First 30×30 Canada Climate Week Session Indigenous-Led Conservation, Economic Sovereignty & Climate Action
Date: June 5, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Hosted by: First 30×30 Canada Location: Shared upon registration
Session Overview:
Join First 30×30 Canada for an engaging Climate Week gathering focused on Indigenous-led conservation, land stewardship, economic sovereignty, and climate leadership across Turtle Island.
This session will bring together Indigenous leaders, partners, funders, advocates, and community members to explore the transformative role Indigenous Nations play in advancing conservation and climate solutions rooted in traditional knowledge, governance, and reciprocity with the land.
Participants will gain insight into the First 30×30 Canada initiative, hear stories of impact from Indigenous communities, and engage in dialogue around collaborative pathways toward climate justice and biodiversity protection.
Key Themes:
Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship Climate justice and biodiversity protection Indigenous governance Economic sovereignty and sustainable development Building partnerships for long-term impact Investing in Indigenous-led climate solutions What to Expect Opening remarks and welcome Featured speakers and community perspectives Interactive dialogue and audience engagement Networking and collaboration opportunities
About First 30×30 Canada:
First 30×30 Canada is an initiative led by Nature For Justice, in partnership with IISAAK OLAM Foundation and Nature Focus. The program supports Indigenous-led conservation to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. The initiative advances Indigenous-led nature-based solutions that combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and strengthen Indigenous sovereignty through partnerships with Indigenous governments, technical experts, and investors.
Who Should Attend:
Indigenous Nations and community representatives
Environmental and conservation organizations
Climate advocates and youth leaders
Government and policy representatives
Philanthropic and investment partners
Researchers, academics, and allies
Contact & Registration First 30×30 Canada kwhiteye@nature4justice.org https://first30x30.earth/#
Together, we can advance Indigenous-led climate solutions that honour the land, future generations, and the responsibilities we carry to one another.
About the Host:
Steven Nitah is a dedicated Indigenous leader and environmental strategist with extensive experience in Indigenous-led conservation, land stewardship, and climate action initiatives. With a focus on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA), and the Guardians programs, Steven works to create pathways for Indigenous communities to reclaim and manage their traditional territories.
As Chief Negotiator and Project Manager, Steven and his team finalized negotiations with Crown governments, reaching legal contractual agreements that outline how parties will work together to manage the new Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve and Territorial Protected and Conserved Areas. This historic agreement set a precedent for Indigenous leadership in conservation and collaborative land management.
Steven has also been instrumental in developing programs that enable communities to gain control over parts of their lands through conservation initiatives, aligning with broader climate impact mitigation strategies. His work bridges complex compliance markets with Indigenous governance, offering tools that transform conservation responsibilities into sustainable revenue streams while supporting environmental stewardship.
Steven empowers communities to invest in programs such as Guardians initiatives and other conservation efforts. His approach ensures that conservation areas within traditional territories meet the criteria for protected status while advancing cultural, ecological, and economic priorities.
Through his leadership at First 30×30 Canada, Steven continues to champion Indigenous stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable development, creating lasting impact for both Nations and the environment.
Limited Event Capacity***
-------
I understand when I attend an event I enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, I consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.