The vast majority of Northwest Territories residents support the core aspects of the Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence initiative currently being developed, according to a new poll conducted within the NWT.

A national poll shows that 3 out of 4 Canadians support Indigenous Guardians programs, and the vast majority view Guardians’ work as a cost-effective solution to the challenges of climate change, reconciliation, and nature conservation.

Indigenous Governments, the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private philanthropies announced a visionary framework agreement. The agreement outlines the expected outcomes of a major new initiative that will fund the protection of lands, support thriving cultures, and foster economic diversification across the Northwest Territories.

With this transition in leadership, the campaign is helping usher in a new era—one that ensures Indigenous Peoples are recognized and supported as the appropriate and natural leaders of conservation of their own homelands.

The First Nations National Guardians Network reflects a new kind of partnership between Indigenous Nations and Canada—one that encourages us to come together on equal footing to care for lands, waters, plants, and animals.

The Indigenous Leadership Initiative welcomes Canada’s commitment to supporting Indigenous Nations’ visions for caring for lands across regions. Investing in Indigenous-led conservation is the most effective way to sustain biodiversity and create transformative benefits for communities.

Learn more about the Indigenous Village that the Indigenous Leadership Initiative is hosting in the Green Zone of COP15 from December 9-11. Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Village.

From December 9-11, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative will host an Indigenous Village at COP15. The village will showcase the stewardship of Indigenous Peoples from the region, Canada, and around the world. And it will offer an Indigenized gathering space for Indigenous participants to COP15.

Council members will build a National Guardians Network that will help get more Guardians on the ground. It will create a more streamlined process for accessing Guardians funds. And it will provide an Indigenous-led approach to working with Crown governments and other funding partners.

The emerging First Nations National Guardians Network is looking to hire an Executive Director to help build the network and ensure it supports Guardians programs for years to come.

Representatives from Indigenous, Territorial, and Federal Governments and private investors gathered in Yellowknife to begin exploring an innovative partnership to create long-term support for Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable growth in the Northwest Territories.

It’s appropriate that His Royal Highness heard about Indigenous-led conservation in Ottawa and Yellowknife, because Indigenous Nations are helping address climate change and strengthen communities across Canada.

Elder Dave Courchene was a gifted spiritual leader, orator, and knowledge keeper who served as a critical bridge between Indigenous place-based people and mainstream society. He spoke for those relatives that don't have a voice. He was a champion of Indigenous-led conservation, knowing Guardians are imperative for protecting the land, water, and air that sustain our very existence.

“Indigenous Peoples are already at the forefront of sustaining biodiversity. Across the country, the biggest, most visionary plans for protecting lands are led by Indigenous Nations. Now Canada has the opportunity to catch up to and recognize our ambitions. By working together, we can protect healthy lands, make communities more resilient, and build a more equitable future.”

This collaboration on a documentary series grows out of shared values and concerns. In the age of climate change and loss of biodiversity, both ILI and RCGS want to highlight Indigenous leadership in sustaining animals and plants, clean air and water, and healthy people and communities.

“This is the largest federal investment in Indigenous-led stewardship to date, and we welcome the Government of Canada’s commitment to partnering with Indigenous Nations on conservation and stewardship,” said Valérie Courtois, the Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative.

Justice Berger empowered people by creating a venue to speak and be heard. The inquiry contributed to the awakening of the political consciousness of Indigenous Peoples in the North. And it had a significant impact on the conservation of lands in the North.

“As the Government of Canada places Indigenous-led conservation at the center of its biodiversity strategy, we look forward to seeing this commitment reflected in specific investments on the ground. And we expect to see this implemented on the Nation-to-Nation basis Canada is committed to.” 

Indigenous Nations are honouring our responsibility for the land in ways that are good for people and the economy. With added investment, Indigenous Nations can help Canada emerge from the pandemic as a leader in economic recovery, conservation, and climate action.

Ottawa: February 2, 2021 Deputy Director Dahti Tsetso is Tłicho Dene and played a leading role in the launch and operation of the Dehcho K'éhodi Stewardship and Guardians Program and the establishment of the Edéhzhíe Dehcho Protected Area and National Wildlife Area.