In 2023, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation provided an Environmental Impact Grant to Project Forest to fund a large-scale shelterbelt initiative on Siksika Nation. Project Forest, a non-profit dedicated to "rewilding local landscapes to capture carbon naturally," partners with communities to restore forests and enhance ecosystems.

Siksika Nation, located approximately one hour east of Calgary, has faced, and continues to face, significant climate challenges. Severe windstorms have damaged homes and infrastructure, and the Nation faces extreme temperatures, reduced moisture levels and drought, highlighting the urgent need for effective nature-based solutions. With minimal natural barriers in place across the reserve, the community identified shelterbelts as a sustainable and effective solution.

Shelterbelts, a long-standing agroforestry practice, involves planting rows of trees and shrubs to reduce wind speed, stabilize soil and enhance local biodiversity. According to the Government of Alberta, in addition to shielding homes and infrastructure, they conserve moisture, regulate temperatures and sequester carbon. These natural barriers also improve air and water quality while reducing noise pollution from nearby roads.

A multi-phase project rooted in ecological reconciliation

In May 2024, Project Forest and Siksika Nation planted 130,760 juvenile trees, creating a 46-kilometre shelterbelt to mitigate extreme weather impacts. In collaboration with Elders and the community, trees and shrubs suited to Siksika Nation's challenging growing conditions and species of cultural significance, were identified. Species include: raspberry, saskatoon berry, mountain ash, silver buffaloberry, poplar, maple, spruce, pine and sea buckthorn. 

This initiative goes beyond simple environmental sustainability, embodying a process of reclaiming and nurturing Indigenous ecological knowledge and revitalizing practices that have long been integral to Siksika First Nation’s relationship with the land. It is a powerful act of sovereignty and reconciliation to reconnect the community to the land in a way that honours their ancestral stewardship while addressing the real threats of climate change to their community.

The initiative also included the distribution of food-bearing shrubs to community members, strengthening traditional food systems and the Siksika Nation's longstanding practice of living in harmony with the land. This aspect of the project honours ancestral knowledge of local ecosystems and supports the community's ongoing food sovereignty efforts.

The future plans and benefits of this work

Project Forest is currently growing more seedlings to be planted in the Spring of 2026. An additional 216,360 seedlings will take root across Siksika Nation, weaving a living tapestry of protection and renewal. These growing shelterbelts will grow resilient corridors across the reserve, shielding homes and infrastructure from intensifying climate extremes. As these forested areas mature, they will nurture biodiversity, offer cooling shade, and help to restore ecological balance to the landscape. 

Furthermore, a significant benefit of this work is increased road safety during the winter months. For example, when emergencies occur, emergency vehicles must follow a grader to gain access. Trees keep snow from drifting onto roadways creating a safer path for drivers. 

This expansion of the project embodies the Siksika people's commitment to land stewardship, creating a legacy of environmental resilience and cultural revitalization that will benefit generations to come.

Expanding the vision: Restoration and Reconciliation

The Siksika Community Shelterbelt program has positively impacted nearly 3,000 people, including 2,700 Nation members. Siksika Nation will continue to nurture and maintain the shelterbelt, while future partnerships between Project Forest and Indigenous Nations all around Alberta will continue to restore landscapes and support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. In October 2025, the organization will celebrate its fifth birthday and collaborate with Enoch Cree Nation to host the Rewilding and Reconciliation Round Dance, an event celebrating restoration efforts and strengthening ties between First Nations communities and environmental organizations.

The lasting impact of the shelterbelt program

The Siksika Nation Community Shelterbelt Program demonstrates how nature-based solutions can effectively combat climate change while advancing environmental justice. By capturing carbon, restoring habitats and protecting biodiversity, the project enhances both ecological and community resilience. 

This project, guided by Siksika wisdom and leadership, exemplifies a paradigm shift in environmental stewardship. It demonstrates how Indigenous knowledge systems, when respected and centered, can lead to holistic approaches that not only restore ecosystems but also revitalize cultural practices and strengthen community resilience. This collaborative effort between Project Forest and Siksika Nation serves as a powerful example of how true and authentic partnerships with Indigenous communities can pave the way for more meaningful, effective and culturally grounded environmental initiatives.

Learn more about the program on the Project Forest website.