooted in the Etthën Relationship Plan, it will train and employ six Guardians to monitor and observe caribou harvest practices, and environmental changes, guided by Elders and Dene traditions, laying groundwork for a larger program. | Fond-du-Lac, SK |
| Homalco (Xwémalhkwu) First Nation - Guardian Implementation Plan - Protocols, Development of Guiding Laws and Knowledge | Homalco (Xwémalhkwu) First Nation | This initiative deepens land knowledge by bringing Elders and Youth into the territory, focusing on food sovereignty through increased fishing efforts. Guardians will patrol, monitor, conduct shellfish testing, water sampling, and wildlife counts, teaching youth traditional harvesting. Guided by senior Guardians and Elders, it preserves Homalco cultural knowledge and prioritizes collaboration with sister nations in overlapping territories. | Campbell River, BC |
| Keeseekoowenin - Anishinaabe of Riding Mountain Indigenous Guardian | Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation | This initiative launches the Anishinaabe of Riding Mountain Indigenous Guardians program in partnership with Parks Canada. It focuses on monitoring and protecting culturally and ecologically significant areas within Riding Mountain National Park and Clear Lake IR61A, engaging and training Indigenous youth in stewardship, cultural protection, and environmental monitoring rooted in Anishinaabe values. | Elphinstone, MB |
| Mi’gmaw Guardian Initiative | Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmagami’kminu Inc. | This initiative develops stewardship plans for newly secured lands and National Parks/Historic Sites via an agreement with Parks Canada. A new Guardian program is essential for implementing these plans and ensuring Mi'gmaq-led conservation for future generations. | Miramichi, NB |
| Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation (KHFN) Guardians Program | Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation | This initiative establishes a Guardian program to protect and manage Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation (KHFN) territory from recreational overuse, industry, and environmental change. Guardians will monitor fishing, hunting, and tourism, promote responsible recreation, and support salmon stream recovery and species monitoring. The program aligns with preserving culture, food security, ecological health, and community well-being, including youth involvement and cultural education. |
Health Bay, BC |
| Matachewan First Nation Guardians Initiative | Matachewan First Nation | This initiative strengthens capacity to address mining, forestry, climate change, and biodiversity loss impacts. It focuses on land-based monitoring, data collection, and community engagement. Improved knowledge of local ecosystems, wildfire, and water systems will better inform leadership and decision-making for sustainable management. | Timiskaming District, ON |
| Mosakahiken Cree Nation Guardians Program | Mosakahiken Cree Nation | This initiative lays the foundation for a community-led Guardians program focused on protecting Moose Lake and revitalizing Cree cultural knowledge. It will support intergenerational knowledge sharing via a Culture Camp, build local leadership and stewardship skills, and develop Terms of Reference for future governance. By March 2026, Mosakahiken Cree Nation aims to finalize the framework and training. | Opaskwayak, MB |
| Mushkegowuk First Nations Guardians Initiative | Mushkegowuk Council | This initiative supports the launch of Guardians programs across Omushkego First Nations, building youth capacity and revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge. It will establish governance structures, training pathways, and a long-term sustainability plan to protect culturally and ecologically significant lands like the Hudson Bay-James Bay Lowlands through Indigenous-led conservation and climate action. | Moose Factory, ON |
| Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (NNK) Guardians program | Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach | This initiative develops a community-led Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach Land Guardian program, fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer. It focuses on regularly monitoring and sampling biodiversity-rich areas, sacred places, traditional hunting routes, and vital lands and waters. The program aims to increase Naskapi technical capacity through scientific and traditional training, empowering Naskapis as active Land Guardians. | Lac-Vaceher, QC |
| Initiative des gardiens pour la transmission la relève de Gespeg | Nation Micmac de Gespeg | This initiative supports two resources across three priority areas. It focuses on transmitting hunting and fishing traditions from Elders to Gespeg youth training future Guardians and ensuring species and territory health for sustainability. Finally, it promotes reconciliation through communicating Migmaq traditions and territory sharing with non-Indigenous people. | Gaspé, QC |
| Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) Guardians Initiative | Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation | This initiative is a community-led environmental stewardship program grounded in Cree values, focusing on Baldock Lake. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) Guardians will conduct a fisheries assessment to collect baseline data on species, habitat, and environmental indicators using scientific methods. Guided by Elders and involving youth mentorship, this work supports establishing an Indigenous/National Park and strengthens NCN’s capacity to steward lands/waters according to Cree knowledge. | Nelson House, MB |
| Skwah First Nation Guardians Viability | Skwah First Nation | This initiative explores developing a community-led Skwah Guardians program, grounded in ancestral teachings and the Nation's vision of stewardship. It aims to assess program viability to empower members to care for and monitor traditional territory, protecting culturally/ecologically significant lands and waters. Rooted in Indigenous Knowledge, it the program supports inherent responsibilities, strengthens community connections, and lays groundwork for long-term environmental governance. | Chilliwack, BC |
| Songhees Nation Guardian Program | Songhees Nation | This initiative, rooted in Songhees laws and Indigenous Knowledge, protects lands, waters, and cultural sites while strengthening community, especially for youth. It will have one full-time Land Guardian and one full-time Marine Guardian involved in food harvesting, cultural monitoring, and restoration, supporting Treaty rights, environmental stewardship, and community pride. | Victoria, BC |
| Stzuminus Lands Department Guardians Program | Stz'uminus First Nation | This initiative strengthens stewardship of Stz'uminus traditional territory against environmental pressures. It focuses on environmental monitoring, data collection, and land and water presence, blending Indigenous Knowledge with Western science. Emphasizing technical research, community engagement, and youth involvement, the program supports long-term environmental health and Nation-led decision-making for co-management. | Ladysmith, BC |
| Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Land and Water Guardians Initiative | Three Fires Group – Anishinabek Nation | This initiative develops a community-led program grounded in Anishinaabe Knowledge to protect, monitor, and steward Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (CKSPFN) lands, waters, and cultural resources. It will train Guardians as caretakers and monitors, focusing on restoring ecosystems, sustainable land management, leading cumulative effects studies, and upholding inherent rights. Elders will guide the work, youth will be mentored, and language integrated. | Kettle Point, ON |
| Tthebatthie Denésulinė Nation Guardians Program | Tthebatthie Dënësuliné Nation | This initiative represents Phase 1 of a Guardian Program restoring the Nation's traditional land and water stewardship through Dene Ch'anie revitalization. It focuses on assessing and developing participants' skills, knowledge, and confidence for future Guardian activities, including leadership competencies and land-based skills through intergenerational knowledge transfer. | Fort Smith, NT |
| Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake Guardians Program First Nation | Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 | This initiative addresses Burdock infestation, an invasive species threatening the Nation's wellbeing. Partnering with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and engaging Elders and youth, the initiative will develop an invasive species management plan, build local capacity, and lay the foundation for future environmental stewardship and self-determined planning. | Goodfish Lake, AB |
| Whitefish River First Nation (WRFN) Guardians Program | Whitefish River First Nation | This initiative launches a Guardians program to strengthen land relationships and stewardship. It focuses on turtle conservation, walleye and fisheries monitoring, shoreline and water quality monitoring. The program aims to reconnect community, especially youth, with land, culture, and language, with a vision for a regional network. | Birch Island, ON |
| Wunnumin Lake First Nation Guardians Program | Wunnumin Lake First Nation | This initiative aims to protect the Nation's lands, waters, wildlife, and cultural knowledge through community-led stewardship. Key activities include forming a Working Group, delivering a land-based youth workshop, and gathering Elder Knowledge to inform a strategic plan for a future Tier 2 Guardians program focused on youth training, environmental governance, and long-term stewardship. | Wunnummin Lake, ON |
| Xatsüll First Nation Guardians Program | Xatsüll First Nation | This initiative revitalizes the Xatsüll First Nation Guardian Program, hiring one full-time Guardian and a summer student. Guardians will monitor cultural and environmentally significant areas impacted by industrial activity, focusing on land/water stewardship, cultural resource protection, and community engagement. Emphasis will be on Secwepemc language, culture, and Elder-youth knowledge sharing to maintain land presence and advance Indigenous rights. | Williams Lake, BC |
| Malahat Sovereignty, Self-Governance and Cultural Resilience through Qe' (Water) and Tumuhw (Land) Stewardship | Malahat Nation | This initiative strengthens Malahat Nation's stewardship by bringing Elders, Guardians, and youth into the territory to share cultural teachings and support food sovereignty through renewed fishing activities. Guardians will conduct patrols, wildlife counts, and water and shellfish sampling, involving youth directly in land- and water-based monitoring. Collaboration with sister Nations across overlapping territories will further support shared stewardship and cultural continuity. | Mill Bay, ON |
