MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French 2
Today, Jaimee Gaunce, Executive Director of the First Nations National Guardians Network (FNGN), joined the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River, to announce an investment of up to $27.6 million to support 80 First Nations Guardians initiatives.
Alberta
Project Title: Mikisew Cree First Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Mikisew Cree First Nation – Government and Industry RelationsFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This ongoing, two-year initiative will study how oil sands development, specifically bitumen extraction and hydroelectric projects, is affecting the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, the heart of the Mikisew’s traditional territory. Guardians work throughout the year to monitor water quality, collect data, detect flooding and monitor fish populations.
Project Title: Ni Ho Ghe Di – Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Dene Land and Resource ManagementFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will monitor and report activities that may harm the ecology, traditional lands or traditional resources of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, such as poaching and illegal hunting on traditional territory, particularly to protect the Ronald Lake bison. The initiative will also help youth build cultural pride and connection to the land, as well as develop on-the-land skills.
Project Title: Guardians of the Land – Dene Tha’ First NationRecipient: Dene Tha’ First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will include activities such as ecological restoration, support for resource management plans, and compliance with laws and regulations. Guardians will contribute to the protection and recovery of species at risk, manage land use in the proposed M’behcholia Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Bistcho Lake, Alberta), and provide environmental and wildlife monitoring.
Project Title: Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Alexis Nakota Sioux NationFunding Amount: $346,400Project Description: This two-year initiative will include conducting and analyzing aerial surveys, creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) data management and visualization system using RStudio and ArcPY, and continuing to develop the Stoney Lands and Waters course.
British Columbia
Project Title: Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation Guardian Program EnhancementRecipient: Kitasoo Xai’xais NationFunding Amount: $604,925Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on marine and terrestrial surveys, as well as compliance and enforcement practices that include education, observation and reporting. In addition, guardians participate in Coastal First Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary activities and receive training on emergency response to search and rescue and oil spills.
Project Title: Coastal Stewardship NetworkRecipient: Great Bear Initiative SocietyFunding Amount: $499,785Project Description: This two-year initiative provides programming to the eight member nations of the Great Bear Initiative of Coastal First Nations, who work directly with communities to support Guardians along the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii to monitor resource use and ecosystem health, provide training and professional development opportunities, raise awareness, and foster coastal stewardship.
Project Title: Songhees Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Songhees NationFunding Amount: $50,000Project Description: This one-year initiative continues work already begun with community members, band council and outside organizations to provide monitoring services, promote community stewardship and restore habitat areas. This initiative helps strengthen Indigenous presence on the water during fishing seasons as it is essential to establishing greater authority over fisheries and coastal resources on the land.
Project Title: Lower Nicola Indian Band – Indigenous Guardians Program – Tier 1Recipient: Lower Nicola Indian BandFunding Amount: $49,450Project Description: This one-year initiative aims to build capacity, skills and knowledge to implement a new Guardians Program in the community. This program will include mapping and indexing areas of the territory, consulting with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community engagement, developing a plan and working with Chief and Council to ensure alignment of the vision and strategic plan.
Project Title: Mamalilikulla First Nation Guardian ProgramRecipient: Mamalilikulla First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative includes ongoing activities where guardians will spend time in the field collecting data, monitoring cultural sites, managing grizzly bear populations, planting crabapple trees to feed the bears, and improving fisheries. This work will help Chief and Council make informed decisions.
Project Title: Wet’suwet’en First Nation Guardians Initiative: A Holistic ApproachRecipient: Wet’suwet’en First NationFunding Amount: $75,745Project Description: This one-year initiative will monitor and collect data on moose populations and mortality rates, assess wildlife habitat, install camera traps, and assess riparian areas. It will also explore the possibility of launching a water monitoring program in identified priority areas. These efforts will help the community observe and document activities or cumulative effects that impact their ability to practice their traditional way of life.
Project Title: Indigenous Guardians Proposal for Saulteau First NationsRecipient: Saulteau First NationsFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will support the community in taking the lead in monitoring, protecting and restoring lands and waters, which is essential to the health and well-being of the community. Activities include supporting healthy food harvesting, cultural activities, protecting Klinse-za Park, monitoring climate change and understanding how events such as wildfires affect the community, changes in weather patterns, and changes in animal movements and water availability.
