Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Guardians programs and the Land Needs Guardians campaign
Does Land Needs Guardians run Guardian’s programs?
Indigenous Nations run their own Guardians programs. The Land Needs Guardians campaign’s mission is to generate long-term support for Indigenous Guardians programs and other Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. Our campaign is also raising awareness about the importance of this work, sharing news and more information about Indigenous Guardians programs, and partnering with Indigenous communities to tell their own stories.
Can I apply to be a Guardian?
Across the country, there are over 110 Indigenous Guardians programs that are currently running. Each of these Guardian programs have been uniquely designed by local communities and First Nations with specific cultural and conservation goals in mind. Because each program is different and run by individual nations, there is no one way to apply to become a Guardian but you can contact your nation’s program if you are interested in getting involved.
If you’d like information on how your First Nation or community can start a Guardians program, please email our partners at info@ilinationhood.ca
Is being a Guardian a volunteer job?
In short, no -- Indigenous Guardians work for programs run by their nations and earn salaries or stipends. Yet many programs face funding challenges, operating from grant-to-grant. That is part of the reason that our campaign is calling for long-term support for this work. Funding investments from the Governments of Canada can help secure permanent employment for Guardians across the country.
But, Indigenous Guardianship and land stewardship is more than just a job. The values that lie at the heart of this work extends beyond a job, they honour the relationship between people and the land. Learn more.
Do you have to be Indigenous to be a Guardian?
The work of Guardians are guided by Indigenous law, generations of traditional knowledge, and cultural responsibility to the land. Guardians programs are designed by communities to reflect these values and also provide social, cultural, and economic opportunity for Indigenous Communities. If you are a non-Indigenous ally looking for a way to support this work, we invite you to visit our resource, How to be an Ally, for some perspective on how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can work together in a new approach to conservation.
How can I find out if there is a Guardian’s program in my area?
Because there is no comprehensive database of all Guardians programs running across the country, the best way to find information on Guardians programs in your area is to contact local Indigenous governments. Other resources you can utilize to locate Guardians programs include the Indigenous Guardians Toolkit map, where some First Nations have chosen to provide information and the location of their programs, and a list of Guardians programs that have received federal funding as a part of the Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program from the Government of Canada.
I want to do more than sign the statement. How can I get involved?
Signing the statement of support is incredibly valuable. Adding your name is helping us show the government in Canada that the movement supporting the call for more Indigenous Guardians is growing. If you want to do more, here are a few ways you can get involved:
Help spread the word and share about Land Needs Guardians on your social media channels
Educate yourself about the work of Guardians and share about how they are transforming communities and protecting lands and waters with your friends, families, school, or community
How can my business or organization get involved?
If you are a business or organization looking to get involved, contact us via email and a member of the Land Needs Guardians team will be in touch!