| S'ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance's S'ólh Téméxw Guardians | S'ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance | This initiative expands hotspot monitoring, digital reporting, and youth engagement to strengthen stewardship in S'ólh Téméxw. Guardians will support education programs, contribute to Collaborative Stewardship Forum projects, and assist with biodiversity and habitat assessments. Ongoing cultural protocol training will ensure Guardians have the skills and cultural grounding needed to carry out their work effectively. | Chilliwack, BC |
| Marcel Colomb First Nation Guardians | Marcel Colomb First Nation | This initiative builds Marcel Colomb First Nation Guardians' stewardship capacity through community-led monitoring of black sturgeon and impacted shoreline areas. Elders and Knowledge-Holders will guide youth and Guardians in land-based training, species monitoring, and habitat assessment, using both Indigenous Knowledge and Western science. Community workshops and knowledge-sharing will support transparent decision-making and strengthen cultural revitalization. | Lynn Lake, MB |
| Asubpeschoseewagong Anishinabek Land Access and Use Project | Grassy Narrows First Nation | This initiative supports Grassy Narrows First Nation in restoring access to key bush roads, portages, and trails that have deteriorated since provincial maintenance stopped, limiting the community's ability to hunt, fish, gather, and carry out cultural practices. The Guardians program will expand staff capacity, build skills in access route maintenance, and provide the tools needed to keep important travel routes open. Guided by Elders, the initiative will also create opportunities for youth to learn Traditional Land-Use Knowledge and practices. Together, these efforts strengthen land connection, cultural continuity, and the community's long-term vision for stewardship and self-determination. | Grassy Narrows, ON |
| Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Guardians | Chippewas of the Thames First Nation | This initiative continues to build the Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Guardians Program, launched in Fall 2022, focused on reconnecting Chippewas of the Thames First Nation to the land through Anishinaabe’adziwin. Building on initial youth training and traditional land-use interviews, Guardians now strengthen ties with Anishinaabe Knowledge keepers, offer seasonal land-based programming, and collaborate with other Guardian programs to build a strategy grounded in community priorities and Indigenous Knowledge. | Muncey, ON |
| Gardiens du Ndakina de la communauté d'Odanak (Ndakina Guardians of the Odanak Community) | Conseil des Abénakis d'Odanak - Bureau Environnement et Terre | This initiative supports the Ndakina Guardians of Odanak, protecting traditional practices and strengthening Abenaki capacity in natural resource management. Guardian work includes food sovereignty, wildlife and plant inventories, land stewardship, and exercising ancestral rights. Activities will conserve culturally important, at-risk species through research and education, involving Elders and youth for cultural continuity and land reconnection. | Odanak, QC |
| Dena Kayeh Institute | Dena Kayeh Institute | This initiative supports long-term ecological and cultural monitoring for Daylu Dena Council in Lower Post, British Columbia. Activities include water/wildlife monitoring, climate data, mine oversight, invasive species management, and cultural education for youth/elders. Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with science, it strengthens Kaska presence, fosters partnerships, informs land management, and will expand with the Kaska Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. | Lower Post, BC |
| Fortifying the Fort McKay (FMFN) Environmental Guardians Program | Fort McKay First Nation | This initiative expands Fort McKay First Nation's (FMFN) community-led Environmental Guardian program. It enhances wildlife, air, and water quality monitoring in Fort McKay/Moose Lake, addressing challenges like algal blooms and dust. The program will increase its team to three Guardians, focusing on enhanced surface/groundwater monitoring, new camera/dust stations, and a food security project with a greenhouse, bolstering FMFN's land and water protection capacity. | Fort McKay, AB |
| Miawpukek First Nation Guardians Fund-MAMKA | Miawpukek First Nation | This initiative builds capacity for conservation and ocean governance through staff salaries, training, and equipment. Guardians will lead species monitoring, habitat mapping, invasive species removal, shoreline erosion, and climate tracking, collecting Indigenous Knowledge. The initiative aims to expand conservation, strengthen the Guardian program, and foster community stewardship of traditional waters. | Conne River, NL |
