Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) have been awarded a $21.6 million grant to support the preservation of lands and water throughout the region. The Our Land for the Future trust announced in a press release that the initial funding round will benefit 20 Indigenous governments that were part of the November 2024 agreement.
The grant aims to facilitate the research, planning, and management of designated conservation areas, as well as the monitoring of species and the provision of support for language camps. While specific projects set to receive funding in this cycle have not been disclosed by the trust, it is anticipated that the investment will create employment opportunities within communities, enable elders to guide the management of new protected areas based on Indigenous traditions, and empower youth to develop land stewardship skills.
The allocated funds are a portion of a more extensive $375 million fund contributed by the federal government and private donors, with the remaining amount to be distributed annually over a ten-year period. Dahti Tsetso, the CEO of the Our Land for the Future Trust, mentioned that the funding allocation for each community will be contingent on the projects and milestones established. Delays in funding distribution from the previous year were attributed to the federal election.
Efforts are underway by the Our Land for Future trust to establish a reporting framework for Indigenous governments to track the expenditure of funds and monitor progress towards set milestones. Additionally, there are plans to expand the trust’s workforce in the coming year. Tsetso expressed her emotional connection to the initiative, highlighting how the funding will shape the future of the Northwest Territories and pave the way for upcoming generations to embrace their cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.