Project Title: Saik’uz Guardians ProgramRecipient: Saik’uz First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will build on the long-term monitoring efforts of the Saik’uz Guardians community-based initiative. Guardians will be guided by the wisdom of Indigenous knowledge and Western science, with the goal of empowering the Nation with respect to the water and land of the territory.
Project Title: P’egp’ig’lha GuardiansRecipient: P’egp’ig’lha Council/T’it’q’et First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will conduct land patrols to monitor the health of the land and study wildlife and fisheries. Guardians play a vital role in protecting and restoring the Stein-Nahatlatch grizzly bear population, supporting wildfire recovery efforts, and strengthening collaboration with other guardian programs in the area.
Project Title: Pauquachin First Nation Marine Department – Stewardship InitiativeRecipient: Pauquachin First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will monitor one of British Columbia’s busiest and most heavily used waterways. Guardians monitor culturally sensitive archaeological sites, harvest areas, recreational and commercial fisheries use, environmental threats (pollution sources, marine waste disposal, illegal activities and poaching), and conduct restoration work in designated areas of significance. This initiative represents the interests, concerns and goals of the community to ensure that waterways, foods, historic sites and cultural practices are sustained for generations to come.
Project Title: Takla Nation Guardians Initiative – Tier 2Recipient: Takla NationFunding Amount: $499,959Project Description: This ongoing initiative is monitoring over 30 sites on Takla lands and waters. This work is critical to the Takla’s ability to implement environmental and cultural protections, including ensuring that archaeological impact assessments conducted by various developers and government agencies are consistent with the Takla Archaeology Policy. It also builds capacity to monitor caribou and moose populations and supports the Guardians program by encouraging youth engagement in the community.
Project Title: Tsilhqot’in Guardians NetworkRecipient: Tsilhqot’in National GovernmentFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative, led by the Tsilhqot’in National Government in collaboration with six Tsilhqot’in communities – Xeni Gwet’in, Tlesqox, Tletinqox, Tsi Del Del, ?Esdilagh and Yunesit’in – aims to integrate and strengthen Tsilhqot’in values into the management of lands and waters in the region. In partnership with provincial and federal land and water management agencies, the Guardians will conduct hunting, fishing and fire prevention patrols, as well as wildlife and water monitoring research to ensure sustainable management of Tsilhqot’in territories.
Project Title: Quatsino Axsilaxa Ahwheatnagwusn Guardians ProgramRecipient: Quatsino First NationFunding Amount: $342,765Project Description: This two-year initiative will support the implementation of the Quatsino Land Use and Marine Resource Use Plan. This will be done through field work such as data collection and monitoring. These efforts will be critical to ecosystem restoration and food security through local harvesting of traditional foods.
Project Title: Nłeʔképmx GuardiansRecipient: Citxw Nlaka’pamux AssemblyFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will continue to build on-the-ground presence and awareness of Nłeʔképmx territory, protocols and cultural practices. Guardians will monitor and record activities on the land, focusing on priority areas identified by the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. These priority areas include hunting, fishing, gathering and other culturally significant areas. Nłeʔképmx Guardians will record, monitor and manage invasive species and contribute to research on species at risk on the territory.
Project Title: Supporting and Maintaining a Strong and Effective Heiltsuk Guardian ProgramRecipient: Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department of the Heiltsuk Tribal CouncilFunding Amount: $349,499Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on building capacity, monitoring local aquatic ecosystems and community fisheries for safe operations, and supporting and restoring the vital relationship between people and the land.
Project Title: Haa Aaní Tulatín – Taku River Tlingit First Nation Land Guardians ProgramRecipient: Taku River Tlingit First NationFunding Amount: $349,600Project Description: This two-year initiative will address threats to the land and monitor salmon populations. The guardians will work to strengthen salmon stewardship by hosting multi-day camps that focus on traditional fishing, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and land monitoring.
Project Title: Spuzzum First Nation Land Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Spuzzum Indian BandFunding Amount: $50,020Project Description: This one-year initiative will focus on protecting important ecosystems by monitoring key territorial and cultural sites, collecting ecological data, and saving endangered species such as the Northern Spotted Owl. The guardians will also contribute to the development of a stewardship policy framework.
Project Title: Kwadacha First Nation Guardians Project – Level 2Recipient: Kwadacha First NationFunding Amount: $348,734Project Description: This two-year initiative will provide long-term ecological and cultural monitoring to track changes in key wildlife habitats, traditional food sources and water sources. This will provide an opportunity to discuss how potential changes may impact Dene roles and responsibilities on the land.
Project Title: Doig River First Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Doig River First NationFunding Amount: $349,188Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on improving land and water monitoring by combining cultural methods and western science. Doig River First Nation Guardians will continue to monitor the health of the land, guided by their members, and will work collaboratively with government to address any impacts.
Project Title: Nahnéhé Gegenı́hı/Kakinawetakwow Uski/Fort Nelson First Nation Land Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Fort Nelson First NationFunding Amount: $375,000Project Description: This two-year initiative supports stewardship, land management and cultural activities on Fort Nelson First Nation territory. The initiative is informed by Western scientific monitoring and research, while drawing on Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding the health and condition of lands and waters.
Project Title: Scianew Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Beecher Bay First NationFunding Amount: $348,614Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on environmental conservation and monitoring, guardian training, impact assessments, territorial sovereignty and maritime safety. This will be accomplished through partnerships with neighbouring nations, the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) and Kotug Canada.
Project Title: Upper Similkameen Indian Band Land Guardians ProgramRecipient: Upper Similkameen Indian BandFunding Amount: $391,894Project Description: This two-year initiative aims to address critical environmental challenges while deeply integrating Indigenous knowledge, community engagement and sustainable practices. The Guardians initiative focuses on land conservation, sustainable resource management and building ecosystem resilience.
Project Title: Boothroyd Guardians Program ImplementationRecipient: Boothroyd Indian BandFunding Amount: $50,000Project Description: This one-year initiative will monitor environmental indicators on the land and support restoration work in areas damaged by wildfires and subsequent erosion. Boothroyd Guardians will work with land user groups to improve understanding and respect for the environment.
Project Title: TTQ Guardian Program Initiation ProjectRecipient: TTQ Economic Development CorporationFunding Amount: $62,533Project Description: This one-year initiative will collect and interpret previously recorded Xa’xtsa cultural knowledge data, map priority areas, and develop a monitoring plan. The goal is to observe changes in the supply of traditional herbs and plants, the frequency and impact of foraging on the territory, the vitality of salmon spawning, changes in unauthorized camping, and invasive plant and animal species.
Project Title: Wildfire Recovery MonitoringRecipient: Okanagan Indian BandFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will assess the condition of the White Rock Lake watershed before and after the wildfires on behalf of the Okanagan Indian Band. Guardians will conduct site assessments, inventory significant cultural resources, monitor wildlife, and assess the severity of fire damage to guide restoration efforts.
Project Title: Nanwakolas – Stewardship through Indigenous Scientific KnowledgeRecipient: Nanwakolas Council CorporationFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will apply Kwakwaka’wakw values and Indigenous scientific knowledge to a variety of projects including loxiwe (clam garden) restoration, canoe carving, seasonal Guardian Gathering events, and data collection on water, wildlife monitoring, climate change studies, and emergency response planning.
Project Title: Continuing Implementation of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Guardian Program InitiativeRecipient: Squamish Nation – Squamish Indian Band 555Funding Amount: $349,505Project Description: This two-year initiative will provide stewardship activities, respond to climate events and emergencies, and enhance public safety. Guardians will continue to be present on the land and learn from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and youth; and collaborate with other Nations to share information and build capacity across the national Guardian network.
Project Title: Guardians of the St’át’imc LandRecipient: St’at’imc Government ServicesFunding Amount: $425,180Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on implementing the St’át’imc Water Agreement. It includes collecting baseline data on three intact watersheds and three impacted watersheds to assess water quality. Other activities include capacity building and examining stories and legends through workshops and research in collaboration with the Indigenous Law Research Unit.
Project Title: Nak’azdli Whut’en Yinka Huwunline (Caring) Guardian ProgramRecipient: Nak’azdli Whut’enFunding Amount: $349,942Project Description: This two-year initiative will develop geospatial mapping technology for Guardians to use in their monitoring activities. This will create open portals for communication while protecting internal data and cultural information. The project will use remote sensing technology to create “living maps” that will track seasonal phenology, quantify impacts, and provide informed stewardship engagements with industry, government, consultants, and academia.
Project Title: Yintah Guardians of Lake Babine NationRecipient: Lake Babine NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will lead the collaborative management of the Yintahs of Lake Babine Nation territory and resources of two key cultural species, talok (sockeye) and khida (moose), to restore moose populations to culturally significant levels, and support fish monitoring, habitat restoration and cooperative management.
