Valerie Courtois
Director, Indigenous Leadership Initiative
Indigenous Guardianship programs help nations honour their cultural responsibility to their lands and waters, build capacity, and provide determination over land that is essential to nation-building. Valerie’s work has been critical for establishing the National Indigenous Guardians Network and her lobbying has led to the investment of $25 million in government support. As a result, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative has ensured support for over 70 guardian programs, each managed by Individual First Nations. The ILI has also established the “Land Needs Guardians’ campaign platform, sharing the stories and work of the guardians.
