2024 Healing the Land Conference:
A Milestone in Indigenous-Led Restoration Efforts
Hosted by Saulteau First Nations
Indigenous leaders, federal, provincial, and local government representatives, restoration practitioners, and industry representatives came together in 2024 to explore the conference themes of innovation, collaboration, preparing for the future, and healing the land together.
Held in Treaty 8 Territory, the 2024 conference provided an opportunity for attendees to learn from successful partnerships, explore collaborative restoration and protection efforts, and discover emerging technologies that honor Indigenous knowledge systems shaping the future of restoration.
The in-person conference program featured insightful presentations and panel discussions, as well as optional interactive cultural courses and tours. Participants had the chance to build relationships and cultural connections essential for maintaining the health and productivity of ecosystems while supporting the needs of present and future generations.
2024 Conference Highlights included:
- Celebrations honoring Indigenous culture and traditions
- A keynote address and closing by Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers
- Presentations and panel discussions that shared experiences in planning, protection and restoration knowledge, along with innovative practices and emerging technologies
- Courses and tours that showcased Indigenous land stewardship practices and adaptive management strategies
- In-person networking opportunities through cultural and social events
- Collaboration tools available through the Whova event platform
- Exhibitor booths that highlighted local restoration training opportunities, businesses, and initiatives
Participants shared restoration knowledge and practices, built partnerships and discussed ongoing activities aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing biodiversity, and improving community well-being.
The 2024 Healing the Land Conference welcomed a diverse audience including:
- Indigenous leaders, policy makers, and government officials
- Restoration practitioners and industry professionals
- Researchers, academics, and educators
- Nonprofit and non-governmental organizations
- Individuals passionate about supporting restoration initiatives, including planning and protection measures
Photo: © Chetwynd Events & Photography
A Focus on Collaboration and Innovation
With the inclusion of the exhibitor hall and poster board session, space was created to informally share innovative research and on-the-ground restoration efforts, demonstrating how collaborative efforts between Indigenous communities and other stakeholders can drive successful restoration and planning initiatives.
Photo: © Saulteau First Nations
Cultural Integration and Community Empowerment
Held in the newly opened Saulteau First Nations Cultural and Recreation Centre, Saulteau Elders and Treaty Rights and Environmental Protection staff led pre-conference courses including Tipi-talks (cultural stories), Ethnobotany (Maskihkîya Introduction) and cultural safety training. Saulteau-led performances provided an opportunity for community empowerment, including the inclusion of local artisans.
Photo: © Saulteau First Nations
A Platform for Sharing On-the-Ground Successes
Post-conference field tours highlighted on-the-ground restoration practices, including successful reclamation and invasive species management efforts, and provided an opportunity to visit the Twin Sisters native plant nursery.
Photo: © Saulteau First Nations
A Path Forward for Future Conferences
The conference program created a space to share restoration knowledge and practices, build partnerships and discuss activities underway to restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity and improve community well-being, setting the stage for future gatherings focused on restoration and Indigenous leadership.
Photo: © Chetwynd Events & Photography
Together, we made a positive impact and contributed to a legacy of stewardship and conservation for future generations.
Join us in 2026 as we create new opportunities for connection and collaboration!
For inquiries or more information about the 2026 Healing the Land Conference, please contact us at info@healingthelandconference.ca or Subscribe for Updates.
Photo: © Saulteau First Nations
Photo: © Saulteau First Nations
Photo: © Saulteau First Nations
Photo: © Chetwynd Events & Photography
Photo: © Kyle McDonald – Dawson Creek City Councillor
