Indigenous Nationhood

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Caring for the land is the root of Indigenous Nationhood.

We have a sacred responsibility as stewards of the land, water and animals, and Indigenous Nations are reclaiming our authority and jurisdiction. Many nations are formalizing and expressing this responsibility through Indigenous Guardians programs.

Guardians programs build capacity to engage with other land users, industry representatives and governments. They strengthen decision-making. And determining what happens on the land and under what conditions is an essential element of nation building.

Since 2016, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and partners have been working to build a National Indigenous Guardians Network.

The network represents a fundamental shift in how Indigenous Nations and Canada work together. Rather than having the Crown government design and deliver a program to Indigenous Peoples, this network is Indigenous-led and encourages Indigenous and Crown representatives to collaborate as partners.

This approach recognizes that Indigenous Peoples have been on the land for centuries, and we have the right and responsibility to manage these lands. Strong Indigenous Nations fulfilling our duty to lands and waters will benefit our communities—and all of Canada as well.