The Biggest Federal Investment Yet in Indigenous-led Conservation

By Valérie Courtois

August, 19 2021

Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area, Łutsël K’e First Nation, NWT. Photo: Pat Kane

The movement for Indigenous-led conservation secured a victory last week when the Government of Canada announced $340 million in new funding over five years, including more than $173 million for Guardians programs and over $166 million for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).

This is the largest federal investment in Indigenous-led stewardship to date.

Our Nations have proven time and again that Indigenous-led conservation is good for people and the land. This increased funding confirms our work is being recognized at the national level. And it means our Nations can continue addressing some of biggest global crises of our time.

Just last week, the UN Secretary General called the new IPCC climate report a ‘code red for humanity.’ Many Indigenous Peoples are experiencing climate impacts firsthand, from the devastating floods along the Mackenzie River to the deadly fires in British Columbia, Manitoba, and beyond.

These are daunting times, and yet I feel hopeful thanks to the Indigenous-led conservation coming up from the land. IPCAs within the Boreal Forest store vast amounts of carbon. Guardians care for lands that hold some of the greatest abundance of animal life, research shows.

The knowledge Indigenous Peoples have gathered through thousands of years of caring for the land—knowledge that colonialism outlawed or ignored—is the wisdom needed to tackle today’s challenges. Our Nations are rising to the challenge, and we are offering a different kind of relationship between people and the land.

Fortunately, the success of Indigenous stewardship is gaining recognition. The new federal investment is a tangible demonstration that Canada has placed Indigenous-led conservation at the heart of its strategy to protect nature, achieve biodiversity goals and tackle climate change.

Details about the funding will unfold over the coming months, but here’s what the new investments could mean on the ground.

More Funding for IPCAs

Nearly half of the new federal funds will support Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. IPCAs account for the biggest, most visionary proposals for conserving lands in the country—proposals that will ensure Canada can meet its goal of protecting 25% of lands by 2025 on the path to 30% by 2030. The new funding will enable more Nations to establish IPCAs, and it shows that Canada is starting to match the ambition of Indigenous Nations.

A Nuxalk Guardian Watchman on patrol. Photo: ’Qátuw̓as Brown

 The Indigenous Leadership Initiative will continue to ensure the federal government approaches IPCAs in the spirit of Nation-to-Nation relationships. And we look forward to provinces and territories becoming the partners they need to be to expand the benefits of Indigenous-led conservation for all people.

More Funding for Guardians

Over 70 Guardians programs operate now, but the demand for Guardians’ benefits—from healthier lands to greater economic opportunity—continues to grow. That’s why we welcome Canada’s increased investment from the $25 million pilot funding in 2018 to more than $173 million over the next five years. Now more Nations will launch and expand Guardians programs.

The new investment also includes funds for establishing the First Nations National Guardians Network. The Network will build upon the partnership with the Government of Canada established under the pilot process to fully enable Indigenous leadership and facilitate Nation-to-Nation relationships. It will also enable sharing and partnerships with other sectors, including philanthropy and industry.

Going Forward

Canada’s latest investment in Guardians and IPCAs is significant, but it doesn’t take us all the way. The ILI and our partners will continue to work to secure permanent funding for Indigenous-led conservation, so that every Nation that desires a Guardians program and envisions an IPCA is supported.

This is the path to healthier lands, stronger partnerships with Canada, and a better future for all our children.