March 21, 2025 Halifax, NS Parks Canada
Indigenous Guardians are "eyes and ears on the ground" stewarding traditional territories, and a unique example of reconciliation in action. They monitor ecological health, helping to protect ecosystems, species, and cultural heritage, while strengthening the social and cultural ties of their communities.
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada, announced $1 million in funding over two years to help the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq expand its successful Nuji Kelo'toqatijik Earth Keeper Network Guardians program to include an aquatics division.
The Nuji Kelo'toqatijik Earth Keeper Network is a Mi'kmaq-led, Nova Scotia-based initiative funded by a variety of partners including Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Nuji Kelo'toqatijik means "the ones who watch over something." The goals of this network include building capacity in Mi'kmaw land-based skills, practicing Netukulimk (environmental and social connection and sustainability), expanding community engagement, and facilitating the transfer of Indigenous traditional knowledge systems between Mi'kmaw knowledge keepers/Elders and youth. The Nuji Kelo'toqatijik Earth Keeper Network uses a Etuaptmumk or "Two-eyed seeing" approach which blends both Indigenous and Western perspectives.
The Aquatics Division of Nuji Kelo'toqatijik will focus on connecting youth to the water by reaffirming Mi'kmaw cultural practices and knowledge. This includes developing curriculum, holding workshops, mentoring, and building capacity among youth. The program will combine both land-based and water-based Mi'kmaw knowledge to support initiatives such as rights implementation through resource management and conservation practices while working collaboratively to further support Mi'kmaw self-determination.
Since 2018, the Government of Canada has supported Indigenous Guardians programs by investing in community initiatives. These initiatives help support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and strengthening deep connections between natural landscapes and Indigenous cultures.
