Mission & History
The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is dedicated to facilitating the strengthening of Indigenous Nationhood for the fulfillment of the Indigenous cultural responsibility to our lands, the emergence of new generations of Indigenous leaders, and helping communities develop the skills and capacity that they will need as they continue to become fully respected and equally treated partners in Canada’s system of governance and its economic and social growth.
Our Beginning
Indigenous communities across Canada are insisting on the recognition and expansion of Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable development efforts. Many Indigenous Nations are exercising their rights and responsibilities over traditional lands and believe this work is central to nation building.
A group of Indigenous leaders came together in 2013 to nurture and help advance these efforts. As part of these discussions, they connected with the International Boreal Conservation Campaign. With support from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Hewlett Foundation, the Moore Foundation and Ducks Unlimited, they launched the Indigenous Leadership Initiative in 2013 to help strengthen Indigenous Nationhood and fulfill Indigenous cultural responsibilities to the land.
Our Growth
ILI has continued to grow since we launched in 2013. We are guided by a group of Senior Leaders who draw on decades of experience on the land, in Indigenous leadership and governance, in territorial and provincial government, in Parliament and federal cabinet, and in national commissions and international arena. We also have team members who bring a wealth of knowledge in on-the-ground programming, Indigenous and Canadian law, and communications.
Over the years, ILI has partnered directly with dozens of First Nations to advance their leadership on the land. We provide technical expertise and support on Indigenous-led efforts, including land use planning—also known as land relationship planning; Indigenous Guardians programs; and Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas.
ILI is the only Indigenous-led national conservation organization in Canada.
Our Transformation
In 2023, ILI became the first Indigenous group to take over a successful international conservation campaign. For many years, ILI was a partner in the International Boreal Conservation Campaign, a coalition of organizations, Indigenous Nations, and funders. Starting in 2023, ILI assumed leadership of the campaign and absorbed many of its assets, staff, and institutional relationships.
With this transition, ILI is helping to decolonize conservation and usher in a new era—one that ensures Indigenous Peoples are recognized and supported as the appropriate leaders of conservation of their own homelands.
