North America
Building partnerships and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives
Quick Facts
600
distinct Indigenous communities in the Canadian Boreal
1/3
of Canadian national parks created with Indigenous Peoples’ engagement
208+
billion metric tons of carbon stored in Boreal forests
Where We Work
Nia Tero has a regional focus in the contiguous land mass now known as North America – in the nations of Canada and the United States, including Alaska.
Nia Tero works across the North American contiguous land mass with and through tribal nations, partnering with Indigenous Peoples to enable Indigenous Peoples' guardianship of homelands and waters.
This work, which is currently focused in Canada and the United States – including Alaska, supports guardianship efforts that prioritize both the restoration and protection of ecological health concurrently with revitalization of Indigenous cultures, languages, and practices.
Highlights
At nearly 30 million hectares, Sahtu territory is one of the largest in the Boreal; threatened by demand for oil and gas, wood fiber, and commercial fishing. Alongside the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) we’re supporting Sahtu efforts to secure national support and guardianship of their territory. In September 2019, Canada’s Nature Fund approved initial funding of US$1.9 Million for three proposals submitted by Sahtu for the establishment of Indigenous Protected Areas. With secure co-financing and committed Sahtu leadership, Nia Tero is providing multi-year support for Sahtu guardianship as a foundation for their nationhood.
In early 2020, Nia Tero partnered on video production with James Cameron, Harrison Ford, Peter Seligmann, and Nainoa Thompson for ILI’s Land Needs Guardians campaign. The success of this campaign lends momentum to work with the Government of Canada, ensuring Indigenous guardianship is recognized and supported within post-2020 Biodiversity, Climate, and Sustainable Development Goals. These partnerships have enabled us to amplify government support for Indigenous guardianship within Canada, and globally.
The Boreal forests are all within the territories of Indigenous Peoples who interweave identity, culture, and guardianship of thriving communities of life at a continental scale.
Related stories from North America
Delve into highlights and stories from our North America programs and partnerships.
