Although no two Indigenous Guardian programs are the same, there are some common themes when it comes to the roles and responsibilities of guardians across the country. Hear from Indigenous Guardians directly about what they do in a recent video highlighting Indigenous Guardians from across Canada and another video focused on Coastal Guardian Watchmen from BC.
Typically, Indigenous guardians are paid staff who do some or all of the following activities:
See the Infosheet below for a description of some of the activities that Indigenous Guardians typically undertake:
Guardians may also fill a host of other roles such as park management or emergency response depending on the program’s priorities and resources.
In addition to paid program staff, many Indigenous Guardian programs also rely on community volunteers who are active on the land and water, and who can contribute significantly to the collection of local knowledge and other observations.
“Indigenous Guardians programs strengthen our communities. They create jobs, lower crime rates and improve public health. But most importantly, they inspire our young people. They connect them to the land and their elders. They give them professional training tied to their language and culture. That offers hope that can combat the despair so many Indigenous youth feel today.”
This article from the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance (CCIRA) newsletter focuses on the role that Guardian Watchmen are playing in implementing marine use plans on the Central Coast of BC. “Watchmen are an important resource to our Nation and a critical presence on the water,” says Desiree Lawson, Heiltsuk Guardian. “We are the only ones who are always here. We see everything and are well-positioned to be there to enforce our traditional laws, which is critical.”
