Our approach to supporting Indigenous land and sea management is resonating internationally.
We have a great collaborative and information exchange relationship with First Nations groups in Canada in particular. We have worked on occasion with similar groups in the US including in Alaska, who share our vision about growing Indigenous-led conservation and management of their traditional estates.
COLLABORATING WITH CANADA'S FIRST NATIONS
In Canada we have built a productive and ongoing working relationship with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and the Land Needs Guardians campaign, which supports over 120 Indigenous Guardian groups in managing lands, waters and resources across Canada including three Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (ICPAs). We are also privileged to have good working relations with the Oceans North organisation who work extensively with Indigenous and coastal communities across the Arctic and Atlantic.
While principally drawing on long-held experience and commitment of Canadian Indigenous peoples to land and sea protection, both the Guardian and ICPA programs have been directly influenced by the scale and scope of Australia's longer-established Indigenous Ranger and IPA initiatives, which now have the security of long-term Government funding due to our advocacy.
Over many years we have worked with our Canadian friends through different exchange programs, discussions and shared advice and experience, iincluding taking Traditional Owners to Canada to share the Australian experience, welcoming First Nations, Metis and Inuit visitors to Australia, and sharing information about advocacy and the similarities and differences between the two countries.
Watch a video of our 2020 Canadian trip here
Importantly, we have underscored the importance of getting serious, ongoing funding commitments from state and federal governments. We're proud to have played a small role working with Canada's Indigenous Leadership Initiative as they take the lead in developing their own local solutions and approach to strengthening Indigenous land and sea management Canada-wide.
In 2018 the Guardians movement received an initial C$25 million injection of seed funding from the Canadian Government to help develop a national Guardians network.
Their major breakthrough came in August 2021, when the Canadian Government announced a massive C$340 million increase in funding over five years including C$173 million for existing and new Indigenous Guardians groups, and another C$166 million for IPCAs. It is a credit to their work in building a uniquely tailored approach for their circumstances. Our Canadian friends continue to build innovative solutions to ensuring land and sea is better protected at the local, regional and national scale.
ADDING VALUE BEYOND OUR BORDERS
Canada's Indigenous Leadership Initiative, Land Needs Guardians programs, the work of Oceans North and many other global Indigenous community-led programs are powerful reminders that our good work in Australia can also add to the value of other initiatives to enhance Indigenous land and sea management beyond our borders, and in turn be inspired by their achievements and commitment to Country.
We know that every situation, every traditional, cultural and policy context is different, and we salute our overseas friends in the way they continue to build on the solid foundations of Indigenous leadership to develop their own unique response.
Banner Image: Steven Nitah, Northwest Territories with Indigenous Land & Sea Managers in sled, Country Needs People Canadian trip, 2019. Photo: Country Needs People.