Indigenous Conservation Collaborations
Indigenous Conservation Collaborations is a cohort-based executive learning experience for conservation professionals committed to transforming their leadership through Indigenous knowledge systems and relational governance. This eight-week journey provides practical tools, frameworks, and guided reflection rooted in Indigenous perspectives on land, community, and the impact of conservation.
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Overview
Indigenous Conservation Collaborations is an eight-week, mostly asynchronous cohort-based course designed for conservation leaders, NGO staff, government liaisons, and allied professionals. The course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to move beyond outreach toward authentic, sovereignty-affirming partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Through expert-led videos, case studies, cohort discussions, and indigenous faculty conversations learners will explore:
The principles of Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge systems
The impacts of historical harms such as “fortress conservation”
Practical applications of ethical frameworks like the Four Rs, UNDRIP, and environmental justice
Ways to integrate Indigenous and Western science in culturally relevant conservation
LIVE SESSIONS
This program includes a total of 6 weekly live online sessions. All sessions will occur on Thursdays 4:00–5:00 PM (Arizona/MST) on the following dates:
- May 21, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- June 4, 2026
- June 11, 2026
- June 18, 2026
- June 25, 2026
Participants will engage with real-world examples of Indigenous-led conservation across North America and emerge with an actionable, community-informed approach for co-managed conservation projects.
Who this course is designed for:
NGO/Conservation Program Directors: Leaders seeking cultural competency and ethical collaboration tools.
Tribal Liaisons/Government Officers: Professionals engaging with Tribal Nations on co-management.
ESG/Sustainability Execs: Corporate leaders aligning conservation with Indigenous rights.
Senior Leaders working with Indigenous communities.
Professionals managing co-management, community engagement, or land restoration initiatives.
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Articulate the links between biological/cultural diversity and Tribal sovereignty and identify principles of Indigenous governance and their relevance to conservation.
- Apply UNDRIP, the Four Rs, and environmental justice principles to conservation work and translate Indigenous ecological knowledge into program design and evaluation.
- Navigate cultural protocols and ethical research (IRBs, advisory boards) and design inclusive conservation strategies with Indigenous collaborators.
- Design community-centered conservation plans and build long-term partnerships grounded in respect, reciprocity, and sovereignty.
- Develop a capstone "Partnership Strategy" for real-world Indigenous collaborations and join a peer network for ongoing support and accountability.
Contact information
Have additional questions?
Please reach out directly to Tye Waggoner ([email protected]) for assistance with the programs content.