“The Land Needs Guardians” is a new campaign designed to celebrate and support Indigenous Guardians programs and Indigenous stewardship. The campaign, launching on Wednesday, is part of a larger movement. Across the country, Indigenous Nations are caring for lands, waters and resources. They are delivering proven benefits for their communities and for all Canadians. And their conservation leadership is gaining momentum.
About 60 Indigenous Guardians programs care for traditional territories across the country.

Guardians are trained experts who restore wildlife, test water quality and monitor development projects. Indigenous Guardians programs also help manage and steward Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), which are making a significant contribution to meeting Canada’s international biodiversity commitments.

Guardians programs also help Indigenous Nations honour the cultural responsibility to the land. The 2019 United Nations assessment of global biodiversity found that lands managed by Indigenous Peoples tend to be healthier than other areas. Guardians ensure traditional territories remain vibrant into the future.