What do Indigenous Guardians do?

Although no two Indigenous Guardian programs are the same, there are some common themes when it comes to the roles and responsibilities of guardians across the country.  Hear from Indigenous Guardians directly about what they do in a recent video highlighting Indigenous Guardians from across Canada and another video focused on Coastal Guardian Watchmen from BC.

Typically, Indigenous guardians are paid staff who do some or all of the following activities:

See the Infosheet below for a description of some of the activities that Indigenous Guardians typically undertake:

See the Infosheet below for a description of some of the activities that Indigenous Guardians typically undertake:
Info sheet

Description of Some Typical Indigenous Guardian Activities

  • Actively patrol, monitor and demonstrate a presence on lands and waters.
  • Integrate local and traditional knowledge to manage and steward lands and waters.
  • Maintain and promote cultural continuity (youth elder mentorships, on-the-land youth programs, subsistence harvesting, language camps, etc.).
  • Monitor, research and collect data on priority issues (i.e. wildlife, climate, contamination, visitor impacts, illegal activity, compliance, etc.).
  • Analyze and use data collected to inform and influence management plans and decisions.
  • Prioritize and conduct ecological restoration work.
  • Work with the community and general public to ensure that laws, regulations, guidelines, and protocols are understood and followed.
  • Build relationships with and educate other resource users about key stewardship and management issues.
  • Support implementation of resource management plans and agreements.
  • Advance and uphold Indigenous authority to steward lands and waters.

Guardians may also fill a host of other roles such as park management or emergency response depending on the program’s priorities and resources.

In addition to paid program staff, many Indigenous Guardian programs also rely on community volunteers who are active on the land and water, and who can contribute significantly to the collection of local knowledge and other observations.

Info sheet

Description of Some Typical Indigenous Guardian Activities

“Indigenous Guardians programs strengthen our communities. They create jobs, lower crime rates and improve public health. But most importantly, they inspire our young people. They connect them to the land and their elders. They give them professional training tied to their language and culture. That offers hope that can combat the despair so many Indigenous youth feel today.”

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"Indigenous Guardians programs strengthen our communities..."

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Indigenous Guardian Program Spotlight - Ahousaht Stewardship Guardian Program