Building Bridges: Anishinaabek and Land Trusts/Environmental NGOs Relationship Forum to foster dialogue and conservation partnerships
August 13, 2026
ROBINSON HURON TREATY TERRITORY (August 12, 2026) — Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW), together with project partners, will host the Building Bridges: Anishinaabek and Land Trusts/Environmental NGOs Relationship Forum from August 13–14, 2026, at the Northern Water Sports Centre in Sudbury.
The gathering will bring together Chiefs and representatives of the 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations alongside leaders from environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), including land trusts working within the Robinson Huron Treaty territory. The forum is designed to create meaningful dialogue about Treaty relationships, stewardship, and pathways toward respectful and lasting conservation partnerships.
Convened by RHW in partnership with Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, Faith & the Common Good, and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, the forum responds to a growing need for stronger communication and shared understanding between First Nations and environmental organizations operating within the RHW Kiidaakimnaan (our lands).
“This gathering is about building relationships grounded in respect, responsibility, and reciprocity,” said Sam Manitowabi, Senior Policy Analyst with RHW. “By creating space for honest conversations about Treaty obligations, conservation, and partnership expectations, we hope to establish a stronger foundation for collaborative stewardship moving forward.”
The forum will begin on August 13, with discussions led by Anishinaabek/First Nations participants, focusing on Treaty obligations, consultation, and accommodating partnerships.
“We’re pleased to partner with the organizers of the Building Bridges Forum. Events like this create space for the honest, ongoing dialogue that truth and reconciliation require to build a strong conservation community in Ontario for the benefit of all requires multiple points of view and ways of seeing the world, and we’re committed to building that future together,” said Marketa Evans, Interim Executive Director of Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
The August 14 program will focus on the role and operations of ENGOs and land trusts. Sessions will include “What are Land Trusts?”, facilitated by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, discussion of fundraising with particular attention to donor-based fundraising, and a Mno Aki presentation on Indigenous-led land trusts (ILTs).
The gathering will conclude with a facilitated activity focused on developing next steps, including reflections on key takeaways, opportunities, and barriers identified during the forum.
Environmental organizations and land trusts participating in the forum are encouraged to engage openly and collaboratively as part of a shared commitment to caring for lands and waters across the Robinson Huron Treaty territory.
About Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW)
RHW works on behalf of the 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations to advance collective priorities related to governance, education, and the revitalization of Anishinaabe knowledge, laws, and responsibilities. RHW’s mandate reflects the spirit and intent of the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty — to strengthen nationhood and uphold the relationship between the Anishinaabek and the Crown, grounded in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility.
About The Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) focuses on providing community, knowledge sharing, and support to land trusts across Ontario. It empowers and supports highly effective, well-governed land trusts that engage their communities to protect forests, wetlands, nature, and water sources and provide natural climate solutions. OLTA builds capacity through training and educational programs, connecting land trusts to each other, resources, and their communities, leading and supporting on-the-ground conservation work, sharing knowledge and best practices, reducing financial barriers to land conservation, promoting organizational excellence, providing access to current research, and acting as a voice for land trusts among the public, governments, and other rightsholders. OLTA’s impact is Ontario-wide through 56 connected charities and communities. Local land trust members currently collectively own and steward over 2,000 natural areas and green spaces across Ontario, with the leadership of thousands of supporters and volunteers annually. To support your local land trust, visit OLTA.ca.
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