Birds are important in many cultures worldwide. They are in creation stories and teachings, and are storytellers who connect us to the spiritual world and our ancestors.

They are also sensitive to human impacts and the loss of three billion North American birds over the past 50 years brings this into sharp focus. This project is centered on co-learning, connecting to the land, and prioritizing Indigenous rights in urban areas. Using a combination of semi-structured interviews and a case study approach, we aim to explore the characteristics and outcomes of Indigenous-led caretaking programs in cities across what is now Canada. Collaboratively drawing from the strengths of different ways of knowing has the potential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of urban conservation challenges and transform existing frameworks.