A new fellowship is focused for women working together in conservation.
TORONTO, Ont.—A new fellowship opportunity for First Nations women in conservation and stewardship has been announced by the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) and Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCS Canada). This pilot year will shape a long-term initiative to support emerging women leaders by enhancing their professional growth, broadening their experiences, and strengthening their skills within the conservation movement.
Called the First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship, the fellowship recognizes the vital role First Nations women play in caring for lands and waters. Women are already leading many Guardians programs, Indigenous Protected and Conservation Area proposals and other Indigenous-led conservation initiatives across the country. With added support, they can expand their positive impact within and beyond their Nations.
"We believe that uplifting Indigenous women's leadership is not just necessary for sustaining lands and waters. It will also generate transformative benefits for how conservation is done in this country," said ILI Executive Director Valérie Courtois. "Indigenous women are helping expand conservation to include Indigenous science, language, sustainable prosperity and health and well-being. These broader approaches make conservation better for all of us."
Despite the gains made by Indigenous women working in conservation, many emerging leaders still grapple with colonial and patriarchal policies. Many feel isolated from peers and opportunities to learn and expand their expertise.
The First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship aims to help change that. Drawing on the strengths of both ILI and WCS Canada, it will provide training in public policy, research design and implementation, communications, mentorship, and land use planning. It will offer hands-on learning, ranging from video storytelling to wildlife monitoring to on-the-land language programs. And it will bring participants into a community of other leaders and practitioners.
The initiative will host two fellows and offer paid stipends. The fellowship will focus on First Nations applicants in its pilot year. Going forward, organizers will explore the potential expansion to include all Indigenous women in Canada.
