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30×30 Network

Indigenous Leadership Backed By Deep Collaboration

Meet the First 30x30 Canada Team

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Steven Nitah

Executive Vice President, N4J

Steven champions Indigenous-led conservation and guardian programs in national and international arenas. He is a former Chief of the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation and served as the Nation’s lead negotiator in the creation of the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area — one of the largest protected areas in North America.

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Robin Barr

Vice-President, Funding Indigenous-led Conservation, N4J

Robin brings nearly 20 years of international experience leading successful programs for community empowerment and environmental conservation across international value chains. She has worked with dozens of international corporations on implementation of ESG commitments and has deep experience related to implementation of free, prior, informed consent (FPIC) processes.

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Isabel Ransom

Relationship Lead, N4J

Isabel tends relationships with Indigenous governments and community members, ensuring our First 30x30 maintains  collaborative, reciprocal, and respectful relationships with the Indigenous Nations we work with. Isabel has a background in community planning, regenerative economic development, and ecology

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Kamryn Whiteye

Communications Lead, N4J

Kamryn Whiteye is a Lunaapeexkwe (Delaware woman) from Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit
(Delaware Nation) with a strong background in Indigenous relations, policy, and
communications. She has supported national First Nations leadership and grassroots initiatives
across Canada through strategic, culturally grounded consulting. Kamryn brings deep
knowledge of Indigenous governance and community engagement, grounded in lived
experience and a commitment to equity and healing.

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Kyle Melnick

Carbon Modeling Consultant

Kyle is a specialist in remote sensing, forest carbon modeling, and using data for the assessment of nature-based climate solutions across a range of Canadian ecosystems. He is the lead instructor of the University of British Columbia's Forest Carbon Modeling program.

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Mackenzie Ross

Mackenzie’s work bridges First 30x30 Canada with the growing network of IPCAs on the Pacific West Coast. She supports the team in creating accessible resources that help build capacity and mobilize knowledge, supporting Indigenous Nations pursuing IPCAs and Nature-based Solutions. Mackenzie is energized by collaboration and supports meaningful engagement across a diversity of projects and partners.

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Cornelia Rindt

Cornelia has over 20 years of experience in carbon markets and nature-based solutions in Canada. As an external consultant to First 30x30, she brings extensive experience to the project development teams in the feasibility and development of forest carbon and other nature-based projects, including the Great Bear Forest Carbon Projects, Boreal Wildlands, and Darkwoods Forest Carbon Project. She works closely with Indigenous Nations, conservation organizations, and other partners, providing technical, policy, and strategic expertise to support the development and advancement of Indigenous-led projects.

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Valentine Lynch

Forest Carbon Program Manager, N4J

Valentine is a forester whose professional practice centres on carbon, forest health, and conservation. She has worked to develop forest carbon projects across Canada and excels in delivering high-quality and impactful projects that will sustain long-term health for both land and people. She is a Registered Professional Forester in Ontario and holds a Master of Sustainable Forest Management from the University of British Columbia and a B.A. in Environmental Geography from the University of Toronto. She is grateful to live and work in the traditional territories of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

Supporters and Funders

First 30x30 is grateful to our funders and supporters for their commitment to reconciliation and climate action by centring Indigenous-led Conservation.

Donors (1)

Royal Bank of Canada

“RBC is committed to helping accelerate the transition to a greener economy by supporting nature-positive solutions that help to address the climate and biodiversity crises,” said Thea Silver, Senior Director, Environmental Impact, RBC. “We recognize the leadership of Indigenous communities and are proud to support the First 30x30 Initiative, which creates new pathways for sustained financial support for Indigenous-led conservation and land management practices, while protecting biodiversity, centering social justice and promoting opportunity for Canada’s Indigenous peoples.”

Donors (3)

Domtar

"Domtar has long been a leader in sustainability, and we, alongside our owner Jackson Wijaya, are committed to forging partnerships that explore nature-based solutions to address climate challenges while delivering social benefits, particularly for Indigenous Nations. It's exciting that Domtar is one of the first companies to join such an important initiative for the protection and restoration of over 100 IPCAs across Canada." - Sabrina de Branco, Chief Sustainability Officer, Domtar

Donors

BHP Foundation

“First 30x30 Canada recognizes the critical role of Indigenous leadership in shaping the future of conservation and in meeting Canada’s sustainability aspirations. BHP Foundation is proud to be the principal funder to First 30x30 Canada. We hope our investment will encourage others to help fill the critical nature finance gap in support of First Nations turning their stewardship visions into reality. For 30x30 commitments to truly deliver lasting impact, it must be Indigenous-led and grounded in Indigenous knowledge. That’s why Nature For Justice is strongly positioned to lead this work alongside Nations and make these commitments a lasting reality.”- Kristen Ray, CEO, BHP Foundation

Learn More

Collaboration

No single entity can secure the future of our natural world alone. At First 30x30, we have woven together a diverse tapestry of collaborators —ranging from Indigenous Nations and technical experts to visionary funders and forward-thinking government agencies. Our ecosystem is designed to facilitate collaboration, share resources, and drive impactful change. Each partner plays a vital role, contributing unique expertise and a shared commitment to sustainability and social justice.

Our Network of Collaborators

First 30×30 works as a “General Contractor”, bringing together the right team to support each Nation’s specific needs and goals. We are also tapped into a larger network of organizations leading policy and narrative change to shape this emerging field to be more equitable and responsive to Indigenous Nations.

Click on the logos below to learn more about our collaborators

Photo credit: Owen Perry

Collaborator Highlight

Collaborator Name

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