Guardian programs often focus on monitoring human activity to ensure that resource users are following relevant rules and regulations. This could include Indigenous laws and regulations and/or Canadian rules and regulations.
There are a number of different strategies guardian programs can consider - including education, outreach, observe-record-report, compliance and, if appropriate or desired, enforcement.
How your program approaches this important and complex topic requires careful deliberation by leadership and the community at large. Legal counsel should also be considered early on and revisited on a regular basis.
Explore this section to learn:
- Why it’s important to have a strong visual presence on the land and waters.
- Why professional appearance and conduct is important.
- How information, education and outreach are connected to compliance.
- Why it’s important to follow strict observe, record, and report procedures.
- Where authority and enforcement fit into your guardian program.
- The challenges of being involved in compliance and enforcement.