New $2 Million First Nations Stewardship Fund Announced for Guardians Programs
August 25, 2026
Mashteuiatsh: August 25, 2026: The Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) announced today the launch of a new fund for First Nations Guardians programs. Called the First Nations Stewardship Fund, this $2 million fund recognizes the essential role Guardians play in protecting lands and waters, supporting community resilience, maintaining cultural knowledge, and strengthening Nationhood.
First Nations Guardians programs from across the country can apply to support salaries for Guardians and coordinators, operational costs, community engagement, and other eligible activities.
“The Indigenous Leadership Initiative has always believed that Guardians programs are strongest when they have a broad base of financial support. That can include federal funding and industry and research partnerships and private philanthropy,” said ILI Executive Director Valérie Courtois.
“ILI is proud to contribute to diversified funding streams for Guardians, and we welcome other partners to join us in expanding financing opportunities. We hope this fund helps honour Indigenous values in stewardship and offers a model for direct investment in Guardians programs,” Courtois said.
ILI’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation has enabled the launch of the First Nations Stewardship Fund. In 2025, ILI received a landmark gift from the foundation to advance Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship and deliver impact in the lives of Indigenous youth. ILI is drawing on this generous gift to finance the new opportunity for Guardians programs.
The fund is designed to get investments into the field quickly and efficiently. The intake process will be clear and straightforward, and the reporting will be lean and efficient. Programs will be selected by an independent advisory panel of experts who brings decades of experience leading or working with Guardians programs.
“We want to contribute to uplifting the great work Guardians do every day,” said ILI Director of Operations Linda Dwyer. “That’s why we created a new funding source and a nimble and responsive intake process. We know that supporting boots on the ground today generates long-term benefits—for the land, for communities, and for the youth who build pride and confidence through Guardians training.”
The application window for the First Nations Stewardship Fund will August 25 through September 18. Selected programs will be notified a few weeks later.
