Indigenous Guardian Network

Background of the organization

Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative (CFN-GBI) is one of the longest running guardian networks in Canada and its Coastal Stewardship Network works under an alliance of 8 First Nations on BC’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.

The Dena Kayeh Institute (DKI) is a Kaska organization dedicated to protecting the ecological integrity of Kaska lands and waters across northern British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, while strengthening the cultural, social, and economic well-being of the Kaska Nation. Working alongside Kaska communities, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and leadership, DKI advances Indigenous-led land stewardship, cultural knowledge transfer, Guardian development, and Kaska self-determination through approaches grounded in Kaska laws, values, and responsibilities to the land.

The Mushkegowuk Council is a regional political organization representing several First Nations in Northern Ontario, whose mission is to advance the well-being of its member communities.

Project description

Funding will allow CFN-GBI to develop in person Stewardship Technician, Compliance & Enforcement, and Environmental Monitoring trainings. It will support DKI in advancing its Building Through Stewardship approach, strengthening Guardian leadership, mentorship, and long-term community stewardship capacity. The initiative will bring together Guardians, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and youth through land-based learning, cultural knowledge sharing, leadership development, and intergenerational mentorship. Building on existing Kaska Guardian initiatives, the project will strengthen opportunities for recruitment, training, and retention while supporting community-led stewardship, cultural continuity, and the next generation of Kaska leaders. This work recognizes Guardians as more than environmental monitors, but as knowledge carriers, community leaders, and an important part of exercising Kaska responsibilities and self-determination across our ancestral territory. Funding will also support The Mushkegowuk Council’s emerging guardian programs with institutional support, training and network building events.