The overall goal of the initiative is to empower First Nations women leading in conservation to envision and build vibrant, resilient communities that reflect who we are—our ways of knowing, doing, and being. It offers community and mentorship for women working to transform conservation leadership in their communities, Nations, and beyond.
The fellowship is administered by the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Canada. Rooted in the experiences, knowledge and values of both organizations, this unique partnership reflects the spirit and ethos of Braiding Knowledges Canada.
The two inaugural Fellows were selected from a large applicant pool based on their rootedness in community and their work supporting the environmental and cultural well-being of their communities, as well as their commitment to Indigenous-led
conservation and active engagement in stewardship work.
The program is supported by an Aunties Circle of mostly Indigenous women with a breadth of experience in conservation and stewardship. The Aunties meet regularly as a group to guide the initiative, and they have formed collaborative relationships with
the fellows to provide regular mentoring, guidance and support.
The program is in its first year, with plans for expansion based on lessons learned during this pilot. This national initiative represents a unique opportunity to help build the next generation of Indigenous women leaders in conservation.
Applications are due on June 30, 2026.
The fellowship seeks to provide Indigenous women leaders with unique spaces where they can build relationships, find mentorship, and experience learning opportunities that align with their values.
In addition, it is designed to:
Valerie Courtois, Executive Director, ILI
Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist, WCS Canada
The Fellowship directly contributes to the outcomes of Braiding Knowledges Canada. For example, in the short term, it provides a practical and hands-on opportunity for participants to work towards the braiding of knowledges by working in an integrated
fashion with both ILI – an Indigenous organization – and WCS Canada – an organization rooted in western science.
Over time, it will also contribute to BKC’s intermediate outcomes, by providing participants in their early-to-mid career years with real world experience reflecting diverse learning pathways.
In the long term, this program can make a substantive contribution to building a unique network of effective professionals with diverse experience and the ability to address public policy questions from both their Indigenous and western science perspectives.
The program also contributes to reciprocity both among the Fellows, between the Fellows, the Aunties and the sponsoring organizations, and between ILI and WCS Canada as leading voices for conservation within their respective spheres of
influence.
Pilot Phase:
