Why learn from other Indigenous Guardian programs?

Starting a new Indigenous Guardian program or working on growing an existing program is a great time to learn from and be inspired by other Indigenous Guardian programs across the country.

If there is an established program you’d like to learn from, reach out and make contact. Many established programs are more than happy to share their experiences, lessons learned, and information resources.

Organizing a visit to other organizations and communities may be the spark of inspiration your team needs to dig in and build a program. These kinds of visits not only build new alliances and support networks, but demystify what is involved in starting and growing a program, giving you the confidence that “we can do this too!”

Learn about how a community exchange with Gwa’sala Naxwadaxw Nations helped the Athabasca Chipewyan Nation program grow their guardian program.

Find out what other programs are doing in the Inventory of On-the-Ground Stewardship Programs and Aboriginal Guardian and Watchman Programs in Canada: Recommendations for Successful Programs.

"Going to see other programs is invaluable when starting a program. Most community members are interested in Guardian programs but don't know how to get over the hump to get things started. The community may have an idea but will benefit hugely by visiting other Nations who have programs established. It's the spark of inspiration a Nation needs to see how others are doing it and say 'hey this is doable, we can do this."

Steve Ellis, Tides Canada
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"Going to see other programs is invaluable when starting a program..."

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A Case for Field Trips and Learning Exchanges Between Indigenous Guardian Programs 

Community resource

On the Ground Indigenous Stewardship Programs Across Canada: Inventory Project – TNC Canada

'On the Ground Indigenous Stewardship Programs Across Canada: Inventory Project' shared by TNC Canada is an inventory of existing on-the-ground stewardship programs conducted in 2015 that documented 22 programs across Canada. Profiles of each community and program provide details about the type of stewardship and guardian work they are engaged in, successes, challenges and opportunities.

Community resource

On the Ground Indigenous Stewardship Programs Across Canada: Inventory Project – TNC Canada

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Bonded by Their Relationship to the Land: Tahltan Host Kwadacha Land Guardians during a Community Visit