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© Lora Denis
December 15, 2021–Jenna Cardoso
Climate Change•Indigenous Relations•Protected Places•Stewardship and restoration•Wetlands•Wild Species
James Bay peatlands © Ray Ford
Ontario’s peatlands store the most carbon in the country – more than all the other natural ecosystems in Ontario combined – making these terrestrial wetland ecosystems an essential nature-based climate solution. Yet, only 10% of peatlands are protected in Canada. What Are Peatlands? Peatlands are wetlands such as bogs and fens. Peat is created in ...
Farabout Peninsula, Eagle Lake/Migisi Sahgaigan © Anne Bell
In its final report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada called on governments, educational and religious institutions, civil society groups and all Canadians to act on the 94 Calls to Action it identified to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation. Adopting and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of ...
Indigenous Perspectives on Protected Areas Gathering © Chris Craig
In commemoration of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this September 30th, Ontario Nature reflects on our role in advancing conservation through reconciliation. As we continue our learning journey, we are grateful to those who have guided us and walked alongside us in this work. We are not “experts” and instead hope to ...
Farabout Peninsula, Eagle Lake/Migisi Sahgaigan © Anne Bell
Across Turtle Island (what is currently known as North America), Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are rightfully being recognized as a solution to climate change and biodiversity loss, while simultaneously providing a path towards Indigenous Nations having their ancestral responsibilities to the Lands and Waters acknowledged and respected through reinstating their sovereignty and jurisdiction ...
Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded Lands © QuietFyre CC BY 2.0
Land Back refers to the Indigenous-led movement to reclaim stewardship over traditional lands and ecosystems, protecting them for generations to come. For time immemorial, areas primarily governed by Indigenous Peoples have maintained biodiversity despite continuous human population growth. However, Indigenous communities have been dispossessed from ancestral lands since settler contact. The Land Back movement aims ...
Paswe Protected Area © Carter Dorscht