Mno Aki Land Trust
Meaning “Good Earth” in Ojibwe, Mno Aki Land Trust Inc. (Mno Aki), is a federally incorporated land trust and registered charity. Moreover, it is guided by Indigenous Grandmothers from across Canada and is dedicated to caring for the land and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
Redefining Conservation on Indigenous Terms
Grandmothers for the Good of the Earth
According to traditional teachings, Indigenous Grandmothers have long served as community knowledge keepers, seed carriers, and water walkers. While remaining deeply rooted in tradition, their roles have continued to evolve.
Today, Indigenous grandmothers hold a vast store of life experience and cultural wisdom. Additionally, they watch over the health of the water and the land, while guiding the well-being of future generations.
At Mno-Aki, our work is guided by a circle of Indigenous grandmothers who live by these teachings. Furthermore, they are culturally grounded in Indigenous principles and have dedicated their lives to service — nurturing their communities, teaching the youth, and caring for our Mother Earth.
Conservation
Our Grandmother-led
Land Trust holds, uses,
and regenerates the land
and water with care. Thus, we dedicate ourselves to supporting the health, and benefit of the next seven generations.
Education
To promote physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being, we cultivate land-based learning activities where, participants deepen their understanding of themselves, their communities, and the land.
Culture
We regenerate ecological connections and relationships by fostering cultural practices on the land and with our sacred waters. In this way, we help people renew their responsibilities to the land.
Stewardship
Gifted to us by the Creator, our indigenous land trust aims to reclaim our vital stewardship roles. Through this work, we honour our responsibility’s to protect and nurture the land and water.
Redefining Conservation on Indigenous Terms
Mno Aki Land Trust offers opportunities for stewardship at the local level, governed by the Grandmothers where lands are located. According to Becky Big Canoe, Founding Board Member, “In Indigenous worldviews, conservation is achieved when the relationships and uses that have conserved the lands and waters for thousands of years remain intact or are reestablished.”