It was truly a historic night: erecting a traditional Innu shaputuan in front of Parliament for the first time ever. Welcoming Indigenous leaders, Senators, members of Parliament, and Guardians alike filled us with pride and joy in how far we have come in recognizing Indigenous leadership in conservation. Investments in Guardians programs across the country are generating transformative benefits for communities, cultures, and economies.

The framework for the Northwest Territories Project for Finance Permanence (NWT PFP) is a groundbreaking agreement that was signed last month between Indigenous Governments, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private philanthropies. The framework outlines funding for the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and the continued stewardship of existing IPCAs.

Who are Guardians, and what do they do? They perform data collection, protect wildlife, and help not only their Nations, but also decision makers across the country, understand what’s happening on the ground. Watch and learn why ILI supports this work – and why you should too.

Exciting things happening on Parliament Hill! For the first time in history, a traditional Innu shaputuan is being erected in front of Parliament, where we’ll welcome Guardians alongside Members of Parliament, Senators,and First Nations leaders are coming together to celebrate the work of Guardians happening from coast to coast to coast. Hear from our director, Valerie Courtois, on the significance of this event and the excitement of bringing an Indigenized space to the Hill for the very first time.

In a major shift in the conservation movement, the ILI is taking over the leadership of the International Boreal Conservation Campaign. We are honoured and proud to assume this role.

Understanding how fire can be a tool to help better the land just got easier, thanks to the Muskrats to Moose Project! Their newly published digital toolkit https://wearefire.ca/ combines generational knowledge of fire and Indigenous fire practices to provide a starting point for expanding fire use on the land in the Saskatchewan River Delta.

We left the UN Biodiversity Summit this year with a full heart and hope for the future: in the Village and beyond, it was inspiring to see the impact of Indigenous-led conservation around the world – and all that’s possible for the future.

“Coming to the Indigenous Village and being amongst my own people was healing, uplifting, and it was inspiring.” Last month, ILI built the Indigenous Village in Montreal as part of international negotiations on preventing global biodiversity loss – the UN Biodiversity Summit.

“Coming to the Indigenous Village and being amongst my own people was healing, uplifting, and it was inspiring.” Last month, ILI built the Indigenous Village in Montreal as part of international negotiations on preventing global biodiversity loss – the UN Biodiversity Summit.

In Northern B.C, the Kaska are working to protect one of the largest intact landscapes left in British Columbia. Dene K’éh Kusān – which means Always Will Be There – is a proposed Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area at the heart of Kaska territory.

What is the Indigenous Leadership Initiative? We are an Indigenous-led organization that is dedicated to advancing the role of Indigenous Nations in deciding the future of traditional territories.

“If we protect [the Seal River Watershed], we would be helping to fight climate change. We would be helping Canada protect 25% of lands and waters by 2025.”

“We’re educating the world about how important it is to take care of this fragile earth, because if we take care of it, it will take care of us.” A unique partnership between Innu and crown government means that Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak–also known as Mealy Mountains National Park–will be protected now and for future generations.

In northern Manitoba, the Seal River Watershed Alliance has proposed an Indigenous Protected Area that could expand ecotourism and sustainable jobs, while protecting one of the largest intact watersheds on the planet.

“It’s a story worth telling.” In the far reaches of Northern Manitoba, four First Nations have come together to protect the Seal River Watershed as an Indigenous Protected Area.

By placing Indigenous-led initiatives at the heart of biodiversity conservation, Canada can help lead the world in promoting a new model of ethical conservation—one rooted in respect, responsibility, and reconciliation.

Indigenous Nations are already leading the biggest efforts to conserve the Boreal Forest in Canada, one of the largest land-based storehouses of carbon in the world. Our leadership helps keep that carbon stored in peatlands & soils safe, and means healthier, more sustainable lands. As we all discuss how to best protect Mother Earth for future generations, Canada must put Indigenous-led conservation at the heart of its climate & biodiversity strategies.

Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront of sustaining biodiversity--from salmon recovery in the US, caribou monitoring in Canada, cultural burning practices in Australia and beyond. It’s time to follow our leadership and support our expertise.

This summer brought another record breaking fire season, and threats to our collective health and future are growing. But thankfully, there are solutions. Indigenous Guardians are on the land every day, they know the terrain and are uniquely positioned to manage fires and help communities stay safe. Here’s what that looks like on the ground:

“The beauty of Indigenous Protected Areas and Guardians programs is that they are a part of a conservation based economy, which is by design, a sustainable approach.”