Indigenous leaders secure historic $375M deal to protect Northwest Territories land and water
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 Government
Why 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.
