Important notice
Applications for First Nations Guardians funding for 2026-27 are open from July 8, 2026, to August 21, 2026.
First Nations Guardians
Funding for First Nations Guardians initiatives supports community-based stewardship and conservation activities led by First Nations Guardians, helping to strengthen the care, monitoring, and management of lands, waters, and ice within their territories.
Governance
Funding and decision-making processes are co-designed, co-developed, and co-delivered with First Nations using an approach that respects and recognizes the unique perspectives, rights, responsibilities and needs of First Nations.
Application process
Applications for First Nations Guardians funding for 2026-27 are open from July 8 to August 21.
If you are an eligible Nation, community or organization and have not received the Application Package via email, please contact the Indigenous Guardians Secretariat at: gardiensautochtones-indigenousguardians@ec.gc.ca.
Assessment criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following assessment criteria:
- Economic opportunities and training
- Direct or indirect links to the creation of economic opportunities for First Nations including through jobs and training.
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Focus on the protection and conservation of wildlife and habitat.
- First Nations engagement in the protection of traditional territories
- Prioritizes stewardship of First Nations traditional lands, water and ice.
- Cultural revitalization and management
- Focuses on the preservation of First Nations culture.
- Community capacity building and engagement
- Includes community engagement in the development and management of the initiativive.
For more information
- For more information or to be placed on the mailing list, please contact the Indigenous Guardians Secretariat by email at gardiensautochtones-indigenousguardians@ec.gc.ca.
News
- Successful Indigenous Guardians initiatives now in over a quarter of First Nations across Canada
- Government of Canada invests in 10 First Nations Guardians initiatives
- Indigenous Guardians First Nations Tier 1 projects 2021-2022
- Canada invests $6.4 million to support First Nations leadership in conservation