Guardian programs are investments in our future — but Canada’s investment in them is uncertain – The Narwhal

April 29, 2026

The federal government recently announced $230M for Indigenous Guardians — but there is little information about how or when the money will be spent

Summary

British Columbia is home to the country’s longest-standing Indigenous Guardian program, the Haida Gwaii Watchmen, founded in 1982, and the province leads leads the way for national investment.
Indigenous Guardian programs support conservation targets, create jobs in rural areas and have a high return on investment.
While programs across the country are seeing budgets slashed, Indigenous Guardians received an unexpected $230M investment by the federal government in March — but questions remain.

Ida Peter knew she had to apply to protect mule deer populations in Tsal’alh traditional territory, located in B.C.’s Central Interior, when B.C. first announced $8.9 million for Indigenous Guardians programs in 2023.