Indigenous Land Stewards

The goal of this project is to facilitate volunteers in Indigenous led stewardship of EALT Conservation Sites. 2026 is the pilot year for the program, where we will focus on stewardship of traditional medicine plants.

Traditional medicine patches have been in decline within Alberta, and many Indigenous people need to travel far distances in order to harvest medicines.

Medicine Garden

The Indigenous Land Stewards will assist in planting, weeding, watering and harvesting from the Medicine Garden at our North Saskatchewan River site.

Medicine Mapping

Our conservation sites host a number of naturally occurring medicine patches such as sage, wild mint, yarrow, berries, rat root, and most likely sweetgrass, as well as many other plants used for medicines.

Indigenous Land Stewards will be trained in the use of mapping software and plant identification in order to accurately record the size of medicine garden patches.

Our stewardship activities will be done in a way that honors Indigenous traditions and spirituality, including smudging and leaving tobacco offerings.

If you are a member of an Indigenous Nation, organization, or community interested in leading your own Land Based Learning activities on EALT Conservation Lands, contact us to get started: Gary.ElaschukPruden@ealt.ca

The program is funded by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and supported by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous community partners, and volunteers.

 

How to join the Indigenous Land Stewards program:

  • Check the box next to “Do you identify as Indigenous”, as this will allow you to view events tailored to Indigenous volunteers.

  • Next Indigenous Land Stewards event: July 11, 2026