Indigenous communities across Canada are spearheading the expanding Rights of Nature movement, which seeks to extend legal and ethical protections to rivers, lakes, wildlife, and ecosystems. Efforts have emerged in diverse regions, from the Magpie River in Innu territory, Quebec, to Rice Lake in Anishinaabe territory, Ontario, and more recently the Finlayson caribou herd in Dena territory, Yukon. This movement emphasizes not only recognizing nature’s inherent rights but also embracing reciprocal responsibilities toward the environment.

Indigenous legal traditions emphasize that acknowledging nature’s rights must be accompanied by a commitment to protect and nurture ecosystems. This means going beyond formal recognition to actively maintaining conditions that allow natural habitats to thrive. For example, safeguarding rivers involves keeping them free from pollution, participating in restoration efforts, and supporting biodiversity through informed stewardship.

An Indigenous lawyer involved in these initiatives explains that in many Indigenous cultures, law has historically been transmitted through oral traditions rather than written codes. Elders often caution that “laws are for the lawless,” meaning that written regulations are a fallback when the foundational teachings of responsibility—passed through stories, ceremonies, songs, and land-based practices—are forgotten. In this view, legal responsibility is collective; every community member plays a role in maintaining social and ecological harmony rather than relying solely on formal institutions.

This approach prioritizes duties and practices over rights alone. Using driving as an analogy, the lawyer suggests that instilling a sense of responsibility in drivers is more effective for safety than focusing solely on passengers’ rights. Similarly, caring for the environment requires cultivating responsible actions and relationships with the land.

Practices of responsibility toward nature are diverse and can be incorporated into daily life. Examples include supporting local regenerative agriculture, reducing consumption by buying used goods, participating in stream cleanups, engaging children with nature, and honoring the Earth through stories, prayers, or songs. One growing grassroots initiative, Plant Baby Plant, founded by Anishinaabe botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer, encourages community members to restore biodiversity through gardening and collective environmental action.

The movement aligns with national conservation efforts, as highlighted in the Canadian government’s recent report, “A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature,” which underscores the essential role of Indigenous leadership in meeting the country’s goal of protecting 30% of its lands and waters by 2030. The report acknowledges that without integrating Indigenous responsibilities to nature—deeply embedded in their legal traditions—conservation efforts risk being ineffective or “lawless” in practice.

Advocates stress that recognizing rights alone is insufficient; a shared commitment to duties of care is crucial for the long-term health of the environment and the well-being of future generations.