Below are some frequently asked questions about the Indigenous Guardians Toolkit and the Technical Support Team (TST). If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please contact us at [email protected].
What is an Indigenous Guardian or Indigenous Guardian program?
Indigenous Guardians monitor, manage, and steward their lands and waters. Indigenous Guardians are “boots-on-the-ground” and act as the “eyes and ears” of the territory.
Indigenous communities across Canada have different names for this important role, including Guardians, watchers, watchmen, monitors, rangers, observers, etc. There are even more words in Indigenous languages for this role and these kinds of programs; each name reflecting unique local cultures, approaches, and activities.
There is not one specific program for Indigenous Guardians. Each Nation develops a unique program to meet the goals and needs of their community.
What is the Indigenous Guardians Toolkit?
The Indigenous Guardians Toolkit was created by Indigenous Guardians and Nature United to help Indigenous communities across Canada learn, share, and connect about Indigenous Guardian programs.
The Toolkit was sparked by Indigenous Guardians who were looking for easy-to-access information about building and implementing Guardian programs and wanting to learn from the experience of others. Recognizing that every Indigenous Guardian program is unique, the information found throughout the Toolkit is intended to be used, modified, copied, printed, downloaded, shared, and added to.
What is the Technical Support Team and what do they do?
The Technical Support Team (TST) provides light-touch, technical support to Indigenous Guardians and Indigenous Guardian program teams across Canada, helping them reach their goals and make the most of the Indigenous Guardians Toolkit.
The TST provides one-on-one support, tailored workshops, and opportunities for Indigenous Guardians to access online learning events, share practical knowledge and tools, and build connections with others doing similar work.
Learn more about the TST and our team members here. Ready to connect? Get in touch with us.
I am looking for funding for my Guardian program. Are you connected to the Government of Canada’s funding for Indigenous Guardians or any other funding opportunities?
The TST is an initiative of Nature United, a Canadian non-profit organization. We are not associated with the Federal Indigenous Guardian program funding, or with any other specific funding initiatives. The TST does not provide funding for Indigenous Guardian program, but can provide information about the many different funding options and opportunities available to Indigenous Guardian programs, and would be happy to have a conversation with you about how to fund an Indigenous Guardian program.
Are you connected to the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI)?
The Indigenous Guardians Toolkit and Technical Support Team (TST) is a project of Nature United, a non-profit conservation organization committed to supporting the authority of Indigenous peoples to manage and steward their lands and waters. This project is not affiliated with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI).
ILI is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to advancing the role of Indigenous Nations deciding the future of traditional territories and is also a leading partner in the Land Needs Guardians campaign. ILI’s advocacy and support for Indigenous Guardians is exceptional and if you're interested in learning more about ILI we encourage you to check out their website or email them at [email protected].
How do I learn more about Indigenous Guardians?
You can learn more about Indigenous Guardians in the Indigenous Guardians Toolkit here. You can also view and learn more about the work being done by some Indigenous Guardian programs on the Indigenous Guardians Map.
How do I add my Indigenous Guardian Program to the Indigenous Guardians Map?
You can add your Indigenous Guardian program to the Indigenous Guardians Map by completing this form. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to create your Indigenous Guardian program map profile.
How can I get in touch with other Indigenous Guardian programs?
You can learn more about how to connect with other Indigenous Guardians through exploring the Share and Connect with Other Guardian Programs section of the Indigenous Guardians Toolkit website. You can find contact information for Indigenous Guardian programs on the Indigenous Guardians Map by looking at a program’s map profile.