Caribou are an umbrella species that cover a broad range of ecosystem processes in mountainous environments, and their recovery is at the nexus of legal, ecological, and human rights issues. Here we propose to build on this conservation momentum and effective collaboration to create a knowledge hub focused on bringing people and knowledge systems together to create transformative change and reimagine a new future for caribou and people. This knowledge hub will focus on implementing and measuring the effects of habitat restoration, supporting ongoing efforts to increase caribou abundance, and strengthening relationships between partners through the shared goal of elevating caribou abundance and harvest. Rekindling Indigenous stewardship through boots on the ground conservation via maternal penning and habitat restoration will create many employment opportunities and facilitate opportunities to reconnect youth with the land and culture. This knowledge hub also focuses on mobilizing knowledge and supporting Indigenous-led conservation and capacity building as part of an ongoing project with significant momentum, collaboration, and leveraged funding. The primary budget for our hub will support Indigenous Guardians, and restoration experts in on-the-ground conservation of caribou, as well as scientists, Indigenous Peoples and Elders who create, hold, share, and mobilize knowledge in many spheres including amongst First Nations, scientists, governments, conservation organizations, stakeholders, and the public.