Manitoba
Project Title: Seal River Watershed Alliance Land Guardian NetworkRecipient: Seal River Watershed AllianceFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will hire 14 youth and Elders as Land Guardians across the four Alliance Nations. This initiative builds technical capacity and manages species and habitat identification, monitoring, protection, and watershed stewardship.
Project Title: Askiy Okanawaynichikaywuk – Guardians of the LandRecipient: York Factory First Nation Funding Amount: $349,860Project Description: This two-year initiative will maintain trails, monitor cultural and historical sites, observe changes in the land, and support respectful land use. Guardians will provide a visible presence, conduct community outreach, participate in on-the-ground activities, and help guide Council decisions on land use, stewardship, and protection.
Project Title: Pimachiowin Aki First Nations Guardians NetworkRecipient: Pimachiowin Aki CorporationFunding Amount: $499,615Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on monitoring the seasonal walleye fishery, all-season road design, wildfire management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Guardians provide a professional presence and expertise in Pimachiowin Aki, expressing their belonging to the Anishinaabe Nation, filling gaps in the provincial information management system and patrols, and conducting year-round monitoring activities.
Project Title: SCOB Regional First Nations Guardians NetworkRecipient: Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc.Funding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on strengthening Indigenous jurisdiction over their traditional lands, developing capacity, training and skills in environmental monitoring and management, and promoting cooperation and collaboration among communities on natural resource stewardship and management issues.
Project Title: Swan Lake First Nation Indigenous Guardians Land, Water and Nature Stewardship InitiativeRecipient: Swan Lake First NationFunding Amount: $349,285Project Description: This two-year initiative, in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will continue to assess and reseed revegetation terraces if necessary, monitor water quality from the tile drainage structure, and monitor animal and pollinator populations. The data collected will help understand the success of this project in reducing nutrient pollution and improving ecosystems.
New Brunswick
Project Title: Amlamgog Earth GuardiansRecipient: Fort Folly First NationFunding Amount: $321,411Project Description: This two-year initiative will expand and enhance an existing salmon recovery initiative. This initiative will focus on monitoring flora and fauna, in accordance with the traditional guiding principle of “Etuaptmumk” (two-eyed vision).
Project Title: Wotstak First Nation Guardians Initiative – Tier 1Recipient: Woodstock First NationFunding Amount: $50,000Project Description: This one-year initiative will collect data and monitor the ecosystem, drawing on the knowledge of Woodstock First Nation’s Indigenous traditions of conservation, with the goal of developing a land use plan.
Project Title: Elugweieg Toqwe’gig ugjit Ugs’tqamu aq ugjit Sapo’nug (We work together for the land and for tomorrow)Recipient: Esgenoôpetitj Watershed AssociationFunding Amount: $349,923Project Description: This two-year initiative will expand monitoring and governance of the Esgenoôpetitj aquatic environment, led by Esgenoôpetitj First Nation Fishery Guardians, in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada enforcement staff, as part of the management, conservation and protection of fisheries in areas most frequented by the community.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Project Title: Innu Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Innu Nation – Environment and Parks OfficesFunding Amount: $700,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will integrate the Innu (Natuashish) communities of Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu through environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The initiative will focus on five objectives: the creation of additional guardian positions, technical and safety training, the organization of youth workshops on knowledge transfer, the purchase of necessary equipment, and the development of cultural initiatives to maintain and promote Innu traditions and ecological knowledge.
Nova Scotia
Project Title: Reconnecting Our People with the LandBeneficiary: Eskasoni Fish
Project Title: Nova Scotia Land Guardians Network/Nuji kelo’toqatijikRecipient: Unama’ki Institute of the Natural Resources SocietyFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative involves collecting and sharing Indigenous knowledge, promoting Netukulimk hunting practices, monitoring and data collection including designating areas suitable for cultural activities, harvesting medicinal plants, monitoring species at risk, and education and awareness of culturally significant species.
Northwest Territories
Project Title: Ni hat’ni Dene (“Keepers of the Land”)Recipient: Lutsel K’e Dene First NationFunding Amount: $349,600Project Description: This two-year initiative is part of a long-term mandate to promote Thaidene Nene stewardship, working full-time as guardians of the land, water and animals, and as ambassadors of the Dene way of life, and welcoming visitors. Initiatives include protecting Bathurst caribou, sharing cultural knowledge with youth, and protecting food security.
