Learn about the NWT's Conservation Network

NWT: Our Land for the Future

Overview

The NWT: Our Land for the Future (OLF) initiative, also called Project Finance for Permanence (PFP), is one of the largest Indigenous-led conservation projects in the world. This initiative brings together 23 Indigenous governments, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), and private donors to fund long-term conservation, stewardship, and economic growth in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

With a total of $375 million—$300 million from the Government of Canada and $75 million from private donors—the OLF initiative will help protect lands and waters, increase climate resilience, promote cultural revival, and create local job opportunities.

A Historic Agreement

The OLF initiative is the result of years of teamwork. It brings together Indigenous governments, public governments, and private donors. This agreement is a unique example of cooperation, with 23 Indigenous governments leading the effort. Together, these groups share a vision to protect the NWT’s cultural and ecological heritage for future generations.

The initiative will help solve important environmental challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change. It also supports Canada's goal of protecting 30% of its lands and inland waters by 2030.

Bilateral Nature Agreement (BNA) – Supporting Conservation in the Northwest Territories

In addition to the OLF initiative, the Bilateral Nature Agreement (BNA) between Canada and the GNWT provides additional funding to support conservation efforts across the territory. This agreement ensures that the GNWT has the resources it needs to protect biodiversity, support species at risk, and advance Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.

As part of the BNA, $20 million in initial funding will be provided to the GNWT, which complements the OLF initiative by supporting local conservation and stewardship efforts. The BNA also aligns with Canada’s goal to protect 30% of land and water by 2030. Through this agreement, the GNWT will work with Indigenous governments to protect up to 6% of the territory by 2028, with the potential to expand that to 9.6% by 2035.

The BNA highlights the importance of Indigenous leadership in conservation, while also supporting the GNWT’s role in conservation planning and implementation. It contributes to the overall success of the OLF initiative by providing additional financial support and ensuring that conservation goals are met in harmony with sustainable economic development.

Key Benefits of the OLF Initiative

The OLF initiative provides transformative benefits for both the environment and local communities, including:

  • Indigenous-Led Conservation: Indigenous governments will lead the creation and management of protected areas in the NWT, using traditional knowledge and supporting Indigenous self-determination.
  • Job Creation and Economic Opportunities: The initiative will create hundreds of jobs every year, including seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions, especially through Indigenous Guardians programs, land-based activities, and eco-tourism.
  • Climate Resilience and Biodiversity Protection: The funding will support efforts to protect important habitats, help communities adapt to climate change (like wildfires and low water levels), and preserve biodiversity in the NWT.
  • Cultural Revitalization: On-the-land programs that promote language, culture, and traditional knowledge will be supported, strengthening the well-being of Indigenous communities and connecting people to their ancestral lands.
  • Sustainable Economic Development: The OLF initiative aligns with economic diversification efforts by fostering sustainable development opportunities such as eco-tourism, traditional industries, and climate research, all of which will benefit communities and contribute to a green economy in the NWT.

How It Works

The OLF initiative is built on the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) funding model, which establishes comprehensive funding agreements between partners. This model ensures long-term financial support for conservation activities, with funds allocated to the following areas:

  • Protected Areas: The funds will help establish new protected and conserved areas identified by Indigenous governments, in line with existing decision-making processes.
  • Indigenous Guardians Programs: Indigenous-led programs that place Guardians on the ground to monitor and protect lands and waters will be supported, contributing to improved decision-making and fostering collaboration between governments and communities.
  • Conservation and Stewardship Projects: The initiative will fund a range of conservation activities, including land-use planning, climate research, and community-driven stewardship programs.

Collaborative Vision for the Future

The OLF initiative is a testament to the power of partnership and the shared vision of protecting the NWT's lands, waters, and wildlife. It marks a significant step forward in reconciliation and demonstrates the critical role of Indigenous leadership in caring for the environment.

Representatives from 23 Indigenous Governments and their partners have worked together over the past two years to find common ground, ensuring that the OLF initiative will benefit all communities and stakeholders in the region. The collaboration also aligns with the NWT’s commitment to building a strong and diversified economy, balancing environmental protection with sustainable development.

Partners in the NWT: Our Land for the Future Initiative

The partners involved in this historic agreement include:

  • 23 Indigenous governments across the NWT, who are leading the initiative and guiding conservation and stewardship efforts.
  • The Government of Canada, who are providing significant financial support and are committed to advancing conservation and reconciliation.
  • The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), collaborating with Indigenous governments and other stakeholders to support conservation and sustainable economic development, while also developing the legislation that enables the trust.
  • Private Donors who are contributing to the long-term sustainability of the initiative through funding and support for conservation efforts.

Looking Ahead

As funds begin to flow in mid-2025, the OLF initiative will continue to shape the future of conservation and stewardship in the NWT. The focus will remain on collaboration, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all activities are carried out with the utmost respect for Indigenous rights and governance.

For More Information

To learn more about the NWT: Our Land for the Future initiative visit: