Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, our team is joining others in celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.We’re reflecting on the powerful nature finance work being led by Indigenous partners in ecosystems across the country, and at the system-wide level.
Here are ten Indigenous-led initiatives to know about in the nature finance space:
1. Wuikinuxv First Nation and Coast Funds are determining the feasibility of a Salmon Impact Bond to fund salmon restoration work in their territory. In doing so, they support food security, language revitalization, improved health outcomes, and cultural connection. Learn more.
2. Samantha Whiteye spends time with the community understanding the needs of Nations whose work is supported by the Carolinian Canada’s Conservation Impact Bond model. Carolinian Canada's Indigenous Leadership Pillar (ILP) also has a bursary for Indigenous students entering post-secondary environmental programs. Learn more.
3. Indigenous Leadership Initiative centres Indigenous fire stewardship and wildfire guardianship at a time when we need to navigate out-of-control fires exacerbated by climate change. They also assert Indigenous Nations’ inherent rights to care for their territories. Learn more..
4. Wahkohtowin Development is helping develop a conservation economy. Their philosophy is founded in economic participation, cultural practice, and sustainability. They also focus on mycorrhizal inoculation of forest seedlings for carbon and improved ecosystem services. Learn more.
5. The IISAAK OLAM Foundation incubates projects in their pilot or early stage phases, and shares knowledge and builds capacity for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). They have projects at the national, international, regional, and watershed levels, one of which is Canada’s only post-secondary program dedicated to IPCAs. Learn more.
6. First 30x30 Canada supports Indigenous-led conservation by harnessing nature-based solutions and carbon finance. They focus on social justice and Indigenous leadership, and work to close the gap for early-stage NbS project development. Their approach includes early-stage project support, investor matching, and fair benefit sharing. Learn more.
7. Nationsfirst Technologies works to empower real economies by unlocking Indigenous assets and enabling transparent, self-determined investment through tokenization and decentralized governance. Learn more.
8. The RAD Network works to decolonize conservation finance and create important spaces for us to slow down. On Thursday, RAD’s Summer Solstice Gathering asked us to consider: In this moment of growing pressure on our lands and rights, what practices can we advance to uphold Indigenous Rights and practice Right Relations? Learn more.
9. The IPCA Knowledge Basket is a digital space that holds and shares resources to inform, guide, and advance Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). It’s origins can be traced to the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) who led a national effort to consider how IPCAs could be realized in Canada, and it was realized through the collective vision and efforts of many, including the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, and members of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP). Learn more.
10. Indigenomics is an Indigenous financial, economic, and technology innovation platform. They facilitate value creation through advancing models that prioritize equitable partnerships, sustainable regenerative economic activities, and impact investment strategies. The organization advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous businesses in national and global markets driving economic empowerment outcomes. Learn more.
This list is not exhaustive, and there is a wide range of Indigenous-led conservation, nature finance, and stewardship work taking place in a wide variety of ecosystems, communities, and Nations. We are immensely grateful to our Indigenous partners, friends, and colleagues for walking alongside us in this work and as we continue our learning journey—-as individuals and a team.