2022 Year in Review
Compiled by Elena McCulloch
2022 was a great year for Indigenous-led conservation! In case you missed any of our community's achievements this year, or you would like to look back on and celebrate the work we accomplished together, please enjoy this 2022 recap.
On behalf of the CRP, thank you to everyone who supported our work this year, and spent time with us in our virtual spaces and gatherings! We’d also like to recognize and thank all of the contributors and partners who shared the knowledge, skills, and experiences that make these spaces possible.
We wish everyone a wonderful end to the year, and we’ll see you in 2023!
A graphic of figures sitting in a circle around a campfire in a starry night. (Designed by Heather Patterson).
1. Community Connections (podcast)
February 3, 2022
This year the CRP produced its first podcast series! The Community Connections audio series launched on March 29, 2022 and showcased stories from individuals working to support Indigenous-led conservation.
Listen to the trailer episode here: Welcome to Community Connections!
Listen to all the episodes here! Or visit: Podcasts and Audio Series
2. Bringing Our Whole Selves: Meet Kristi Leora Gansworth (blog)
By Kristi Leora Gansworth
February 15
In this blog we were introduced to new CRP member Kristi Leora Gansworth. Leora is a member of the Indigenous Land Trust Sharing Circle, the Conservation Governance Stream, the Domestic Law and Policy Stream, and the Domestic Law and Policy Stream of the CRP. Read the full blog, including a video of Leora reciting her poem - Geewe biboon giizisoog, late winter moons: Bringing Our Whole Selves: Meet Kristi Leora Gansworth
Photo: Kristi Leora Gansworth
3. Red River Métis IPCAs (webinar)
Moderated by Eli Enns;
panelists included Minister Will Goodon, Riley Bartel, and Jessica Lagimodière.
February 8
On February 8, 2022, in partnership with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation and the Manitoba Métis Federation, we co-hosted a webinar that explored Métis-led conservation in Manitoba.The Manitoba Métis Federation is establishing two Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in the Red River region (Kettle Hills Blueberry Patch IPCA and Thompson Region Protected Area). Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or click on the image to the right: Red River Métis IPCAs
4. Cultural Keystone Species Blog Series
Part 1: Introduction to the Blog Series
By Monica Shore and Benjamin Green-Stacey
February 28
“This blog series intends to share some reflections and learnings about Indigenous perspectives on species conservation, present frameworks that embody these perspectives, and discuss why Indigenous worldviews and approaches to “conservation” (a word that does not often translate directly to Indigenous languages) should be given equal space in Canadian policy. Read more here: Part 1: Introduction to the Cultural Keystone Species Blog Series
Part 2: Cultural Keystone Species Blog Series Part 2: Introducing Cultural Keystone Species
By Benjamin Green-Stacey, Toktam Sajedi, Monica Shore, and Eduardo Sousa. With contributions/guidance from Jessica Lukawiecki, Dr. Allyson Menzies, Natowaawawahkaki (Paulette Fox) - Holy Walking Woman, and Dr. Cheryl Chetkiewicz.
May 5
“Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) are the salient species that hold up the ecosystems of our territories and significantly shape the cultural identity of our nations. They are often iconic species that have played essential roles in diet, livelihood, traditional medicines, and materials used for clothing, shelter, and tools, and have been featured since time immemorial in the languages, ceremonies, knowledge systems, and narratives that have shaped Indigenous cultures. “
Read the full blog here: Part 2: Introducing Cultural Keystone Species
An image of wild blueberries, a cultural keystone species. (Photo credit: Jessica Lukawiecki).
5. Indigenous Women’s Leadership Series (webinars):
The Trailblazers of Conservation
Moderated by Val Courtois;
panelists included The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew PC OC, Bev Sellars, Marilyn Baptiste, Amberly Quakegesic, and Stephanie Thorassie.
On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in collaboration with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation and the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, we celebrated and honoured Indigenous women trailblazers of all ages in conservation leadership in a special session to commemorate International Women’s Day. This intergenerational discussion explored the contributions of fearless Indigenous women who have forged a path before us, who are currently leading the way, and who are shaping the future of Indigenous conservation leadership.
