This space highlights research and monitoring efforts taking place across the Great Lakes region. These spotlights are intended to share community updates, amplify ongoing work, and support knowledge exchange.
Youth-Led Land Stewardship in Deshkan Ziibiing
This year, the Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Land Guardians program is empowering seven youth from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation through hands-on land-based learning and environmental monitoring. As part of their 2024–2025 training, youth are exploring the health of local streams and rivers—learning to identify fish and aquatic invertebrates, conduct water sampling, and analyze environmental data.
Using science and cultural connection to land, this work aims to provide greater opportunity for youth to their culture and the land, strengthening their role as stewards for future generations. By caring for water, they’re protecting their community, supporting a healthier ecosystem, and embracing the healing that comes from being on the land.
Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Land Guardians Program staff recently presented at the 2025 IGLNi Annual Meeting. For more information about the program or to access the presentation slides, please reach out to [email protected]
Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Land Guardians Program staff recently presented at the 2025 IGLNi Annual Meeting. For more information about the program or to access the presentation slides, please reach out to [email protected]
Collective First Nations Stewardship of Lake Superior and Lake Nipigon
Seven First Nations in northern Ontario have come together to protect Lake Superior and Lake Nipigon through a collaborative stewardship initiative rooted in both traditional knowledge and scientific research.
Participants included members of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation), Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation), Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation), Red Rock Indian Band, Whitesand First Nation, and Fort William First Nation. Also present were members of Lakehead University and the International Joint Commission (IJC). This effort aligns with priorities outlined in the IJC’s Great Lakes Science Plan, emphasizing the need for inclusive, community-led approaches to water monitoring and ecosystem protection.
The initiative addresses industrial impacts—such as mining, logging, and commercial fishing—while prioritizing culturally significant areas. By focusing on collaborative water quality monitoring and data collection, the First Nations aim to restore balance and ensure the health of these interconnected ecosystems.
Participants included members of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation), Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation), Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation), Red Rock Indian Band, Whitesand First Nation, and Fort William First Nation. Also present were members of Lakehead University and the International Joint Commission (IJC). This effort aligns with priorities outlined in the IJC’s Great Lakes Science Plan, emphasizing the need for inclusive, community-led approaches to water monitoring and ecosystem protection.
The initiative addresses industrial impacts—such as mining, logging, and commercial fishing—while prioritizing culturally significant areas. By focusing on collaborative water quality monitoring and data collection, the First Nations aim to restore balance and ensure the health of these interconnected ecosystems.