2025 National Guardians Network Gathering
In June 2025, the RAD Network team was thrilled to participate in the National Guardians Network (NGN) Gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territory, Victoria, BC. The gathering brought together over 275 Guardians who are leading sustainable stewardship of lands and waters in their territories, from coast to coast to coast. As Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) put it in a recap, it’s hard to capture what it felt like – the energy in the room was truly electric. We were honoured to join in celebrating the growth of the movement and to hear from those leading the change.
The gathering was grounded in culture and ceremony from start to finish. It opened with traditional canoe protocols and a welcome ceremony, led by lək̓ʷəŋən hosts from Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, followed by a march and sharing at the Mungo Martin Longhouse.
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Traditional canoe protocol led by lək̓ʷəŋən hosts from Songhees and Esquimalt Nations as part of the welcome ceremony. Credit: RAD Network.
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Valérie Courtois, Executive Director, Indigenous Leadership Initiative, kicks off the gathering.
RAD Network’s Indigenous Engagement Lead, Chelsea Martin, spoke on a panel about funding opportunities and the importance of Indigenous leadership in Natural Climate Solutions. Chelsea has been a part of the working group for the Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions (ILNCS) fund–a funding stream under Environment and Climate Change Canada that is administered by NGN. Sharing the stage with colleagues Kim Neale and Joseph Pallant, Chelsea helped to introduce the ILNCS funds, clarify definitions of Nature Climate Solutions (NCS), and highlight the relevance of NCS for Guardians. The panel discussion was followed by a breakout session focused on reshaping Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions definitions with an Indigenous lens.
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Left to right: Frank Brown (ILI Senior Leader), Larry Innes (OKT LLP Partner, ILI Strategic Advisor), David Flood (Wahkohtowin Development General Manager, ILI Senior Leader). Credit: RAD Network.
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Left to right: Jaimee Gaunce (NGN), Chelsea Martin (RAD), Joseph Pallant (Great Bear Carbon), Kim Neale (Mc2). Credit: RAD Network.
RAD Leadership Circle member, David Flood (Wahkohtowin Development General Manager, ILI Senior Leader), presented in a session called “Indigenous Guardians are the future of the Nation” alongside Frank Brown (ILI Senior Leader), moderated by Larry Innes (OKT LLP Partner, ILI Strategic Advisor). The timely discussion addressed the recent push from colonial governments to “fast track” major development projects in the name of “National Interest”, including via controversial new legislation like Bill 5 and C-5. The speakers raised the poignant questions: Whose Nation and whose interests? In contrast to the current discourse and legislation that risks sidelineing Indigenous rights and jurisdiction, Guardian programs generate holistic benefits for Indigenous Nations, Canada and the general public with a comprehensive return on investment (up to $13 worth of social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for every #1 invested).
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Presentation slide: Whose Nation and whose interests are prioritized in Bills 5 and C-5?
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Presentation slide: Comprehensive Return on Investment from Guardian Programs.
Another highlight for the RAD team was hearing Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson speak about Indigenous fire stewardship and hearing from representatives of Kainai Nation who have recently launched the first Indigenous fire Guardians program in Canada. ILI is working to create tools that will support other Nations interested in following a similar path, including worksheets for creating a “cultural burn pathway”.
We left the gathering with our cups filled and renewed energy to advance solutions in support of Indigenous-led stewardship. Can’t wait for the next gathering!
