In a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on February 26, 2025, the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba agreed to acknowledge, elevate, and support Indigenous peoples as stewards of the lands and waters and work collaboratively with them on Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship initiatives within Manitoba. As part of a new Nature Agreement, this work will advance the conservation of important biodiversity-rich habitats and ecosystems for species at risk and migratory birds.
“It is great to see the Canada and Manitoba governments taking another step towards fulfilling their promises to work with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in the development of a Nature Agreement,” said Jeff Wells, Vice President of Boreal Conservation at Audubon. “With Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that would protect 18% of the province already underway, supporting these initiatives is clearly the best course of action—for migratory birds, for the people of Manitoba, and for the entire planet.”
Protecting vital ecosystems and important bird habitat in Manitoba—like those found in the Seal River Watershed and Pimachiowin Aki—helps to conserve biodiversity and assists in the fight against climate change, moving Manitoba and Canada closer to their commitments of conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030. Audubon will be following their progress as the Nature Agreement is rolled out over the coming months. And our Boreal Conservation program will continue to work with our Indigenous partners to ensure they have the support needed to reach their conservation goals.
