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.
Year 1
Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nlaka'pamux Guardians Program | Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly | 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 | Tseshaht First Nation | This program 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 | Algonquins of Ontario | This project draws on traditional knowledge from Algonquin Elders and land-users to explore environmental changes observed over time | Pembroke, ON |
Community Based Monitoring Program | Mikisew Cree First Nation | This program 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 | Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation | 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 | Pimachiowin Aki Corporationt | The Lands Guardians program 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 | Great Bear Initiative Society | 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 | Tahltan Central Government | The Tahltan Community-Based Climate Change monitoring program addresses climate change concerns using woodland caribou seasonal movements and range use, climate data, and community and traditional knowledge. | Dease Lake, BC |
Natural Resources Aboriginal Fisheries Guardians Program | Miawpukek First Nation | 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 | Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance | This program 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 | Fisheries Joint Management Committee | 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 trappers fishery plan. | Inuvik, NT |
Fort Folly Habitat Recovery | Fort Folly First Nation | This program promotes the role of Indigenous peoples in evaluating ecosystem health and restoring species and their habitats. | Fort Folly Indian Reserve No. 1, Frosty Hollow, NB |
Taking Our Pulse Fort Nelson First Nation Elder-Youth Focused Monitoring Program | Fort Nelson First Nation | 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 | Innu Nation | This program 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 program also seeks to expand Guardians activities, including combining traditional and Western knowledge, as well as empower Elder-youth engagement. | Natuashish, NL |
Watching the Land: Knowing the Impacts of Climate Change | Kátå’odeeche First Nation | This program builds technical capacity within the Kátå’odeeche First Nation specific to climate monitoring research and helps fund the climate monitoring component of the current Guardian program. | Hay River, NT |
Metis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship | Manitoba Métis Federation | The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has started an innovative Metis Youth Boreal Stewardship program. 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 | Matawa First Nations Management | This program 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 | The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq | This program 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 | Misipawistik Cree Nation | This program helps the Misipawistik Cree Nation monitor the ecological health of, and manage, their lands. The program 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 | Mushkegowuk Council | This Guardians Program enables youth, Elders and harvesters to work with environmental stewards using traditional knowledge to collect information on climate change for mapping purposes. | Moose Factory, ON |
Keepers of the Land | Sahtú Nę K’ǝ́dikǝ́ | Sahtú Nę K’ǝ́dikǝ́ Guardians have increased their visible presence throughout their lands and monitor changes taking place on their lands. This program 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 | Tŝilhqot'in National Government | This program 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 | Walpole Island First Nation | This program 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 Walpole Island, Ontario |
Programme des gardiens de les Nations Innues du Québec | La Nation Innue (site in French only) |
This program 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. | Pessamit, QC |
Community-based Monitoring of Climate Change Impacts on Water Quantity and Quality and Wind Resources | Quatsino First Nation | This comprehensive community-based climate monitoring program 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 | Dena Kayeh Institute | This program establishes baseline water monitoring sites to be identified in 5-10 priority water bodies within the Liard river watershed. Training and education initiatives increases the capacity of their current members to assist in land and resource decision making. | Lower Post, BC |
Inuit Marine Monitoring Program | Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. | This pilot project 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 | Nunatsiavut Government | This project 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 |
Year 2
Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Askîy | Métis Nation of Alberta | This project continues to support the pilot program initiative to identify and monitor environmental indicators on culturally important and sensitive areas for Alberta Métis. | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Supporting Metis Guardians to protect the land and waters in British Columbia | Métis Nation – British Columbia | This project 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 project 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, Canada |
Metis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Project | Manitoba Métis Federation | This project continues the development of the Metis 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, Canada |
The Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Project | Métis Nation of Ontario | This project trains Métis youth alongside Métis knowledge holders and land users to conduct land and water environmental monitoring techniques that bridge STEM methodologies with Métis traditional knowledge and land use practices. | Ottawa, ON, Canada |
MN-S Indigenous Guardian Project | Métis Nation – Saskatchewan | This project 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, Canada |
Scia’new Guardian Project | Beecher Bay First Nation | This project allows for long term species monitoring and the development of long-term monitoring projects for marine life in their traditional lands and waters | Sooke, British Columbia, Canada |
Dene Tha' Guardian Project | Dene Tha' First Nation | This project supports current monitoring efforts to help set goals and ensure the effective management of Dene Tha’ lands and waters. | Chateh, Alberta, Canada |
Nation Crie de Eastmain | Cree Nation Government | This project aims to help the community be more proactive in managing their territory, develop local capacity, expand traditional knowledge, and have more influence on new industrial developments. | Nemaska, Quebec, Canada |
Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Guardians Project | Mistawasis Nêhiyawak | This project 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, Saskatchewan, Canada |
P'egp'ig'lha Guardian Program | P'egp'ig'lha Guardian Program | This project 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Southern Dakelh Guardians Project | Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance | This project 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 project also serves to strengthen ties between the four nation members: Nazko, Lhtako Dene, Lhoosk'uz Dene, and the Ulkatcho. | Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada |
Tataskweyak Cree Nation Guardians Project | Tataskweyak Cree Nation | This project 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 project results in education, employment opportunities and renewed relationship between TCN people and their land. | Split Lake, Manitoba, Canada |
Upper Similkameen Guardians Project | Upper Similkameen Indian Band | This project 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Weenusk Guardians Project | Weenusk First Nation | This project 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, Ontario, Canada |
Yellowknives Dene Guardians Project | Yellowknives Dene First Nation | This project 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, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Fort Nelson First Nation Guardian project | Fort Nelson First Nation | This project increases understanding and timely response to ecological change and its causes. It allows for informed decision-making about human activities and land use in the Fort Nelson First Nation territory; and empowers the next generation of leaders and stewards. | Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada |
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians | Gitanyow Huwilp Society | This project employs more Gitanyow people as guardians of their territory while developing their skills, education and capacity in enforcement, environmental monitoring and restoration. | Kitwanga, British Columbia, Canada |
Nahendeh Kehotsendi | Kátł’odeeche First Nation | This project establishes a land monitoring project, based on traditional 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 Kátł’odeeche First Nation and other governments. | Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Aki Sibi Guardian Initiative | Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg | This project 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, Québec, Canada |
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay | Magnetawan First Nation | This project 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 First Nation, Ontario, Canada |
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian project | Mikisew Cree First Nation | This project 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, Alberta, Canada |
Xaxli’p Range Riders | Xaxli'p Community Forest Corporation | 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Coastal Stewardship Network | Great Bear Initiative Society | 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network | Matawa First Nations Management | 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, Ontario, Canada |
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network | Pimachiowin Aki Corporation | This project 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, Canada |
Nę K'ǝ́dı́Ke - Keepers of the Land Network | Sahtú Dene Council | This project contributes to health, economic development, expanded employment, food security, local and regional governance, reconciliation, and cultural and spiritual integrity for Sahtú Dene Nations. | Délı̨ne, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Land Guardian Network | Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources | This project 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, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Munaqsi Community Based Monitoring Project | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation | This project uses local traditional 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, NWT, Canada |
Nunavik Guardians Project | Makivik Corporation | This project 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, Quebec, Canada |
Hebron Ambassador Project and Nain Conservation Officers | Nunatsiavut Government | This project conducts economic activities and training, cultural revitalization and management, Inuit engagement in conservation of biodiversity and community capacity building. | Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
Supporting community engagement and capacity for the long-term monitoring and management of fish resources | Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association Hunters and Trappers Organization | This project 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, Nunavut, Canada |
Community Monitoring of Caribou | Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board | This project 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 traditional knowledge. | Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada |
Ujjiqsuiniq Young Hunters Project | Aqqiumavvik Society | This project 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 in order to plan for a sustainable future. | Arviat, Nunavut, Canada |
Year 3
Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Munaqusi Community Based Monitoring Project | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation | This project uses local traditional 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 (Northwest Territories) Canada |
Nunavik Guardians Project | Makivik Corporation | This project 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, (Quebec) Canada |
Hebron Ambassador Project and Nain Conservation Officers | Nunatsiavut Government | This project conducts economic activities and training, cultural revitalization and management, Inuit engagement in conservation of biodiversity and community capacity building. | Nain (Newfoundland and Labrador) Canada |
Supporting community engagement and capacity for the long-term monitoring and management of fish resources | Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association Hunters and Trappers Organization | This project 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, (Nunavut) Canada |
Community Monitoring of Caribou | Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board | This project 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 traditional knowledge. | Iqaluit, (Nunavut) Canada |
Ujjiqsuiniq Young Hunters Project | Aqqiumavvik Society | This project 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 in order to plan for a sustainable future. | Arviat, (Nunavut) Canada |
