Mission and Vision
CIER's ultimate impact will be realized when Indigenous Nations in Canada are leaders of positive environmental change. They will use the best of western and indigenous knowledge to create a world that is in balance and supports the well-being of all living things.
As a national Indigenous directed environmental non-profit organization, our mission is to work in partnership with Indigenous nations to support and build sustainable Indigenous communities and a healthy environment.
As a national Indigenous directed environmental non-profit organization, our mission is to work in partnership with Indigenous nations to support and build sustainable Indigenous communities and a healthy environment.
Who We Are
CIER's ultimate impact will be realized when Indigenous Nations in Canada are leaders of positive environmental change. They will use the best of western and indigenous knowledge to create a world that is in balance and supports the well-being of all living things.
Since our inception in 1994, CIER has worked with over 300 Indigenous communities in Canada on over 450 environmentally-focused projects.
CIER is the only national, Indigenous-directed environmental non-profit organisation with charitable status. We operate a virtual office space and our staff works with our clients to develop and implement sustainable solutions to proactively address environmental issues affecting Indigenous lands. We approach all of our efforts using an integrated approach that combines multiple perspectives and fosters collaborative relationships.
CIER’s work focuses on meeting Indigenous peoples needs, as they define them, and by sharing the tools and solutions we work with First Nations to take action to solve the environmental problems that affect their lands and waters.
Since our inception in 1994, CIER has worked with over 300 Indigenous communities in Canada on over 450 environmentally-focused projects.
CIER is the only national, Indigenous-directed environmental non-profit organisation with charitable status. We operate a virtual office space and our staff works with our clients to develop and implement sustainable solutions to proactively address environmental issues affecting Indigenous lands. We approach all of our efforts using an integrated approach that combines multiple perspectives and fosters collaborative relationships.
CIER’s work focuses on meeting Indigenous peoples needs, as they define them, and by sharing the tools and solutions we work with First Nations to take action to solve the environmental problems that affect their lands and waters.
About 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 says that the turtle offered its back for the foundation of the land known as North America. The turtle symbolizes 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. It's reflection symbolizes 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 a turtle representing interconnectedness between all of the aspects of life and nature. - Designed and painted by Reegan D. Breu in 1995.
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. It's reflection symbolizes 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 a turtle representing interconnectedness between all of the aspects of life and nature. - Designed and painted by Reegan D. Breu in 1995.