Goldfish make fine pets, but when people release them into pristine lakes and wetlands, they can threaten the health of native fish populations—which is exactly what happened in the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. Now, Guardians are working to clear the goldfish population before they can make their way to Atlin Lake and cause more damage.

For Jerry Jack, Land Guardian for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, the salmon found in the Nakina River are more than personal — they are at “the soul of who we are” as people. During the summer months, his daily desk is the tacking platform where he collects salmon samples (alongside the local grizzly bears), assessing the health of the fish population headed to spawn. But the salmon numbers are dwindling, which is why we need Guardians out on the land. They are our eyes and ears, telling us about the changes underway and the threats facing our environment.

Across the country, Indigenous Guardians are working to protect and care for the lands, waters, and resources that we all depend on. This work is already delivering proven results, transforming communities, and building momentum. Join the Land Needs Guardians movement to call on Canada to invest in more Indigenous Guardians!

From 40 degrees to -40 degrees! Indigenous land managers from Australia traveled to Canada in February of 2019. While in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, they took some time to learn about and enjoy Indigenous cultural practices of the North, including dogsledding.

Meet the First Nations communities across Canada who are leading the way in conservation by creating guardian programs and serving as the eyes and ears on the ground. To date, more than 60 guardians programs have launched.

From the Haida Nation off the Pacific Coast to the Innu Nation in Labrador, more than 40 Indigenous Guardians programs are managing traditional territories. They test water quality, restore wildlife, monitor mines and other development and serve as ambassadors when tourists visit.

Indigenous Guardians help communities manage traditional territories. They draft land use plans, study wildlife and monitor development projects. They also honour Elders’ knowledge and connect youth to the land. In this short video, Indigenous Guardians talk about their work. They describe what it means for their communities—better conserved lands, stronger ties to culture, healthier people—and for planet.

Edéhzhíe stretches across over 14,240 square kilometres of boreal forest, headwater lakes and wetlands west of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Elders call it the breadbasket of the Dehcho First Nations, because the caribou, moose, fish and waterfowl have sustained people for millennia.