Turtle Protectors is an Indigenous guided stewardship program that is supported by Indigenous Elders and community members, the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle and Msit No’kmaq.

Thank you to Henry Pitawanakwat, for giving Turtle Protectors a name in Anishinaabemowin, “Mishiikenh Gizhaasowin“. Thank you to Vivian Recollet for support, conducting ceremonies and guiding the program in a good way. Thank you to Catherine Tàmmaro for the art work and sign designs, and her support to the program.

This initiative is also supported by Toronto Animal Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the Indigenous Affairs Office at the City of Toronto, and the High Park Nature Centre.

We would also like to thank the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers for sharing their resources and their best practices with us and to the Snapping Turtle relative who inspired this whole project while laying her eggs on June 8, 2021.

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