Media Resources

Indigenous Nations are leading the biggest, most ambitious plans to protect and care for lands and waters in the country. The ILI—the only national Indigenous-led conservation organization in Canada—works to support this leadership and strengthen Indigenous Nationhood.

Contact us for more information or to arrange interviews with ILI leaders.

Quick Facts about Indigenous-led Conservation

  • Eighty percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity is on lands cared for and loved by Indigenous Peoples. 
  • When Indigenous Nations within Canada hold the pen on land-use decisions, they protect more than 60 percent of territories, on average. 
  • About 90 percent of protected areas established in Canada in the last two decades have been led by Indigenous Nations. 
  • Scores of Indigenous Nations are in the process of creating Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA). Taken together, these areas could protect over 500,000 sq km. 
  • Three IPCAs recently established in the Northwest Territories alone—Ts'udé Nilįné Tuyeta, Edéhzhíe, and Thaidene Nëné—span over 50,000 sq km; that’s about the size of Coast Rica. 
  • In 2016, there were about 30 Guardians programs in the country. Today there are more than 120 First Nations Guardians programs caring for lands and waters. That means 
  • The number of First Nations Guardians programs has expanded from about 30 in 2016 to more than 120 in 2023. That means 20 percent of all First Nations in the country have Guardians programs. 

Backgrounders on Indigenous-led Conservation

  • Indigenous-Led Conservation: The Key to Sustaining Biodiversity in Canada

    Indigenous Nations are leading the biggest, most ambitious plans for sustaining lands and healthy communities across Canada. These plans draw on thousands of years’ of knowledge about the land and water. They reflect the understanding that if we care for the land, the land will care for us.

    Read the Full Brief

  • The Indigenous Leadership Initiative

    The Indigenous Leadership Initiative believes that strong Indigenous Nations generate transformative benefits for lands, waters, communities, the country, and the world. Learn about ILI’s theory of change and strategic vision for the future.

    Read the Full Brief

  • Indigenous-led Conservation in the Boreal Is Key to Climate Leadership

    The Boreal Forest in Canada holds about 12 percent of the world’s land-based carbon reserves. Indigenous Nations are leading the biggest, most ambitious projects for conserving lands—including some of the richest carbon storehouses across the boreal.

    Read More

Essential Videos about Indigenous-led Conservation

  • What’s an IPCA?

    Leadership on the land is a core part of Indigenous Nationhood. That's why many First Nations are establishing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Because after all, healthy lands support healthy communities, which will build a better future for all. We are proud to support Indigenous Nations as they work towards this future.

    Watch the Video

  • What is the ILI

    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.

    Watch Video

  • Who Are Guardians

    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.

    Watch Video