Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the lands, waters, and ice since time immemorial. Across the country, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are braiding Indigenous Knowledge with modern science to offer solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss, while safeguarding the natural spaces we all depend on.
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced an investment of more than $12.8 million from the Indigenous Guardians fund to support 90 Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
This investment will support 41 new and 49 existing First Nations Indigenous Guardians initiatives to protect and conserve lands, waters, and culture while providing meaningful employment opportunities. With these new initiatives, over a quarter of all First Nation communities will now have active Guardians programs from coast to coast to coast.
Minister Guilbeault was joined by Douglas Odjick, Council Member for the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, as well as Shaunna Morgan Siegers, Interim Executive Director of the new First Nations National Guardians Network. The event also marked the passing of the torch from Environment and Climate Change Canada to the autonomous Guardians Network, which will oversee funding decisions for future applicants to the program.
Projects such as the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardian Initiative are excellent examples of Guardians in action-acting as the "eyes and ears" on the ground by monitoring ecological health, identifying and maintaining culturally significant sites, and working to preserve and pass on traditional knowledge and nature-based learning.
At Kitigan Zibi, this project will support Guardians to be 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. 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, such as Traditional Knowledge workshops.
Projects like provide significant benefits for Indigenous communities, the natural environment, and species at risk.
In the spirit of reconciliation, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting the leadership of Indigenous Peoples to help conserve ecosystems, protect Indigenous cultures, and develop sustainable economies for future generations.
