The RAD Network visioning gathering participants on the unceded and unsurrendered Territory of the Wolastoqwiyik at Sitansisk (Fredericton, New Brunswick) in April 2023. Photo: Mag Hood
Environment
RAD Network: Catalyzing the Indigenous-Led Conservation Economy
2023

The Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network was formed in 2022 to explore economic pathways for Indigenous-led conservation that are rooted in Indigenous rights, responsibilities, and knowledge systems.

The RAD Network — a project of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership and supported by the Metcalf Foundation and other partners — is advancing collaborative solutions to restore relationships and Indigenous knowledge systems, assert Indigenous rights, and defend lands and waters. The network is Indigenous-led, with a wide range of partners and collaborators from across many sectors.

 

In April 2023, the RAD Network hosted a visioning gathering on the unceded and unsurrendered Territory of the Wolastoqwiyik at Sitansisk (Fredericton, New Brunswick), to convene with Indigenous leaders, Nations, and partners to co-create a shared vision for the network, explore new and emerging economic pathways for Indigenous-led conservation, and identify opportunities for collaborative action. Metcalf was a lead funder of the gathering and we were pleased to have Andre Vallillee, Metcalf’s Environment Program Director, in attendance.

In the lead-up to the gathering, the RAD Network prepared a detailed backgrounder report to share the genesis of the network, emerging goals and priorities, context under which the work is taking place, current activities, and a collection of resources.

As interest in how to fund ambitious conservation goals in Canada continues to grow, it is critical that Indigenous rights be a central focus. The work of the RAD Network will help centre Indigenous rights and leadership in these discussions.

If you’re interested in getting involved, the RAD Network hosts monthly virtual meetings to deepen relationships, learn from one another, and exchange ideas.

Additionally, you can: