UBC Sauder’s Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education launches Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program for B.C’s protected and conserved areas

The Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program builds on the existing knowledge and experience of First Nations, offering project management tools and training to advance Indigenous-led stewardship and conservation efforts across British Columbia. Delivered through the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education at the UBC Sauder School of Business, the program helps Nations strengthen their capacity to advance long-term land stewardship and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) initiatives. 

IPCAs are lands and waters where Indigenous Peoples have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems. This year, 18 First Nations are participating in this program. Collectively, these Nations have secured more than $100 million in funding through Environment and Climate Change Canada, the BC Parks Foundation, and the Sitka Foundation. 

“The Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program is an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from other First Nations who are also navigating the challenges of protecting their lands,” said Tyson Solmonson, a program participant and lands program coordinator at Doig River First Nation. “For Doig River, the vision of restoring the heavily impacted K’ih Tsaa?dze Tribal Park is about honouring the Elders and preserving this landscape for future generations. Sharing knowledge and experiences with others in this program strengthens our collective efforts to protect territories and cultural heritage.” 

Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and values, the program integrates Western business project management tools with Indigenous perspectives on governance, sustainability, and stewardship.

“UBC Sauder recognizes and deeply respects First Nations’ leadership in stewarding their lands and waters,” said Darren Dahl, Dean, UBC Sauder School of Business. “This program provides project management tools and opportunities for Nations to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships with partners, while also allowing us to learn from participants and deepen our understanding of the Indigenous knowledge systems that guide this vital work.” 

This program is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of BC Parks Foundation, Sitka Foundation, Wilburforce Foundation, David Downie and Jennifer McMillan, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.  

“This program represents a powerful step forward in reconcili-action,” said Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Executive Director of the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education. “It honours the teachings of our ancestors and reaffirms First Nations’ leadership in caring for the lands and waters. Guided by traditional laws, we’re shaping new tools and pathways that serve both our communities and future generations.”   

Indigenous protected and conserved areas are vital to Indigenous self-determination and central to advancing Canada’s biodiversity and conservation goals, including the national commitment to conserve 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030. A cornerstone of this program is to provide space for Nations to share best practices, strengthen communication and partnerships with Crown governments, NGOs, and other interest groups, and build capacity to implement stewardship initiatives with lasting intergenerational impact.

“As a biologist working with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, I’ve seen firsthand how environmental stewardship can bring life back to our waters — like the return of herring and orca to the Inlet. Initiatives like the Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program are vital because they equip us with the tools and knowledge to strengthen co-management agreements, restore traditional food access, and reconnect First Nations communities to the lands and waters that have sustained them since time immemorial. This is about building a future rooted in respect, collaboration, and cultural resilience,” said John Morra, a program participant and senior environmental specialist at səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

Over the course of 16 weeks, participants will take part in a combination of in-person workshops and online project management training covering topics such as project scope, resource and financial management, communications, risk assessment, evaluation, and more. Three specialized technical sessions will also explore values-driven stewardship planning, grant and funding strategies, and topics related to land securement.  

“Indigenous Peoples are on the frontlines of climate change and biodiversity loss, caring for ecosystems and offering solutions to some of our greatest challenges,” said The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “This program builds on their existing knowledge and experience, enhancing project and financial management skills that help further support our shared commitment of protecting lands and waters in Canada.” 

The program officially launched on Oct 16, 2025, with a two-day in-person workshop attended by Honourable Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Participants heard from Indigenous guest speakers, exchanged best practices, and connected with NGOs and Crown government representatives. 

The program will conclude with a three-day in-person workshop at UBC, where participants will come together to share lessons and apply new skills and insights to advance stewardship initiatives in their communities. The session will also provide an opportunity to further strengthen relationships among participating Nations, Crown governments, and external partners.
 

Additional Quotes:

Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of British Columbia — 

“Today marks the beginning of something truly transformative, with the launch of the Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Stewardship has always been a sacred responsibility for First Nations, and it’s inspiring to see this knowledge and leadership help shape the future of the province. Together, we can protect our lands, waters, and biodiversity in a way that supports reconciliation for the next generations and beyond. This program is not just about education — it’s about building a legacy of collaboration, respect, and shared progress for all British Columbians.” 

Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change — 

“Indigenous Peoples are recognized worldwide as leaders in environmental stewardship. The new Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program at UBC Sauder will support these vital efforts by providing specific training in financial and project management for conservation areas and creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and strengthening relationships. My heartfelt congratulations to all partners on launching this important program supporting Indigenous Peoples at the forefront of this work. To all participants, thank you for your continued commitment to learning, leadership and stewarding the land for generations to come.”  

Kaaren Lewis, Vice President of Conservation, BC Parks Foundation — 

"Seeing the Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program come to fruition is amazing. Right now, there is momentum in bringing together biodiversity, climate, and truth and reconciliation through these projects. It’s so powerful and we’re privileged to collaborate with program participants and understand how we can continue to support their work.” 

Cohen Bradley, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, BC Parks Foundation — 

“I was fortunate to experience the long-term benefits of the work participants are doing as a young man and know firsthand how important these efforts are in preserving both culture and nature. I’m excited to see the positive impact these projects will have across communities. We’re grateful to play a part in supporting them.”  

Carolynn Beaty, Executive Director, Sitka Foundation — 

“As funding partners with many Indigenous-led conservation initiatives across these territories and waters, we are very grateful to be able to be a witness to the learning, community building, and connections that will come out of the Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program.”