Founded in 2020, N4J is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that harnesses nature-based solutions and carbon markets to advance social justice for communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. In Canada, N4J mobilizes partners, resources, and action for Indigenous-led conservation.
Website
IISAAK OLAM Foundation
IISAAK OLAM is a Canadian Indigenous-led nonprofit that shares knowledge and builds capacity for IPCAs. They support Indigenous leadership in the conservation of biological and cultural diversity, the development of resilient communities, reconciliation between Indigenous and newcomer societies, and solutions for (re)connecting people with their environment.
Website
Nature Focus Development
Nature Focus is a US-based NbS developer working with investors for global land restoration and protection strategies. Nature Focus has decades of Indigenous and infrastructure experience, with a current portfolio of projects surpassing 400,000 acres of land.
Website
Managing Director, Canada, 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.
Co-Founder and CEO, IOF
Eli is an internationally recognized expert in bio-cultural heritage conservation and Indigenous economic development. Eli served a term as president and chair for the Canadian Committee for International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and co-chaired the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) for the Pathway to Canada Target 1.
Co-Founder / Chief Development Officer, NFD
Jeffrey brings 15 years’ experience in project advisory & production development, spanning multi-family real estate, construction, natural resources infrastructure, energy development and defense procurement. Jeffrey works with Indigenous communities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, to support their work to fight climate change.
Director, 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.
President & West Coast Conservation Director, IOF
Terry is from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations from the House of Hi-you-eah which is represented by the Seitcher family. Terry served as councillor for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations for 10 years and represented his nation at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. Terry was the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Project coordinator and co-founded the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardian program.
Research & Engagement Coordinator, IOF
Isabel approaches community planning, ecology, and regenerative economic development through a specialization in political economy and decolonization. Isabel is a Political Science and Global Development graduate from the University of Victoria.
Communications and Administration Coordinator, 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.
Program Manager, N4J
Michael has a background in community organizing, climate justice, and project management. He has led statewide policy campaigns, developed equitable and participatory practices for state agencies, and now supports N4J in fundraising, research, project management, and program design.
First 30×30 is grateful to our funders and supporters for their commitment to reconciliation and climate action by centring Indigenous-led Conservation.
“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 30×30 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.”
“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
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