Lennox Island First Nation Guardian Program | Lennox Island First Nation | This project intends to enhance awareness of coastal resource stewardship responsibilities, provide employment opportunities and empowerment within Lennox Island and engage Youth in conservation efforts. The Guardians program will also serve as a platform to develop and maintain cooperative relationships between Guardians, commercial fishers and band members. | Lennox Island (Prince Edward Island) Canada |
Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick Guardian Program | Wolastoqey Nation | This project 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, (New Brunswick) Canada |
Atiku-napeu | Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit (in French only) | The project 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 project will also focus on providing employment opportunities and encourage knowledge transfer between Elders and Youth | Essipit, (Quebec) Canada |
Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Guardian Program | Grassy Narrows First Nation | The project 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, (Ontario) Canada |
Shkakamik Kwe Genwenmajig | Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory | The project 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, (Ontario) Canada |
Fox Lake Cree Nation Guardian Program | Fox Lake Cree Nation | The project 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, (Manitoba) Canada |
Westbank First Nation Guardian Program | Westbank First Nation | The project 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, (British Columbia) Canada |
Williams Lake Indian Band Guardian Program | Williams Lake Indian Band | The project 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 (British Columbia) Canada |
Ditidaht First Nation Guardian Program | Ditidaht First Nation | The project 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 (British Columbia) Canada |
Kluane First Nation Guardian Program | Kluane First Nation | The project 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 (Yukon) Canada |
Fort Nelson First Nation Guardian project | Fort Nelson First Nation | This project increases understanding and timely response to ecological change and its causes. It allows for informed decision-making about human activities and land use in the Fort Nelson First Nation territory; and empowers the next generation of leaders and stewards. | Fort Nelson, (British Columbia) Canada |
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians | Gitanyow Huwilp Society | This project employs more Gitanyow people as guardians of their territory while developing their skills, education and capacity in enforcement, environmental monitoring and restoration. | Kitwanga, British Columbia, Canada |
Nahendeh Kehotsendi | Kátł’odeeche First Nation | This project establishes a land monitoring project, based on traditional 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 Kátł’odeeche First Nation and other governments. | Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Aki Sibi Guardian Initiative | Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg | This project 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, Québec, Canada |
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay | Magnetawan First Nation | This project 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 First Nation, Ontario, Canada |
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian project | Mikisew Cree First Nation | This project 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, Alberta, Canada |
Xaxli’p Range Riders | Xaxli'p Community Forest Corporation | 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Coastal Stewardship Network | Great Bear Initiative Society | 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network | Matawa First Nations Management | 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, Ontario, Canada |
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network | Pimachiowin Aki Corporation | This project 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, Canada |
Nę K'ǝ́dı́Ke - Keepers of the Land Network | Sahtú Dene Council | This project contributes to health, economic development, expanded employment, food security, local and regional governance, reconciliation, and cultural and spiritual integrity for Sahtú Dene Nations. | Délı̨ne, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Land Guardian Network | Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources | This project 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, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Askîy | Métis Nation of Alberta | This project continues to support the pilot program initiative to identify and monitor environmental indicators on culturally important and sensitive areas for Alberta Métis. | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Supporting Metis Guardians to protect the land and waters in British Columbia | Métis Nation – British Columbia | This project 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 project aims to share knowledge through a gathering to bring everyone together to discuss the guardians programs, highlight past years, and identify next steps. | Surrey, British Columbia, Canada |
Metis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Project | Manitoba Métis Federation | This project continues the development of the Metis 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, Manitoba, Canada |
The Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Project | Métis Nation of Ontario | This project trains Métis youth alongside Métis knowledge holders and land users to conduct land and water environmental monitoring techniques that bridge STEM methodologies with Métis traditional knowledge and land use practices. | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
MN-S Indigenous Guardian Project | Métis Nation – Saskatchewan | This project 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, Saskatchewan, Canada |
Year 4
Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Munaqusi Community Based Monitoring Project | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation | This project uses local traditional 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 (Northwest Territories) Canada |
Nunavik Guardians Project | Makivik Corporation | This project 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, (Quebec) Canada |
Hebron Ambassador Project and Nain Conservation Officers | Nunatsiavut Government | This project conducts economic activities and training, cultural revitalization and management, Inuit engagement in conservation of biodiversity and community capacity building. | Nain (Newfoundland and Labrador) Canada |
Supporting community engagement and capacity for the long-term monitoring and management of fish resources | Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association Hunters and Trappers Organization | This project 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, (Nunavut) Canada |
