Closed
Source verified September 21, 2026
First Nations Guardians
Community-led stewardship and conservation support
Get notified when First Nations Guardians reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 20, 2026Latest change: The Indigenous Guardians page now says First Nations and Métis Guardians funding applications are closed, and the application guidance now points users to the separate First Nations and Métis webpages for closed-program information.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 20, 2026
Latest change: The Indigenous Guardians page now says First Nations and Métis Guardians funding applications are closed, and the application guidance now points users to the separate First Nations and Métis webpages for closed-program information.
First Nations and Métis applications closed
The Indigenous Guardians page now states that First Nations Guardians and Métis Guardians funding applications are closed instead of currently open. The application process section was updated to direct users to the separate First Nations and Métis Guardians webpages for information on the closed programs. The Inuit Guardians funding note still says applications are expected to open in Fall 2026.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
First Nations Guardians supports First Nations, communities, and organizations in community-based stewardship and conservation initiatives across their territories, strengthening the care, monitoring, and management of lands, waters, and ice. Eligible activities include wildlife and habitat conservation, cultural preservation, jobs and training links, and community engagement in initiative development and management.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Community-based stewardship and conservation activities led by First Nations Guardians.
- Care, monitoring, and management of lands, waters, and ice within First Nations territories.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Eligible First Nations, communities, or organizations.
Eligible geographic areas
- First Nations territories
Selection criteria
- Direct or indirect links to the creation of economic opportunities for First Nations, including jobs and training.
- Focus on the protection and conservation of wildlife and habitat.
- Prioritizes stewardship of First Nations traditional lands, water, and ice.
- Focuses on the preservation of First Nations culture.
- Includes community engagement in the development and management of the initiative.
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals will be evaluated based on the following assessment criteria.
Additional information
- Funding and decision-making processes are co-designed, co-developed, and co-delivered with First Nations in an approach that respects and recognizes their unique perspectives, rights, responsibilities, and needs.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Indigenous Guardians — Inuit GuardiansSupports Inuit-led land stewardship initiatives
- Indigenous Guardians — Métis GuardiansSupports Métis-led land stewardship initiatives
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations Guardians Program
What is the First Nations Guardians?
First Nations Guardians supports First Nations, communities, and organizations in community-based stewardship and conservation initiatives across their territories, strengthening the care, monitoring, and management of lands, waters, and ice. Eligible activities include wildlife and habitat conservation, cultural preservation, jobs and training links, and community engagement in initiative development and management.
Who is eligible for the First Nations Guardians program?
To be eligible for the First Nations Guardians program, you must:
Eligible First Nations, communities, or organizations.
What expenses are eligible under First Nations Guardians?
Community-based stewardship and conservation activities led by First Nations Guardians.
Care, monitoring, and management of lands, waters, and ice within First Nations territories.
Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations Guardians?
You can contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by email at gardiensautochtones-indigenousguardians@ec.gc.ca.
Where is the First Nations Guardians available?
The First Nations Guardians program is available across Canada.
Is the First Nations Guardians a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Nations Guardians is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations Guardians?
First Nations Guardians is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)