CIER is a national, First Nation-directed environmental non-profit organisation with charitable status and is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. CIER was founded in 1994 by a small group of First Nation leaders from across Canada who recognised the need for Aboriginal peoples to have the capacity to solve environmental problems affecting their lands and resources. We received federal non-profit corporate status in 1995, and became a registered charity in 2000 (charitable registration number 89367 8235 RR0001).
We develop and implement sustainable solutions to proactively address environmental issues affecting First Nations lands and resources. We approach all of our efforts using an integrated approach that combines multiple perspectives and fosters collaborative relationships.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
We envision “Sustainable First Nation Communities and a Healthy Environment”. Our mission is to “assist First Nations with building the capacity to address the environmental issues they face”.
We are guided by the values of: Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Excellence, Balance and Teamwork.
Our Plan for Environmental Excellence (2006-2011)
In 1996, we proposed the concept of a national First Nation centre of environmental excellence in our document "A First Nation Environmental Vision Statement and Self-Government Implementation Strategy".
From 2004-2006, we engaged in a research process to further this concept and guide us as we work to realise our vision of environmental excellence. During this period, we:
- Dialogued with First Nations, First Nation organisations, federal government departments, non-government organisations, private sector companies and universities to gather information and feedback on First Nation environmental needs
- Analysed environmental tools for their applicability and relevance for First Nations
The findings of our research can be found in the following documents:
For the next five years (2006-2011), we will be actively involved in efforts to address the needs identified by First Nations during the dialogues and build our organisational capacity to realise our vision for environmental excellence.
Our Name
Why “Indigenous” in Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources? Quite simply, though “Aboriginal” is used in Canada to collectively refer to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit, our founders wanted to recognise that “Indigenous” (meaning, native to place) best reflected where and with whom we work.
Our Logo
Our logo embodies our pursuit to attain balance between the Earth and its peoples. The central figure, the turtle, represents the Earth. A variety of legends say that the turtle offered its back for the foundation of the land known as North America. The turtle symbolises a deep connection to the Earth and reminds us that we need to respect the Earth.
The two circles above and below the turtle represent the sun and its reflection in the flowing water. The sun provides us with light and heat. Its reflection symbolises that we need to reflect upon our Earth's situation, and as flowing water is in a constant pattern of change, we need to act upon our thoughts in order for change and cleansing to occur.
The feathers represent a healing message from the Spirit beings. They point toward the trees, the sacred Spirits connecting the Earth and the sky.
The sun and its reflection, the water, the feathers and the trees form a circle around the turtle representing interconnectedness between all of the aspects of life and nature.
Designed and painted by Reegan D. Breu in 1995, the painting of the CIER logo hangs on a wall in the reception area of our office. In 2001, the logo was given an electronic facelift to simplify its use in print and electronic media.