ILI Proud to Help Convene US Guardians Conversation
Drummers from the Lummi Nation help welcome the arrival of canoes at the start of the recent Exploring Indigenous-led US Guardianship Gathering.
May 28, 2024
The Indigenous Guardians movement has grown exponentially in recent years. Back in 2016, about 30 Indigenous Guardians programs cared for lands and waters. Today more than 200 Guardians programs are operating across what is now known as Canada. That means over 1,000 Guardians are on the ground, helping their Nations honour the responsibility to care for their territories.
Not only are more First Nations eager to launch their own Guardians programs, but the movement is also expanding into the United States. “We have been very successful in Canada, and now we are talking with our Native American brothers and sisters to share knowledge,” said Indigenous Leadership Initiative Senior Leader Frank Brown.
In late April, ILI helped convene the Exploring Indigenous-led US Guardianship Gathering on the Lummi Nation. Guardians from the Igiugig Village Council, Tlingit, Haida, and Yupik in Alaska joined stewards from Na Moku Aupuni O Ko‘olau Hui in Maui, the Bears Ears Coalition in the Southwest, and the Blackfeet Nation in Montana and many others. Over 60 Indigenous leaders and partners participated.
“ILI is humbled and proud to be in the room with you,” Valérie Courtois, the Executive Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, said at the gathering. “Whatever we can do to help uplift your visions, your aspirations for your lands and Nations, we are here to support you.”
One of the ways ILI has supported the Guardians movement in Canada was to create an Indigenous space on Parliament Hill to celebrate the benefits Guardians provide for First Nations and Canada.
In Canada, the Guardians movement has grown up from the land, from Elders, youth, and a new generation of leaders. Here are some of the ways ILI has been proud to support the Guardians movement in Canada:
Provided technical expertise when the Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution in support for Land Guardians programs in 2015.
Hosted the first National Guardian Gathering in Ottawa in 2016, bringing together about 200 Guardians and leaders from across the country.
Held over 180 meetings with officials, all parties, and several Parliamentary committees about the benefits of Guardians programs for Indigenous Nations and Canada.
Helped secure an initial federal investment in 2017 of $25 million over five years for a pilot National Indigenous Guardians program and a National Guardians Network.
Co-created the First Nations/Federal Pilot Joint Working Group for Guardians in 2018 to help ensure a Nation-to-Nation approach, shape funding criteria, and outline the national network.
Hosted the second National Guardians Gathering in Vancouver, with over 300 participants, and hosted a virtual gathering in 2021, with thousands joining for public sessions.
Launched the Land Needs Guardians campaign in 2020 to mobilize Guardians and demonstrate public support for sustained federal investment in Guardians programs.
Helped secure an additional $200 million in federal funding in 2021 that went directly to Indigenous Nations to support Guardians and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
Co-launched the First Nations National Guardians Network at the COP15 Biodiversity Summit in Montreal in 2022—making it the first Indigenous-led stewardship network in the world.
Co-host the 2023 National Guardians Gathering with the First Nations National Guardians Network, bringing over 350 participants to Ottawa and marking the largest gathering yet.
Arranged to build a shaputuan—a hundred-foot-long, Innu gathering space—on Parliament Hill to celebrate the benefits Guardians programs provide for Nations and Canada; more than two dozen Parliamentarian attended, along with First Nations leaders and 40 Guardians.
Continue to support the First Nations National Guardians Network.
Continue to work to ensure that every First Nation that wants a Guardians program has the support to do so.
ILI leaders shared some of these highlights at the gathering in Lummi. “We’re excited about the possibility of U.S. tribes building a Guardians network—in your own way,” said ILI Senior Leader Miles Richardson, O.C.. “This is the beginning of the journey. We are going to meet again.”