Community Monitoring of Caribou | Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board | This project 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 traditional knowledge. | Iqaluit, (Nunavut) Canada |
Ujjiqsuiniq Young Hunters Project | Aqqiumavvik Society | This project 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 in order to plan for a sustainable future. | Arviat, (Nunavut) Canada |
Shoal Lake Guardians | Shoal Lake 40 First Nation | This one-year project 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 (Ontario) Canada |
York Factory First Nation Future Guardians Initiative | York Factory First Nation | This one-year project 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 Council’s decisions about land use, stewardship and protection. | York Landing (Manitoba)Canada |
Ndakina Guardians Program | Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki | This one-year project will engage the Nation W8banaki in stewardship of their Traditional territory. Drawing on both scientific practices and Traditional 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 traditional knowledge while also helping to combat food insecurity. | Wôlinak (Quebec) Canada |
Cheslatta Guardianship Program | Cheslatta Carrier Nation | This one-year project 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 (British Columbia) Canada |
Shawanaga First Nation Guardians Program | Shawanaga First Nation | This one-year project will start new land-based and species of concern monitoring initiatives in order to build capacity and employment opportunities within the Shawanaga community. Using a two-eyed seeing approach that weaves Indigenous Knowledge and western science, the project 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 project aims to empower youth to be the Elders of tomorrow. | Nobel (Ontario) Canada |
Sipekne’katik Earth Keeper Program | Sipekne’katik First Nation | This one-year project 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 (Nova Scotia) Canada |
Pheasant Rump Guardians Initiative | Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation | This single-year project will support building capacity in order to collect data; steward lands and habitats; and educate members on land conservation, respectful hunting practices, and habitat stewardship. This project also supports habitat protection through youth and Elder engagement and by building an intergenerational knowledge system. | Kisbey, (Saskatchewan) Canada |
Nak’azdli Whut’en Guardians Program | Nak’azdli Whut’en | This one-year project will rely on Nak’azdli Whut’en Guardians to protect and restore the cultural and ecological integrity of traditional territory. The project 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 (British Columbia) Canada |
Takla Nation Guardians Program | Takla Nation | This one-year project 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 Traditional 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 (British Columbia) Canada |
Deninu Kue First Nation Guardians of the land and water of Resolution Bay | Deninu Kue First Nation | This one-year project 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 (Northwest Territories) Canada |
Fort Nelson First Nation Guardian project | Fort Nelson First Nation | This project increases understanding and timely response to ecological change and its causes. It allows for informed decision-making about human activities and land use in the Fort Nelson First Nation territory; and empowers the next generation of leaders and stewards. | Fort Nelson, (British Columbia) Canada |
Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians | Gitanyow Huwilp Society | This project employs more Gitanyow people as guardians of their territory while developing their skills, education and capacity in enforcement, environmental monitoring and restoration. | Kitwanga, British Columbia, Canada |
Nahendeh Kehotsendi | Kátł’odeeche First Nation | This project establishes a land monitoring project, based on traditional 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 Kátł’odeeche First Nation and other governments. | Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Aki Sibi Guardian Initiative | Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg | This project 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, Québec, Canada |
Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian Bay | Magnetawan First Nation | This project 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 First Nation, Ontario, Canada |
Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardian project | Mikisew Cree First Nation | This project 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, Alberta, Canada |
Xaxli’p Range Riders | Xaxli'p Community Forest Corporation | 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Coastal Stewardship Network | Great Bear Initiative Society | 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, British Columbia, Canada |
Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network | Matawa First Nations Management | 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, Ontario, Canada |
Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Guardians Network | Pimachiowin Aki Corporation | This project 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, Canada |
Nę K'ǝ́dı́Ke - Keepers of the Land Network | Sahtú Dene Council | This project contributes to health, economic development, expanded employment, food security, local and regional governance, reconciliation, and cultural and spiritual integrity for Sahtú Dene Nations. | Délı̨ne, Northwest Territories, Canada |
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Land Guardian Network | Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources | This project 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, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Askîy | Métis Nation of Alberta | This project continues to support the pilot program initiative to identify and monitor environmental indicators on culturally important and sensitive areas for Alberta Métis. | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Supporting Metis Guardians to protect the land and waters in British Columbia | Métis Nation – British Columbia | This project 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 project 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, Canada |
Metis Youth Boreal Forest Stewardship Project | Manitoba Métis Federation | This project continues the development of the Metis 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, Canada |
The Métis Lands and Waters Guardians Project | Métis Nation of Ontario | This project trains Métis youth alongside Métis knowledge holders and land users to conduct land and water environmental monitoring techniques that bridge STEM methodologies with Métis traditional knowledge and land use practices. | Ottawa, ON, Canada |
MN-S Indigenous Guardian Project | Métis Nation – Saskatchewan | This project 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, Canada |
