Guardians are on the front lines observing more invasive species in their traditional territories, and it’s a growing cause for concern. Invasive species have the potential to outcompete and devastate entire ecosystems if not properly mitigated. Watch & learn from T’Sou-ke Nation Marine Team and the Imaryuk Monitors as they share a glimpse into some of the hands-on action taking place against invasive species on their traditional territories

The work of Guardians goes beyond caring for natural resources–at the heart of this work is also a connection to culture and language. From taking part in a healing ceremony at a former residential school site, to bringing traditional knowledge and teachings to trail maintenance and sacred landscapes–this work is helping revitalize cultural connection and heal the wounds left by colonialism.

Across the country, Guardians are using traditional knowledge and modern technology to detect changes in water quality and quantity that can affect communities and wildlife. Working to protect water is just one way that Guardians bring benefits for water, lands, wildlife, and communities.

In many remote communities, employment opportunities can be few and far between – but Guardians programs are helping to bridge the gap by creating meaningful jobs for community members, particularly young people. Watch as Guardians from the K’ahsho Got'ine Foundation and Taku River Tlingit talk about what this job means to them, and why we need more support for this work.

Watch as Dane Nan Yḗ Dāh, Tāłtān, and Taku River Tlingit Guardians team up to install climate monitoring stations in Northern B.C. The data they collect will help bridge major gaps in understanding the changing climate of the region and safeguard wildlife like salmon and caribou populations.

“We need to be​​ the ones taking care of these lands because we have been taking care of these lands since time immemorial.” Hop on board with Seal River Guardians as they journey on a 7-day long canoe trip, building their skills and working together as they protect one of the largest intact watersheds on the planet.

“One of the best parts is the stories and laughter we have together.” Guardians are helping to support a community moose hide camp that is revitalizing language, culture, and tradition in the NWT. Here, Elders pass on knowledge, ensuring that future generations are connected to their identity through the process of preparing moose hide.

We’re celebrating the incredible work Guardians do & the way the benefits of that work ripples across Canada. But Guardians need long-term investment to sustain lands and waters into the future. Here’s why we need YOU to add your voice →

See how the Nuji Kelo’toqatijik Earth Keepers are helping protect the Sable Island Sweat Bees by collecting data, marking nests, and bringing Indigenous conservation practices & values to the current monitoring program.

“That’s what being a Guardian means – it means making sure that these thriving ecosystems have a future.”

“In our language, they’re called Kanakutuatak – the ones who look after the land. In English, they’re called Guardians.” In 1992, the Innu Nation launched their Fisheries Guardians Program to help ensure the health of their lands and waterways, and continue the stewardship they have practiced since time immemorial.

“Our histories and stories all interconnect with everything in what we do each & every day. If we lose just one, it breaks the circle.” Doug Neasloss & the Kitasoo Guardian Watchmen know that the work they do protecting lands, wildlife & waters is also protecting the history & culture of their communities.

“It intertwines with everything.” Herring roe – or h̓a̓ṇ́t in the Heiltsuk language – has been a staple food of the community for thousands of years, and the practice of harvesting it is a part of traditional food, song, and dance.

“It’s going to take all of us working together to bring back these moose populations.” When the Algonquin Nation noticed a decline of moose in their territory, they had Guardians conduct aerial surveys to assess the health of the population.

“Land, language, and culture are at the center.” A day in the life of K'asho Got'ine Guardians might include monitoring water quality, mapping trails, or tanning moose hide – but whatever the project, the work is rooted in the knowledge of the Elders and a love of culture.

“We’re part of an ecosystem. We’re part of the land. We’re part of the animals.” It’s this relationship – the responsibility, generations of life on the land, and use of both Indigenous and Western science – that makes the work Indigenous Guardians do so unique.

Time flies! This week marks two years since the Land Needs Guardians campaign launched.

Being a Indigenous Guardian is a meaningful experience that can help people reconnect with the land, their culture, and community. But don’t just take our word for it: here’s what 5 Land Needs Guardians Storytellers say it means to them.

“A butternut tree is a life-giving tree”. Serving as a source of medicine, the butternut tree plays a significant role in the Kitigan Zibi culture. Here’s how the Nagadjitòdjig Akì Guardians are reviving the species.

An investment that will get more Guardians on the ground: Canada just announced over $173 million in funding for Guardians Programs over the next 5 years. This is the largest investment in Indigenous stewardship to date. Let’s keep it up! 👏 #LandNeedsGuardians