Abstract

In recent years several Canadian Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) have publicly declared their commitment to conservation partnerships with Indigenous Nations and communities. However, a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities they experience is lacking. The current research project investigated how these partnerships contribute to advancing conservation projects, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). A review of literature underscored the importance of such partnerships, however the mechanisms to establish and maintain these relationships have received limited attention. To address this gap, a pilot survey of 5 national ENGOs was conducted, followed by semi structured interviews of representatives from 24 ENGOs and one Indigenous educational non-profit organization focused on conservation. Using the framework developed by Stein, Ahenakew, and Kui (2023), ENGO efforts to transform and decolonize conventional conservation approaches were categorized into four non-linear, non exclusive stages: representation, recognition, redistribution, and reparation. The responses most often fell within the “recognition” category, while the “representation” and “redistribution” categories were less frequently addressed. Notably, no responses fit well within the “reparation” category, highlighting a need for a more fundamental shift in how conservation is practiced. While ENGOs cannot achieve this transformation alone, the findings of this study indicate that ENGOs occupy a unique position in the sector which they should leverage to challenge colonial approaches and drive positive change.