Project Title: Deninu Kue First Nation GuardiansRecipient: Deninu Kue First NationFunding Amount: $333,055Project Description: This two-year initiative will monitor the land and waters. Guardians will patrol the territory to ensure it remains clean and will conduct water quality sampling and fish cleanliness monitoring.
Project Title: Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ First Nation Guardians and Climate Change Monitoring ProjectRecipient: Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ First NationFunding Amount: $349,961Project Description: This two-year initiative aims to monitor the impacts of climate change on the environment in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories. The initiative will include monitoring a variety of indicators such as permafrost thaw, streambank subsidence/erosion, and species population shifts. Guardians will receive specialized training in monitoring erosion and permafrost conditions, observing thaw patterns, and assessing thaw depth. This data collection is essential to assess the evolution of the landscape.
Project Title: Sahtu K’aowe Guardians Project for Tsá Tué Biosphere ReserveRecipient: Délįnę Got’įnę GovernmentFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative supports monitoring of Great Bear Lake and its watershed using the “Two-Eyed Seeing Approach” (uniting Western science and Indigenous knowledge) to ensure biodiversity conservation, ecological integrity, climate change adaptation, local wildlife subsistence, food security, and the continuity and revitalization of cultural practices.
Ontario
Project Title: Environmental Stewardship of Air Quality Issues for Aamjiwnaang First NationRecipient: Aamjiwnaang First NationFunding Amount: $48,732Project Description: This one-year initiative will monitor the air, water and lands surrounding Aamjiwnaang First Nation that have been impacted by industrial development. Guardians will identify environmental monitoring gaps (soil, water, air, fish, plants and endangered species), develop data collection plans, and improve emergency notifications and community responses to oil refineries, chemical plants and other industrial facilities located near Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Project Title: Temagami First Nation GuardiansRecipient: Temagami First NationFunding Amount: $451,000Project Description: This two-year initiative focuses on water quality, species and habitat protection, preserving Indigenous wisdom, data collection and monitoring. Guardians will participate in tracking, recording and reporting activities related to land use and environmental protection. Special attention will be paid to Lake Temagami, including monitoring ice fishing huts, houseboats, shorelines and more.
Project Title: Atikameksheng Anishnawbek – Phase 2 – Monitoring the Atikameksheng Traditional TerritoryRecipient: Atikameksheng AnishnawbekFunding Amount: $347,263Project Description: This two-year initiative will collect maple sap during the sugar moon and harvest other food items, which will be distributed to Elders and the Nations Food Bank. Guardians will monitor the land, conduct field inspections for proposed logging operations to ensure that Grandmother Trees are protected, and complete daily field worksheets and site inspections that will provide important environmental information on spills, violations, and logging operations.
Project Title: Anishinabek Traditional Ecological Guardians of Georgian BayRecipient: Magnetawan First NationFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative supports on-the-ground learning, knowledge transfer and technical skills training on species at risk, species monitoring, data collection and other land management activities using the “Two-Eyed Seeing Approach”. The initiative will also help build sustainable management capacity in other First Nations groups.
Project Title: Charting the Path Ahead – Anishinaabe Aki Shkabewisag (Niiwin Wendaanimok Anishinaabe Guardians Network)Recipient: Niiwin Wendaanimok Limited PartnershipFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will support four Anishinaabe Nations to mitigate and monitor development compliance on the land, increase their capacity to care for land, water, plants and animals, and collaborate to identify individual needs and create customized support and mentorship programs. Anishinaabe Guardians will identify and protect important areas through consultation with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Project Title: Ketegaunseebee Aki GuardiansRecipient: Garden River First NationFunding Amount: $301,400Project Description: This two-year initiative will help Garden River First Nation monitor and protect the St. Mary’s River and lands in fulfillment of a treaty with neighbouring Indigenous nations. The initiative will focus on capacity building, community engagement and on-the-ground work, including species at risk, invasive species and logging monitoring patrols.
Project Title: Four Rivers Regional Guardians NetworkRecipient: Matawa First Nations ManagementFunding Amount: $389,771Project Description: This two-year initiative focuses on environmental stewardship and capacity building in nine Matawa First Nations. The Four Rivers Regional Guardians Network will participate in virtual and in-person networking events to expand their knowledge and capacity, including cultural exchanges within the network.
Project Title: Biinjitawaabik Zaaging Anishnaabek Community GuardiansRecipient: Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishnaabek First Nation of Rocky BayFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will implement sturgeon and mine site protocols, conduct environmental monitoring analyses, map the Lake Nipigon basin and compile the data into a geographic information system database.
