The Government of Canada is committed to supporting leading indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
On August 18, the Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced $825,000 over three years to Makivvik Corporation to support the development of two new Guardians Programs, which will provide and Inuit presence in Torngat Mountains National Park to deter illegal activities, and provide Nunavik Inuit beneficiaries the opportunity to spend time in the park, stay at Torngat Mountains Basecamp and Research station and connect with the lands and the people.
The announcement follows Minister Guilbeault’s trip into Torngat Mountains National Park from August 15 to 18, where he met with representatives from the Nunatsiavut Government and of the Makivvik Corporation Parks Canada, along with the Labrador Inuit and Nunavik Inuit, have been co-managing Torngat Mountains National Park since it was established in 2005.
Since 2018, the Government of Canada has supported over 170 Guardians initiatives, which have contributed to the development of capacity and employment in Indigenous communities across the country.
In 2021, the federal government increased funding in support of Guardian Initiatives to $100 million with a goal of supporting 1,000 Guardian Initiatives nationwide.
Parks Canada received up to $61.7 million from Budget 2021 for Indigenous Guardian Programs at Parks Canada administered places. As part of this new initiative, Parks Canada is working with Indigenous partners to enhance existing programs and aims to co-create between 30 and 35 new Indigenous Guardian Programs at Parks Canada administered places by 2025-2026.
Parks Canada is currently working with Indigenous partners to determine the location of the new Guardian Programs by 2026. Preliminary discussions are also taking place with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative regarding collaborative support mechanisms for communities under the Guardian Program administered by Parks Canada.
Parks Canada and Indigenous people work together to develop interpretive materials and activities at national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas to foster a better understanding of Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and traditions.
For further information: Kaitlin Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-230-1557, Kaitlin.power@ec.gc.ca; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, pc.media@pc.gc.ca