Walking Hand in Hand
The Land Between acknowledges the privilege of living on this land, made possible by the generosity and openness of Indigenous Peoples in the creation of the original treaties. These treaties established that the Anishinaabe and other Indigenous Nations would remain the primary caretakers of the land, water, and wildlife, retaining their full rights, freedoms, and self-determination. While recorded in the Great Wampum and enshrined in the British North America Act and Canada’s Constitution, we recognize that these agreements have not always been honored.
The Land Between operates with at least 50% Anishinaabe representation on its Council, including a delegate appointed by at least one central First Nation community within the bioregion. We honor the enduring and inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples in all that we do. We do not represent or speak for Indigenous Peoples in The Land Between, but we are committed to strengthening partnerships and engagement with Anishinaabe communities as we build capacity together.
The first charity in Canada, attempting to honor the Original treaties, by embracing co-management on our governing council; and using Traditional Talking Circles for decision making. Decisions are made by consensus without hierarchy. The governing council also reflects the knowledge and experiences of the communities we serve.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as well alongside western science is the foundation of our work. This practice, known as Two-Eyed Seeing. Similarly, the charity values the local and practical knowledge that is informed by interaction with nature and communities.
Too often local knowledge and experience is left out of the dialogue and decisions. Multiple perspectives, experiences, and from various sectors and disciplines is important for balanced and robust solutions. Therefore, we embrace these perspectives to find balanced and also effective solutions.
Watch our documentary
For more on who The Land Between is and how we operate, check out our documentary! You can watch the series introduction (left) or watch full clips at this link.
To view the entire documentary, purchase if from our online store
Principles
HUMILITY
We seek input and collaboration. We have a large Advisory Circle that provides addtional guidance and peer review, including experts from universities and NGOs, as well as youth and community members. Their input helps steer projects and ensures the charity’s actions truly reflect the needs of the community.
HONESTY and TRANSPARENCY
We use funds wisely and report to our communities. We talk to our communities to understand needs and perspectives, and for insight; and craft policies and projects with this input. We work with and hire local talent to support the regional economy while keeping overhead low. The Chief Operating Officer has rarely drawn a regular full-time salary and bases compensation only for operational roles tied to successful grants and projects.
RESPECT
We don’t follow extremes or factions. Instead, we strive for balance and learn from differences. Diversity- of genes, species, peoples, and perspectives- enriches us and makes us stronger. True solutions emerge by embracing differences, honoring diverse knowledge and perspectives, which provide both insight and opportunity.
WISDOM
Nature is dynamic and alive. By applying the precautionary principle, we treat natural capital like a vital investment—preserving its capacity to renew ensures resilience for people and future generations. Our focus is on protecting renewal, especially within interlinked systems and priority places.