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or click on the image to the right: Indigenous Women's Leadership Series: The Trailblazers of Conservation
The Grandmothers of Conservation
Panelists included Elder Linda Boudreau-Semaganis, Elder Marilyn Capreol, Sophia Rabliauskas, and Marilyn Slett
On May 19th, 2022, in collaboration with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation and the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, we gathered to honour and celebrate the Grandmothers who are guiding Indigenous-led conservation efforts across the land and waters that are now known as Canada. This session brought together voices from several Indigenous communities to explore the shared importance of fulfilling and nurturing our collective responsibilities and relationships with land, water, and our non-human relatives. The wealth of knowledge from our grandmothers is a reminder that we are the land and the land is us.
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or click on the image to the right: Indigenous Women's Leadership Series: The Grandmothers of Conservation
The Stewards of Conservation
Moderated by Gillian Staveley;
panelists included Celeste Smith, Tara Marsden/Naxginkw, sharon Morin, and Elder Linda Boudreau-Semaganis
On October 19, 2022, we gathered to honour and celebrate Indigenous women who are leading and managing Indigenous-led conservation initiatives across the land and waters currently known as Canada.This webinar is brought to you by the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, and the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership as part of the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Series
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or click on the image to the right: Indigenous Women's Leadership Series: The Stewards of Conservation
6. Stories of Inuit-led Conservation (webinar)
March 17
Panelists included Dr. Jamie Snook, Ron Webb, Lucassie Arragutainaq, and Joel Heath
On March 17, 2022 we co-hosted a dialogue with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, the Torngat Secretariat and the Arctic Eider Society to explore stories and experiences of Inuit-led conservation initiatives in Labrador and Nunavut, including co-management boards, the establishment of protected areas, and SIKU, The Indigenous Knowledge Social Network.
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or click on the image to the right: Stories of Inuit-led Conservation
7. Two-Eyed Seeing in Conservation Practice (webinar)
Moderated by Lisa Young and featuring Elder Albert Marshall; panelists included Norma Kassi, Elliot Fox, Gary Pritchard, and Chrystal Mantyka-Pringle.
On March 23, 2022 the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages (York University) and the Knowledge Systems Stream of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership produced a webinar that explored how the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing has inspired conservation practice across what is now known as Canada to observe, understand and act by drawing on a diversity of knowledge systems.This session celebrates and honours the impact of Elder Albert Marshall’s leadership.
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or click on the image to the right: Two-Eyed Seeing in Conservation Practice
8. Exploring Pathways for Indigenous Governance in IPCAs (blog)
March 31
By Megan Youdelis
This blog post introduced our community to an ongoing project that was advanced by members of the Conservation Governance stream of the CRP in 2022 - the production of a Governance Scan! This product will feature several case studies of different IPCAs in order to address common questions about and best practices for IPCA governance. The final governance scan will be available in early 2023, but in the meantime, to learn more about it and lead author Megan Youdelis, check out the full blog here: Exploring Pathways for Indigenous Governance in IPCAs
A paddler in a canoe on a lake in Dasiqox Tribal Park. (Photo Credit: Steve Monk, stevemonk.ca)
9. Notes from the Field: Miawpukek First Nation Land Guardians (blog)
May 26
By Jessica Lukawiecki
In this blog, PhD student Jessica Lukawiecki reflects on her time spent in the field with Miawpukek First Nation’s land Guardians, as she was guided through their traditional territory and learned about Guardians’ relationships to the land, their community, and the species that are integral to their culture.
Read the full blog here: Notes from the Field: Miawpukek First Nation Land Guardians
The view of the ocean from a hilltop in Miawpukek First Nation’s traditional territory. (Photo Credit: Jessica Lukawiecki)
10. Research in Practice: The WISE Lab at the University of Guelph (blog)
June 2
By Heather Patterson, in collaboration with Dr. Allyson Menzies, Claire Kemp, and Kathryn Yarchuk.
Meet the WISE lab, led by Dr. Jesse Popp, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Science and member of the Ethical Space, Knowledge Systems, and Biocultural Indicators steams of the CRP. Students in the WISE lab undertake projects that emerge from the needs of partner communities, to answer ecological questions in a way that weaves knowledge systems, builds equitable relationships, and upholds Indigenous values.
Read the full blog here: - Research in Practice: The WISE Lab at the University of Guelph
Dr. Jesse Popp and Dr. Paul Sibley lead a lecture for students at the Eramosa River in Guelph, Ontario. Photo credit: WISE Lab
11. Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions: A Promising Path Forward (blog)
June 16
By Steven Nitah, David Flood, Leora Gansworth, Mary-Kate Craig, and Lara Powell
“This work has always been about rights and responsibilities on the land. Reconciliation in Canada cannot happen without conversations and decisions about the land. Nature-based solutions hold a powerful opportunity to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, but they must be embedded in thriving conservation economies rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, stewardship, and leadership.”
Read the full blog here: Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions: A Promising Path Forward
An aerial image of a forest with evergreen trees. (Credit: Stock imagery).
12. Rising Together: A Celebration of Indigenous-led Conservation (webinar)
June 20
Moderated by Denise Balkissoon; prominent guest speakers include Eli Enns, Dahti Tsetso, Frank Brown, and Megan Leslie.
In collaboration with the Narwhal, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, and the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, we reflected on the wisdom and vision brought forward by Indigenous leaders from generations past; examined current opportunities and challenges for Indigenous conservation leadership; and explored a future where conservation is Indigenous-led, while celebrating the official launch of the IPCA Knowledge Basket!
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or by clicking on the image to the right: Rising Together: A Celebration of Indigenous-led Conservation
Read the press release to announce the launch of the IPCA Knowledge Basket here: Press Release: IPCA Knowledge Basket
Visit the IPCA Knowledge Basket here: www.ipcaknowledgebasket.ca
13. Indigenous-led Land Trusts: An Exercise of Self-Determination (blog)
August 31
By (Kristi) Leora Gansworth and Ian Attridge
“In recent years, more Indigenous individuals and groups are examining and amending the land trust model to advance their community interests. Land trusts may be developed to support self-determination and the resurgence of Indigenous legal traditions, relationships, and priorities, including the land back movement.”
Click on the following link to read the full blog post on land trusts: Indigenous-led Land Trusts: An Exercise of Self-Determination
Watch for an upcoming webinar on Indigenous-led land trusts in 2023!
An image of a grassy marshland framed by snowy mountains and clouds. (Stock imagery).
14. Indigenous Conservation Governance in Southeast Asia: The Case of Salween Peace Park (multi-media blog)
September 20
By Andrew Paul and the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network
This blog post uses text, images, and video to guide readers through a vast and complex IPCA in the Indigenous Karen territory of Kawthoolei in Southeast Asia. “Salween Peace Park is an Indigenous project for peace, self-determination, and biocultural conservation in a war zone.”
Read the full blog post by clicking on the following link: Indigenous Conservation Governance in Southeast Asia: The Case of Salween Peace Park
Kaw revitalization movement: Indigenous Karen community members discuss their aspirations for the future. (Photo credit: Andrew Paul.)
15. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022: More Than One Day (blog)
October 6
By Kristy Tomkinson
On the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we published a list of resources to support and inspire our readers to do the reflection, learning, healing, and relationship building required for true reconciliation. Explore these resources by clicking on the following link: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022: More Than One Day
A sunset casts an orange glow on a herd of caribou in grazing in the grasslands.
16. Building Ethical Partnerships for Indigenous-led Conservation (webinar)
November 8
Moderated by Dr. Kristi Leora Gansworth; panelists included Steven Nitah, Kevin Smith, Chad Luke, Richard Klafki, Kerri Garner, Willard Sparrow, and Nicholas Scapillati
On November 8th, 2022, we hosted a dialogue on building reciprocal, responsible, and respectful relationships for Indigenous-led conservation. Through our sharing circles, dialogues, and virtual gatherings, we are hearing one key question loud and clear: “As a non-Indigenous person, how can I support Indigenous-led conservation?” In this session, we explored this question and more, through stories and examples of ethical relationships and partnerships that have been built, strengthened, or renewed.
Watch the full webinar by clicking on the following link or by clicking on the image to the right: Building Ethical Partnerships for Indigenous-led Conservation