A landmark agreement in the Northwest Territories will fund Indigenous-led conservation efforts on more than 380,000 square kilometers, blending traditional stewardship with innovative financial models.Chloe Williams reports for The Narwhal.In short:Twenty-two Indigenous governments, with federal and private funding, finalized one of the world’s largest Indigenous-led conservation agreements, totaling $375 million.The agreement aims to create new protected areas, enhance Guardian programs and fund stewardship initiatives, using a finance model inspired by Wall Street practices.Covering an area the size of Great Britain, the initiative supports Canada’s commitment to conserving 30% of its land and water by 2030.Key quote:“We’ve been removed from the land for 100 years. This signing allows us to go back. It will help us go back to our traditions and our culture.”— Danny Gaudet, Ɂek’wahtı̨dǝ́ (elected leader) of the Délı̨nę Got’ınę GovernmentWhy this matters:Indigenous communities are reclaiming stewardship over their lands, integrating traditional practices with sustainable management. This agreement serves as a global model for conservation funding, addressing ecological and cultural priorities while bolstering economic opportunities.
Indigenous leaders secure historic $375M deal to protect Northwest Territories land and water
