Today more than 160 First Nations Guardians programs care for lands and waters across the country. This growth confirms what we already knew: where there are Guardians, there are benefits—for lands and waters, for health and wellbeing, for communities and regional economies, for the country and for all of us.

I had one of my best days on the land this fall. As part of the Land Guardians training on ethical harvesting, I went out with three hunters. These guys are young but loaded with knowledge.