| Moose Cree Land Guardians | Moose Cree First Nation | This initiative establishes a Land Guardians program to monitor and protect Moose Creek territory from mining, forestry, and resource exploitation. Guardians will collect data on land use, environmental health, and wildlife, including caribou and river systems. They will support water/marine conservation along James Bay, providing community-led insights to inform leadership and strengthen Indigenous stewardship. | Moose Factory, ON |
| Gardien de la Nation Wendat (Guardian of the Wendat Nation) | Nation Huronne-Wendat | This initiative strengthens the Wendat Nation's Territorial Guardian program, building on past capacity. Guardians will focus on collecting data on cultural and ecologically important species, conduct territory surveillance, and promote sustainable practices. They will also support members in responsible traditional activities, safeguarding land, resources, and culturally significant sites while assisting community connection to the Nionwentsïo. | Wendake, QC |
| Bureau Environnement de Wôlinak (The Odanak Land and Environment Office) | Première Nation des Abénakis de Wôlinak | This initiative, led by the Environment Office, focuses on territory conservation, restoration, and enhancement, supporting traditional practices. Structured around six components, the program gathers knowledge on wildlife and plants, conducts environmental monitoring, and engages in land planning, food security, cultural protection, and capacity building. The program also supports leadership decision-making, fosters inter-organizational knowledge sharing, and enhances community growth. | Wôlinak, QC |
| Tsartlip Stewardship Department and Guardians | Tsartlip First Nation | This initiative supports the Tsartlip Guardians in implementing the Tsartlip Stewardship Department's vision. Rooted in WSÁNEĆ laws, Guardians will work on land and water to protect, restore, and assert jurisdiction over terrestrial and marine territories. Their work includes environmental monitoring, resource protection, and cultural revitalization, utilizing SENĆOŦEN language and traditional practices to advance community-based resource management and strengthen leadership. | Brentwood Bay, BC |
| Tseshaht Guardian initiative | Tseshaht First Nation | This initiative expands Tseshaht First Nation's Guardian program to strengthen territory stewardship and uphold traditional values. It will add two Guardians, retaining all staff year-round, to significantly increase capacity for salmon run monitoring, water quality testing, wildlife patrols, environmental cleanups, and community education on sustainable resource use. This creates employment and deepens cultural/environmental connections. | Port Alberni, BC |
| T'Sou-ke SṈE₭E Guardians | T'Sou-ke First Nation | This initiative supports the SṈE₭E Guardians in stewardship across T’Sou-ke marine and terrestrial territories. Managed by the Fisheries Office, two Guardians will assist with marine mammal/traffic monitoring, parks management, tourism, and land/marine use planning. Rooted in T’Sou-ke values, the initiative strengthens local capacity, elevates expertise, and provides youth training, advancing self-determined stewardship and governance. | Sooke, BC |
| Wahnapitae First Nation's Guardian Fund | Wahnapitae First Nation | This initiative supports ongoing education and community-based monitoring to protect and manage traditional lands. It funds staff training, workshops, and Indigenous Knowledge sharing, enhancing land/water stewardship capacity. The initiative also engages community and students in wildlife and water quality monitoring, fostering local knowledge and leadership. The initiative will strengthen Wahnapitae First Nation's ability to address concerns and assert territory stewardship. | Capreol, ON |
| Bkejwanong Guardians | Walpole Island First Nation | This initiative builds Indigenous-led conservation capacity by recruiting and training Guardians for habitat protection, research, and stewardship. It focuses on healing and empowering through Indigenous Knowledge sharing, fostering sovereignty, and addressing environmental threats. Key activities include recruiting Lead Guardians, training staff and at-risk community members, mentoring youth and adults, and developing a Guardians Network for future funding and inter-Nation collaboration. | Lambton County, ON |
| Xaxli’p Community Forest Corporation | Xaxli’p Community Forest Corporation | This initiative, the Xaxli’p Range Riders, protects and revitalizes the cultural/ecological integrity of the 31,000-hectare Xaxli’p Survival Territory. The initiative reinforces sustained Indigenous presence, supports ntsuwa7lhkálha t̓lákmen (our way of life), and reclaims Úcwalmicwts language. Range Riders maintain on-the-ground presence, often on horseback, collaborating with the Xaxli’p Community Forest to reassert Xaxli’pmex authority. | Lillooet, BC |
| Norman Wells Renewable Resource Council Guardians Initiative | Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gots’ę́ Nákedı | This initiative strengthens the Norman Wells RRC Guardian Monitoring Program in the Níto Nę P’ęné (NNP) region. It enhances on-the-ground capacity to address climate change, encroachment, and resource extraction in shared mountain homelands. By integrating biocultural Indigenous knowledge with science, the program supports informed community decision-making and advances NNP goals of conservation, governance, and Dene well-being. | Tulı́t'a, NT |