Learn More about First 30×30 Canada
Together, we will advance a network of Indigenous-led projects, each with NbS and Indigenous rights and responsibilities at their center. In particular, we look for opportunities to channel carbon and NbS finance for the growing network of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in Canada.
Support Indigenous governments to co-create high-integrity NbS / carbon project concepts.
Advance and fund early-stage project analysis, relationship building, and development.
Launch new projects by connecting Indigenous-led opportunities to investment capital and global corporates.
Facilitate fair project financing agreements between investors and Indigenous governments based on the principles of free, prior, informed consent. Ensure that Indigenous governments retain >50% of the long-term project revenue.
Learn more about Nature Based Solutions
First 30×30 Canada works at the intersection of urgent opportunities for climate, conservation, and Indigenous Reconciliation.
First 30×30 Canada focuses on supporting Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) — places that Indigenous communities have identified for cultural management.
First 30×30 Canada is a collaboration led by Nature For Justice (N4J), IISAAK OLAM Foundation (IOF), and Nature Focus Development (NFD). Together, we bring expertise in conservation finance, Indigenous engagement, and NbS development.
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.
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 building a network of aligned organizations with the expertise, skill sets, and reach to accelerate Indigenous-led NbS projects.
The Nature Investment Hub is a Solution Space by Generate Canada in partnership with the Smart Prosperity Institute. It exists to drive a fivefold increase in investments in nature by addressing obstacles that currently inhibit the application of novel finance instruments in Canada. The Hub creates a meeting space for public, private, philanthropic, and Indigenous leaders; provides tools and guidance to build understanding and action; and influences policy and market signals.
Visit natureinvestment.ca to learn more.
Social Carbon Foundation is a non-profit that is setting the standard for holistic carbon and nature-based solutions. Their high integrity standards and process innovation catalyse scalable nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable livelihoods.
Visit SocialCarbon.org to learn more
NbS projects protect and restore ecosystems to benefit both biodiversity and human well-being, contributing to climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, food security, and sustainable development. NbS projects—by, for example, protecting forests, restoring wetlands and waterways, or promoting regenerative agriculture—harness ecosystem services to address environmental challenges while safeguarding human communities.
Markets for NbS “credits”—including carbon credits—can channel financial resources for land stewardship through carbon, biodiversity, watershed, and other socio-ecological values. If managed in such a way that centers Indigenous leadership and responsibilities, NbS markets can advance social justice by promoting new opportunities to sustainably finance Indigenous land management and conservation efforts.
If you are interested in learning more about how to collaborate with First 30×30 on an NbS, carbon, or IPCA project, contact Isabel Simons.
Learn about how we work with Indigenous governments
To learn more about how to support First 30×30 or Indigenous-led NbS projects, contact Robin Barr.
Learn more about our impact model
To learn more about project investment and offtaking opportunities with First 30×30, please contact Jeffrey Brown.
Learn more about our program approach
Please note, the platform applies a small processing fee to online donations. To donate by check or other methods, contact Sbain@nature4justice.org
First 30×30 is grateful to our funders and supporters for their commitment to reconciliation and climate action by centering in Indigenous-led conservation.
Done right, carbon projects—deploying nature-based solutions—can channel long-term finance for Indigenous-led conservation and land management. Launched in late 2023, First 30×30 Canada works to promote and support Indigenous-led NbS and carbon projects, to sustainably finance emerging Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other visions for Indigenous stewardship and conservation in Canada. This is a pathway to advance global climate and biodiversity goals while centering social justice and reconciliation for Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
First 30×30 Canada is a partnership initiative between Nature For Justice (N4J), IISAAK OLAM Foundation (IOF), and Nature Focus Development (NFD).
Site by: Owen Perry
Done right, carbon projects—deploying nature-based solutions—can channel long-term finance for Indigenous-led conservation and land management. Launched in late 2023, First 30×30 Canada works to promote and support Indigenous-led NbS and carbon projects, to sustainably finance emerging Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other visions for Indigenous stewardship and conservation in Canada. This is a pathway to advance global climate and biodiversity goals while centering social justice and reconciliation for Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
First 30×30 Canada is a partnership initiative between Nature For Justice (N4J), IISAAK OLAM Foundation (IOF), and Nature Focus Development (NFD).