Year 5
Program title | Proponent | Description | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Culturally important species monitoring by Métis Guardian/Harvesters in British Columbia | Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) | This four-year project 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 |
Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) | Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) | This four-year project 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 | Hamlet of Pangnirtung | This four-year project 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 Inuit Traditional Knowledge, values and languages. This project 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 |
Inuvialuit Stewardship: Traditional Knowledge and Science-based Land Monitoring Program in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region | Inuvialuit Land Administration | This four-year project 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 | Métis Settlements General Council | This one-year project will offer targeted training, ongoing capacity support, and wage-supplements to eight Métis Settlements in order 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 | Northwest Territory Métis Nation | This four-year project 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 | Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MNS) | This four-year project 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 | Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) | This four-year project will train and engage Métis citizen volunteers to conduct water and bait fish sampling in locations selected by communities using both traditional knowledge and western science, in order to protect the Métis way of life, to preserve the traditional territories, and to transmit Traditional Knowledge to youth and Métis citizens. | Ottawa, ON. |
Askîy | Métis Nation of Alberta | This four-year project will enable the Métis Nation of Alberta 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. Programs have been developed to monitor plants, fish, wildlife, and biodiversity using methods that braid western science with Traditional Knowledge. | Edmonton, AB. |
Aullâsimavet | Nunatsiavut Government | This four-year project 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 | Kativik Regional Government | This four-year project 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 | Makivik Corporation | This four-year project 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 | Makivik Corporation | This four-year project 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 | Nunavik Hunting Fishing Trapping Association | This four-year project will support the revitalization of traditional knowledge related to the Marralik-Ungunniavik estuary, a traditional Inuit hunting site. The loss of Traditional 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 | Kivalliq Inuit Association | This four-year project 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 | English River First Nation | This project 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 | Garden River First Nation | This project 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. | Seabird Island Band | This project 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 | Timiskaming First Nation | This project 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 project 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 | Tla’amin Nation | This project 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 | Ulkatcho First Nation | This project 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 | Whitesand First Nation | This project 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 traditional 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 | Wolf Lake First Nation | This project 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 | Abegweit First Nation | This project 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 | Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation (ANSN) | This project will develop two short educational courses focusing on land and water that will be anchored in Traditional 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, Alberta. |
ANA Guardians Land Access and Use Initiative | Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (ANA or Grassy Narrows First Nation) | This project 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 project 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 | Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek | This project will provide engagement opportunities on the land, as well as tools and data products. | Macdiarmind, ON. |
Kainais’ Skahkoyii Ecological and Invasive Species Initiatives | Blood Tribe Land Management | This project 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 | Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) | This project 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 | Chippewas of the Thames First Nation | This project 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. |
Programme des gardiens du Nionwentsïo | Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat | This project will support the Huron-Wendat to build capacity, autonomy, and Nationhood by re-establishing a link between Elders and youth, and by drawing on traditional knowledge and western science to act on their cultural responsibility to protect their territory and the species within it. | Wendake, QC. |
Gardiens Atikamekw de Manawan | Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan | This project will increase the Nation’s presence on the land, establish an official Guardians Mandate, train Guardians, and collect data relying on western science and traditional 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 | Délinę Got’įnę Government | This project 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 | Dene Tha’ First Nation | This project 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. | Ditidaht First Nation | This project 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 | Doig River First Nation | This project 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 Prarie, BC. |
Re-connecting Our People with the Land | Eskasoni Fish & Wildlife Commission Inc. | This project 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) | Fort Nelson First Nation | This project 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) | Ginoogaming First Nation | This project 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 | Gitanyow Huwilp Society dba Gitanyow Fisheries Authority | This project will support developing a methodology for a camera trap network to monitor moose, wolf and bear populations and biodiversity. | Kitwanga, BC. |
