06/13/2026
Earlier this year, the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education at UBC Sauder concluded its inaugural Indigenous Stewardship Project Management Program, a 16-week journey combining Indigenous knowledge systems with specialized project management training.
With 39 participants from 18 First Nations across British Columbia, the program supported critical land and water protection initiatives and was backed by over $100M in conservation investments. The final weekend was a powerful culmination of learning and collaboration, with presentations on co-management agreements by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, stewardship of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, and legislative tools for conservation outcomes from the BC Government.
“For me, the highlights of the program were networking with different Nations. We all have this connection to the land, and when we come together, it gets stronger. For anybody, at any stage of their IPCA journey, this program is a valuable resource.” -Kia Jules, Land Officer/Tmicw Coordinator, Natural Resources Department at the Simpcw First Nation
By fostering partnerships and building capacity for intergenerational stewardship, participants are advancing Canada’s biodiversity goals, including conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030, and creating lasting environmental impact.
Learn more about the program: https://www.sauder.ubc.ca/news/indigenous-stewardship-program-ubc-sauder