Project Title: The Height Of Land Wakohtowin Guardians Program – Treaty 9Recipient: Wahkohtowin Development General Partnership INC.Funding Amount: $499,300Project Description: This two-year initiative aims to strengthen traditional knowledge, practices and lifestyles within communities. Guardians will have first-hand experience in the functioning of ecosystem services and the economics of conservation.
Project Title: Neya Waban Guardians Program – Guardians of the LandRecipient: Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First NationFunding Amount: $349,650Project Description: This two-year initiative will gather critical information for decision-making, identify areas of quality wildlife habitat, and develop management plans and protocols. The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation will continue to collect data based on Algonquin knowledge to better protect the land, water, animals and air of the eleven communities in Ontario and Quebec.
Project Title: Mnisinoog (Warriors for the Bay): Shawanaga First Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Shawanaga First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative focuses on enhancing aquatic life, using river monitors to maintain and protect the health of the river ecosystem. Aquatic stewardship is a priority, through catch surveys, large-scale monitoring of water bodies, and a detailed study of fish consumption.
Project Title: Caldwell First Nation Land Guardians ProgramRecipient: Caldwell First NationFunding Amount: $345,840Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on education, training, on-the-ground learning with technical experts and knowledge holders, and listening sessions with the community. The Guardians will review classroom environmental assessments on behalf of Caldwell First Nation, monitor and participate in environmental projects on the land, and implement multi-year capacity building initiatives, with a focus on supporting the creation, development and management of Indigenous protected and conserved areas on their traditional territory.
Prince Edward Island
Project Title: Lennox Island First Nation Guardians ProgramRecipient: Lennox Island First NationFunding Amount: $346,800Project Description: This two-year initiative will help better manage, protect and utilize the marine resources that the community relies on. It will allow the Lennox Island Watershed Conservation Group to participate in coastal erosion studies, fisheries workshops (lobster handling practices), a black ash reforestation project and the development of a modernized solid waste management plan.
Project Title: Guardians of AbegweitRecipient: Abegweit First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative embodies a cultural and traditional approach to natural resource management. The initiative also includes data collection and monitoring, with a focus on land, water and resource use on traditional territories, including cultural sites.
Quebec
Project Title: Guardians of the NdakinaRecipient: W8banakiFunding Amount: $500,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will support the sustainability of traditional practices of members of the Nation, protect their rights of access to ancestral territories and preserve cultural heritage. This initiative will create conservation spaces, share and transmit Indigenous knowledge, mentor youth, consult the community, promote food sovereignty and many other activities.
Project Title: Moving Forward: Taking Pessamit’s Land Guardians to the Next LevelRecipient: Conseil des Innus de PessamitFunding Amount: $349,550Project Description: This two-year initiative involves a team of six territorial agents specializing in data collection, land monitoring, and comprehensive inventories of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The initiative will focus on monitoring and assessments, conducting an inventory of cultural sites, developing sampling expertise, and community engagement and visibility.
Project Title: Abitibiwinnik Land GuardiansRecipient: Abitibiwinni First NationFunding Amount: $195,931Project Description: This two-year initiative will continue to train community members in land monitoring and develop new skills and knowledge through fieldwork that uses both Indigenous knowledge and Western science. The initiative aims to document information gathered through the activities of guardians, community members and elders.
Project Title: Chisasibi Intertidal Cumulative Impact Assessment: Integrating Science, Tradition and StewardshipRecipient: Chisasibi Cree NationFunding Amount: $348,468Project Description: This two-year initiative will focus on integrating western science, Indigenous knowledge and stewardship to address key challenges in the Chisasibi community. The initiative will study the impact of land use planning by reviewing existing research, mapping the community, analyzing vegetation and collecting environmental samples. In addition, it will build capacity through workshops and a mentoring initiative involving the Kinwhapmaakins (trapkeepers/managers). All data will be collected and combined into a detailed cumulative effects report.
Project Title: Atikamekw Guardians of ManawanRecipient: Atikamekw Council of ManawanFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative will strengthen the role of Guardians in working with non-Indigenous land users and partners within the Nation and community. The next phase will focus on field activity, data collection, establishing a formal mandate recognized by the community, capacity building and training, and strengthening the role of Guardians within the community.
Project Title: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nagadjitòdjig Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First NationFunding Amount: $594,020Project Description: This two-year initiative will monitor and inventory key cultural species, wild foods and trees. Guardians will conduct water quality studies, identify sites of cultural significance and record videos to document traditional practices and activities.