NUTSHIMIUNNUAT | Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam | This project will engage and train Guardians to work with Elders, members and partners in order to: establish a presence in the traditional territories; encourage the transmission of Traditional 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. | Uashat, QC. |
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardian Initiative | Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation | This project 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 traditional 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 Traditional Knowledge workshops, social media videos, and work with the local school to create a small butternut nursery. | Maniwaki, QC. |
Kwadacha Guardians Program Building | Kwadacha Nation | This project 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 | Leq’a:mel First Nation | This project 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 | Liard First Nation | This project 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 | Little Shuswap Lake Band | This project will support developing 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”) | Lutsel K’e, Dene First Nation | This project 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 | Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS) | This project 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 | Malahat Nation | This project 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 project 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 | Nak'azdli Whut'en | This project 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. |
Programme des Gardiens du Ndakina | Nation Wabanaki | This project will ensure the continued practice and revitalization of Traditional Knowledge and activities, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping, while also ensuring that the lands and waters are monitored and stewarded. This project will support conservation, research, education, and outreach activities that involve and reconnect Indigenous community members to Ndakina Territory. | Wolinak, QC. |
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Land Guardians | NCN Lands, Environment, Resources | This project 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 House, Colombie-Britannique. |
P’egp’ig’lha Guardians | P’egp’ig’lha Council | This project 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. |
Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation Guardians Initiative Tier 2A Emerging | Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation | This project will engage youth and Elders in data collection and monitoring activities related to land stewardship, habitat protection and conservation in order to build a stronger intergenerational knowledge system. The project draws on western science from existing partners such as Ryerson University and environmental consultants as well as Traditional 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 | Sagkeeng Anicinabe | This project 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 program. 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 | Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office | This project 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 | T’Sou-ke First Nation | This project 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 | Takla Nation | This project 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 | Taku River Tlingit First Nation | This project 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 | Tataskweyak Cree Nation | This project 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 | Temagami First Nation | This project 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. |
Tłı̨chǫ Highway Wildlife Monitoring Program | Tłı̨chǫ Ndek’àowo / Tłı̨chǫ Government | This project 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 in order 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 | Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in | This project 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. |
Tsal’alh Guardians Initiative – Mule Deer Population Study and Database Management | Tsal’alh | This project 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 | Tsay Keh Dene Band | This project 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) | Xaxli’p Community Forest Corporation | This project 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 | Zhiibaahaasing First Nation | This project will engage four schools, including over 80 youth, in workshops on traditional 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 | Dehcho First Nations | This project 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 | Grand Council Treaty #3 | This project 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 | Great Bear Initiative Society | This project 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. |
Mise en place d’un réseau de gardiens pour la prise de décision sur le Nitassinan | Institut Tshakapesh | This project 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 | Matawa First Nations Management | This project 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 | Mushkegowuk Council | This project 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 | Niiwin Wendaanimok Partnership | This project 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 | S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance (administrative services provided by Stó:lō Service Agency as a legal entity) | This project 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 | Seal River Watershed Alliance | This project will facilitate capacity-building, training, outreach, and gatherings in order 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 | Tŝilhqot’in National Government | This project 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 | Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources | This project will provide training, education and outreach opportunities to Guardians and Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq community members, conduct on-the-ground monitoring, and engage youth in order 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 | Keewaytinook Okimakanak Tribal Council | This project will facilitate opportunities for community members to participate in developing both traditional 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 project 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 traditional 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 | Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. | This project 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. |
Nlaka’pamux Guardians | Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly | This project 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 | Okanagan Nation Alliance | This project will implement a full-time Guardians program serving the six Sylix communities that are part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. The program 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. |
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