For the past two weeks, we’ve been sharing information about Bill 5, Ontario’s proposed “Protecting Ontario by Preserving Our Economy Act.” We felt it was important to help our communities, partners, and allies understand what this legislation means, not just in theory, but on the land and in people’s lives. In this post, we want to share clearly and concretely how Bill 5 affects Wahkohtowin's work and vision, from conservation and forestry to carbon management and community

Ontario’s Bill 5 fast-tracks industrial development at the expense of environmental safeguards and Indigenous rights. One of the most urgent and irreversible consequences of this legislation is its impact on wildlife, biodiversity, and the delicate ecosystems that sustain life in the North.

Ontario’s Bill 5, formally known as the Protecting Ontario by Enabling Economic Growth Act, 2025, introduces the power to create Special Economic Zones (SEZs) — areas where the Province can override environmental laws, Indigenous rights, and local governance to accelerate industrial development. At Wahkohtowin, we are deeply concerned by the scope and implications of this legislation. It poses a serious threat to Indigenous lands, cultures, and sovereignty — particularly in N

For Indigenous Peoples, Treaties are not symbolic or historical—they are sacred, living agreements between Nations. hey represent a shared understanding of how we live together on the land: with mutual respect, shared stewardship, and a promise to honour each other’s rights and responsibilities.

Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. stands in full opposition to Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. This legislation endangers our rights, silences our voices, and threatens the lands and waters we hold sacred. It is a direct attack on Indigenous governance, knowledge, and kinship systems.

This April, Wahkohtowin attended the Algonquin to Adirondacks (A2A) Science Symposium in Clayton, New York. Staff members Stevie, Carly, and Elena made the trip south to represent the organization and connect with conservation leaders from across the A2A bioregion, a landscape that stretches from Ontario’s Algonquin Park to New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

Wahkohtowin is pleased to welcome Tristan Flood as the new Guardian Conservation and Biodiversity Monitoring Coordinator. He is a member of Matachewan First Nation and brings a strong background in forestry.

This article first ran in OPFA magazine in the Dec 2024 issue. It is reprinted on Wahkohtowins Blog. The original is posted here . Image...

....the Guardians selectively cut back shrubs and other plants that could hinder the growth of young trees.

" The Guardians are getting exposure to the tools and science to understand the deep effects of pesticide use on the health of our...

"Presenting at the Conference was a great experience and makes me proud of the work Wahkohtowin is doing in Ontario within the Indigenous...

Wahkohtowin is leading the way employing new innovative technology using collaborative and synergistic approaches that work to sequester...

Wahkohtowin has had a Guardian program since 2020 and it continues to grow and expand taking on guardians with the aim of building lands...

Wahkohtowin Development is working at advancing the policy dialog with regards to land management practices and indigenous participation....

Wahkohtowin has been working in the area of wildlife protection since its inception in 2016. Our Mitacs Intern, Elena McCulloch, shares...

Wahkohtowin partnered with FSC in an effort to raise the awareness of how FSC is working to uphold indigenous rights in forestry. “Part...

Wahkohtowin attended the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) conference in Bali to represent the interests of Indigenous communities in...