Revitalizing traditional corridors of exchange for people and the places they live
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Revitalizing Traditional Corridors of Exchange
This Earth Day, Ecotrust Canada introduces Routes to Roots, a holistic initiative reimagining circular economies through the wisdom of Indigenous trading systems.
Routes to Roots supports the return to Indigenous-led systems of trade, governance, and relationships that have fostered thriving, sustainable economies for generations. This initiative addresses the need for alternatives to colonial capitalism that has left communities across Canada vulnerable to changes beyond their control.
Carrigan Tallio, our Indigenous Homelands Program Manager from Nuxalk Nation, shares in a blog that Routes to Roots aims to revitalize traditional corridors of exchange through intergenerational regional supply chain networks. At its core, this initiative supports communities in rediscovering Stl'mstaliwa—a Nuxalk concept meaning "the full human experience."
She writes that for generations, First Nations thrived on interdependence through shared resources, emergency management, and cultural validation in governance systems like potlatches. Colonization disrupted these systems, imposing Western models of nuclear family independence rather than community interdependence.
Routes to Roots will create spaces for communities to define self-determination and sustainability on their own terms, grounded in cultural teachings and modern realities. It will foster reconciliation by engaging with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents and business leaders toward common goals, while bridging generations by cultivating future leaders in the circular economy and creating opportunities for Elders to share wisdom.
More than an economic strategy, Routes to Roots represents a commitment to cultural revitalization, regional resilience, and collective well-being. It recognizes that true sustainability isn't just about resources—it's about people and the interconnected systems that have always been at the heart of Indigenous governance and prosperity.
Read the full blog to learn more about the Routes to Roots initiative.
We have more Earth Day-inspired content below to share with you, so keep scrolling. It’s so great to have you on this journey with us.
-Shannon Lough, Senior Manager of Communications and Engagement
New and Noteworthy
Last month, Graham Anderson, Dylan Heerema, and Sharon Marshall from our Community Energy team travelled to Whitehorse for the 2025 Renewables in Remote Communities Conference (RiRC2025), hosted at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. This biennial event gathers Indigenous leaders, utilities, governments, and advocates to advance clean energy transitions in remote Indigenous communities.
We were inspired by Indigenous energy champions and reaffirmed our belief that reconciliation and energy sovereignty go hand-in-hand. We learned how funding gaps, policy barriers, and workforce development continue to shape the landscape. We were surprised by the scale of innovation, from solar farms to wind turbines, and how even air-source cold-climate heat pumps are in use—if they work in the Yukon, they can work in BC’s Interior and northern communities.
Between thought-provoking sessions and rich networking, we left energized to deepen our own work. What’s next? Carrying these insights into community partnerships, policy advocacy, and continued support for Indigenous-led climate solutions.
Expanded Heat Pump Access for Renters and Low-Income Residents a Major Step Forward for Energy Equity in B.C.
On April 10, we celebrated British Columbia's expansion of heat pump affordability programs to include more low- and moderate-income households—including those living in multi-unit buildings. Lower-income households using electric heat will now receive full-cost coverage for heat pumps, addressing energy inequity for those facing the highest utility costs. The Province is investing $100 million over two years to provide approximately 8,300 heat pump rebates to those who need them most—bringing bill savings, along with safety and comfort in extreme heat and cold conditions.
We're Hiring!
We are accepting applications for a summer Communications Intern based in Prince Rupert, BC, on Ts'msyen Territory. We're looking for someone creative, self-driven, digitally savvy, highly organized, and able to work independently. Ideal candidates have multimedia skills through education and/or direct experience with videography, communications, digital marketing, or journalism. Apply before May 12, or share this link with someone you think would be a great fit.
30 Years of Proving the Possible
A series of reflections from our past three decades of work.
From 2008
In 2008, Ecotrust Canada worked on alternative approaches to forest management with the Lil'wat and Squamish First Nations, and the Municipality of Whistler on a 33,018-hectare Crown forest tenure around Whistler. This led to building a place-based economy that applied more sustainable harvesting methods in the Cheakamus Community Forest and the creation of more community wealth through the sale of carbon offsets. Between 2016 and 2023, offsets brought $198,500 in annual revenue on average, helping manage the forest in a way that aligns more closely with each of the partners’ values and land use plans.
Read More
NATURE PHOTOS FROM OUR TEAM
Happy Earth Day!
P.S. If you like this newsletter and want to support it, there are two ways you can do that.
1) Forward this newsletter to a friend with an invitation to subscribe right here.
2) Hit reply and let us know what you think about the Routes to Roots project.
Proving the Possible
Ecotrust Canada works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant cultures and inclusive societies. We call this approach, building an economy that provides for life.
Thank you for your continued support!
The Ecotrust Canada Team
