A New Chapter: Introducing the Tribal Program at Voyageurs Conservancy
A New Chapter: Introducing the Tribal Program at Voyageurs Conservancy
Article originally published in the 2025 Fall/Winter Voyageurs Conservancy Newsletter
Workshop one group photo at Voyageurs National Park Headquarters, March 2025
Voyageurs Conservancy is proud to announce the official launch of our new joint Tribal Stewardship Program with Voyageurs National Park, a significant step forward in our commitment to working with Tribal communities. This program, which officially launched in 2024, represents a deepening of our collaborative efforts to honor the history, culture, and ongoing connection of Indigenous peoples to the lands and waters of what is now Voyageurs National Park.
Voyageurs National Park is on the ceded treaty lands of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. The park has also identified 17 other federally recognized affiliated Tribal nations, along with seven Canadian First Nations and the Métis Nation of Ontario closely associated with the lands and waters of the park. In collaboration with Voyageurs National Park, we aim to develop a meaningful shared partnership between the park, the Conservancy, and its affiliated Tribal Nations, Canadian First Nations, and Métis communities. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation approaches, we seek to collaborate with Indigenous communities in interpretation, youth education, land and water stewardship practices.
The foundation for this work was laid over several years through dedicated relationship-building and partnership with Tribal communities. We've had the privilege of listening and learning from Indigenous Knowledge Holders and community members, which has been instrumental in shaping this initiative. This groundwork is guided by a commitment to co-stewardship, recognizing that collaboration with Tribal Nations is essential for the effective and equitable management of these ancestral lands.
Workshop Two group photo on Voyageur at Harry Oveson’s Fish Camp, June 2025
Workshop One Trip to ice road on Rainy Lake, March 2025
To support this expanded work, we are thrilled to share that the Conservancy and Voyageurs National Park were jointly awarded a grant from the National Park Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation. This crucial funding will enable us to significantly grow our efforts and establish a more robust framework for collaboration.
To lead this important work, we have welcomed two new, dedicated staff members to the Conservancy team. Larissa Juip has joined us as the new Tribal Program Manager, bringing extensive experience in working with Indigenous communities and a deep understanding of Indigenous lifeways. Supporting Larissa is Chanda Blesi-Geyshick, our new Tribal Program Assistant, who will be vital in assisting with program development and community engagement and is a member of the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe First Nation. Larissa and Chanda work closely with acting superintendent Brian Harmon, lead archaeologist Melyssa Johnson, and program lead for interpretation and education, Kate Severson in this joint effort.
In its initial year, the new program has enabled in-person workshops and virtual gatherings with Tribal, First Nation, and Métis communities to share information, listen, and learn about these communities’ priorities and heritage and explore shared goals. It has also supported exploring partnership projects at sites like the park’s ethnobotanical garden and outdoor programs to connect Tribal youth from Minnesota to Voyageurs National Park through culturally competent education and career exploration.
The launch of the Tribal Stewardship Program is a momentous occasion, and we are excited to continue this journey of partnership, learning, and stewardship alongside our Tribal partners. We look forward to sharing more about our joint initiatives and the work of the program in future updates.