Project Title: Protection and Participation in the Development of Pekuakamiulnuatsh Heritage on NitassinanRecipient: Pekuakamiulnuatsh TakuhikanFunding Amount: $49,995Project Description: This one-year initiative aims to ensure the protection and preservation of the territory, while maintaining the well-being of the members of the Nation community, as they carry out the traditional activities of their Nation. Guardians play a crucial role in supporting the Nation community, monitoring the lands and accompanying community members on Nation lands.
Project Title: Essipiu Assinu Nakatuenitamu (He who takes care of the territory of Essipit)Recipient: Council of the Innu Essipit First NationFunding Amount: $246,308Project Description: This two-year initiative supports responsible governance and occupation of the Nation’s territory, land monitoring, participation in community events, and collaboration on various projects that encourage learning and skills development for guardians and community members.
Project Title: Nutshimiunnuat d’ITUM (Guardians of the Nitassinan d’ITUM)Beneficiary: Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-UtenamFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative involves monitoring, protection and stewardship activities on the Nation’s traditional territory. Its objective is to ensure monitoring of the territory and protection of the Nation, as well as to contribute to studies and inventories on the impacts of climate change and industrial development on the territory.
Project Title: Iakwatonhontsanónhnha – We all mind her, the EarthRecipient: Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:keFunding Amount: $256,416Project Description: This two-year initiative will develop a community environmental charter that will help define the roles and responsibilities of conservation officers. It will also provide an opportunity to consult on a “Rights of Nature” approach to protecting the St. Lawrence River.
Saskatchewan
Project Title: File Hills Qu’Appelle Guardians InitiativeRecipient: File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal CouncilFunding Amount: $354,180Project Description: This two-year initiative will monitor and document stream health, including water quality, medicinal plants, and bank conditions, particularly on the lower Qu’Appelle River and its chain of lakes. It will also revitalize language and land stewardship practices.
Project Title: Monitoring and Protection of Athabasca Denesųłiné Nuhenéné in SaskatchewanRecipient: Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources OfficeFunding Amount: $498,916Project Description: This two-year initiative will monitor the lands and waters of Nuhenéné, including Indigenous protected areas, caribou hunting areas, and mining and prospecting activities. Guided by Elders, Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Guardians are working to reconnect youth to the land and train future leaders in sustainable management practices.
Project Title: Birch Narrows Dene Nation Nuh Nene Strategic PlanRecipient: Birch Narrows Dene NationFunding Amount: $49,917Project Description: This one-year initiative will monitor the land, combining ancestral wisdom and modern ecological approaches. Strategic partnerships with neighbouring First Nations and partners such as Tamarack Environmental Associates, Nexgen Energy Ltd. and Fission Uranium Corp. will amplify the impact of conservation efforts. Through training, mentoring and community engagement, the initiative will help the Nuh Nene Department achieve its goal of safeguarding cultural identity and the natural environment.
Project Title: Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation Community Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Pheasant Rump Nakota First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative aims to build capacity by training and employing youth to collect and analyze data on climate change and industry impacts on the land. The data will be used to develop a land use plan to inform Chief and Council decision-making on stewardship and habitat management initiatives to ensure sustainable sources of traditional foods for the community.
Project Title: Muskowekwan First Nation Community Guardians InitiativeRecipient: Muskowekwan First NationFunding Amount: $350,000Project Description: This two-year initiative aims to build the capacity of community members to monitor and understand the impacts of climate change. Youth will have the opportunity to receive training in Indigenous knowledge, Western science, climate and environmental monitoring practices including geographic information systems and remote sensing, participatory mapping and knowledge gathering.
Yukon
Project Title: Teechik Land Guardians: Nanh gwiinzii vik’ite’tri’giikhii/We read the land wellRecipient: Vuntut Gwitchin First NationFunding Amount: $349,333Project Description: This two-year initiative will operate a camera trap network to monitor predator-prey interactions on the Old Crow Winter Road and conduct baseline fish and water sampling at the headwaters of the Porcupine River. The Guardian Coordinator will be responsible for organizing patrols, analyzing monitoring data, and preparing communications materials for community members and leaders. This capacity building will strengthen monitoring efforts by enabling the initiative to process more samples, improve the use of camera data, and enable keepers to establish an annual trapping camp to extend monitoring to furbearers.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
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