Collaboration is the lifeblood of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. In a landscape so vast and diverse, and which faces so many urgent challenges, cooperation is the key to securing a healthy and sustainable environment for people and wildlife. These cooperative efforts and activities are undertaken by a broad cross-section of partners.

Y2Y's role is to set the context for regional conservation work by providing the vision for a healthy Yellowstone to Yukon landscape, commissioning the science necessary for effective land-use management, and acting as a catalyst that brings together diverse organizations and agencies. In addition, we bring in resources to support our partners' work.

Y2Y's network includes local grassroots and community groups, government agencies, funders (both institutional and individual), Native American and First Nations communities and organizations, scientists and researchers, businesses, and others whose work contributes directly or indirectly to advancing the Yellowstone to Yukon vision.

We define our partners as any individuals or groups which have, in the previous two years:

• received financial support from Y2Y (for example, in the form of a Partner Grant)
• contracted with Y2Y to undertake scientific research or other work
• participated in the development or implementation of a collaborative conservation plan or project in one of our Priority Areas
• identified themselves publicly as a Y2Y partner

Working with Native American Tribes, First Nations and Métis Nations

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is committed to working appropriately and respectfully with Native American Tribes, First Nations and Métis Nations in the landscapes in which we are active. The Y2Y Board of Directors has approved four principles that govern Y2Y’s work with aboriginal communities.

Ongoing work by Y2Y is building the relationships that may lead to further collaborations with several Native American tribes/First Nations within our priority areas.

See a draft map of aboriginal communities within Y2Y's priority areas.