What Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network does

Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network is a pan-Canadian Indigenous-led non-profit network founded in 2022, legally hosted as a project of Wahkohtowin Development NFP. The organization convenes Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Carriers, Guardians, and allies to advance Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), nature-based solutions, and conservation finance across Canada. RAD's operating model is grounded in Ethical Space and the Seven Grandfather/Grandmother Teachings, governed by an Indigenous Leadership Circle, and structured around an "ash basket" network model inspired by Wolastoqiyik Knowledge Carrier Terry Young.

RAD's core offerings are interconnected knowledge resources and programs rather than software products. They include: research reports (capacity scans, the "Aligning ENGO Financial Practices with Commitments to Indigenous-Led Conservation" report); tools and infosheets covering Indigenous rights and carbon projects, fire stewardship, and ethical-partner decision-making; case studies (notably the Wahkohtowin Boreal Carbon Project documenting mycorrhizal fungi-based carbon sequestration in Treaty 9 territory); the RAD Story Lodge podcast; films and webinars; the RAD Accelerator Circles peer-consultation program; the federally funded Indigenous Learning and Knowledge Hub; and an Additional Tools & Resources library aggregating external toolkits and academic literature.

RAD's revenue model is grant- and philanthropic-funded, not commercial; the primary disclosed stream is a multi-hub research grant from Environment and Climate Change Canada supporting the Indigenous Learning and Knowledge Hub, supplemented by Mitacs internship support and in-kind contributions from partners. All outputs are free and publicly accessible. The 6-person Operations Team is distributed across British Columbia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. GTM motion is community-led: networking, relationship-building, convening (Full Moon Network Gatherings, accelerator circles, in-person symposia), and policy advocacy rather than commercial sales. Customer segments are Indigenous Nations and communities pursuing nature-based solutions, with adjacent engagement from ENGOs, academic institutions, philanthropies, and federal/provincial agencies. The network's reach — over 80 participants at the April 2023 Vision Gathering on Wolastoqiyik Territory, 275+ Guardians at the 2025 National Guardians Network Gathering in Victoria, BC, and 300+ delegates across 35 First Nations and 60+ organizations at the 2026 Indigenous Lands Symposium — indicates a rapidly scaling convening footprint in a still-early organizational life cycle.

Name

Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network

Legal name

Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network

Website

https://radnetwork.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

RAD Network is a Canadian Indigenous-led non-profit (founded 2022) that convenes Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Carriers, Guardians, and allies to advance Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, nature-based solutions, and conservation finance through knowledge sharing, the Indigenous Learning and Knowledge Hub, Accelerator Circles, and policy advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous-led Conservation Network Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (921150)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Use, Indigenous & Community Engagement Policy (EUAMANAL)

Keywords

• Indigenous-led conservation
• Nature-based solutions
• Conservation finance
• Capacity building services
• Knowledge mobilization

Headquarters

HQ city

Canada (national scope)

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: The primary revenue model is grant funding from government and philanthropic sources. The Indigenous Learning and Knowledge Hub is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as part of a large multi-hub research grant to support Natural Climate Solutions learning and knowledge mobilization. The organization is a project hosted out of Wahkohtowin NFP.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

RAD Network is a pan-Canadian Indigenous-led convening and knowledge-sharing network that connects Indigenous Nations and communities to tools, peer expertise, financing pathways, and policy advocacy needed to advance Indigenous-led conservation such as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and nature-based solutions. Its core offerings include research reports, accessible tools and infosheets, case studies, films and webinars, the RAD Story Lodge podcast, peer-driven RAD Accelerator Circles, and the federally-funded Indigenous Learning and Knowledge Hub, all delivered free of charge.

Product overview

RAD Network is a knowledge-sharing network, not a traditional SaaS product. It offers a portfolio of interconnected knowledge resources and programs including research reports, tools and infosheets, case studies, the RAD Story Lodge podcast, films and webinars, RAD Accelerator Circles peer consultation program, and the Indigenous Learning & Knowledge Hub. These offerings work together to advance Indigenous-led nature-based solutions through capacity building, knowledge mobilization, and network weaving.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Reports & Research Publications A collection of research reports including capacity scans, ENGO financial practices alignment guides, and vision gathering documents that provide tools and knowledge for Indigenous-led nature-based solutions.
• Tools & Infosheets Accessible educational materials including infosheets on Indigenous rights and carbon projects, carbon markets, fire stewardship, and decision-making tools for identifying ethical partners.
• Case Studies Documented examples of Indigenous-led conservation projects, such as the Wahkohtowin Boreal Carbon Project featuring mycorrhizal fungi technology for carbon sequestration.
• RAD Accelerator Circles Peer-driven consultation circles where Indigenous practitioners share challenges and receive feedback from curated panels of experts to accelerate nature-based climate solutions projects.
• RAD Story Lodge Podcast A podcast series sharing stories of land, culture, and hope featuring conversations with Indigenous land stewards about conservation, carbon markets, and regenerative economies.
• Films & Webinars Video content documenting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives including the Wahkohtowin & Mikro-Tek mycorrhizal fungi project and Full Moon Network Gatherings.
• Indigenous Learning & Knowledge Hub A federally-funded knowledge hub that advances Indigenous knowledge systems, governance, and economic priorities in nature-based solutions, with connections to grassland, forest, and coastal habitat learning hubs.
• Additional Tools & Resources Library A comprehensive directory of external toolkits, guides, reports, academic literature, films, and knowledge hubs supporting Indigenous-led nature-based solutions and conservation finance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 80 participants at 2023 Vision Gathering; 300+ delegates at 2026 Indigenous Lands Symposium; 275+ Guardians at 2025 NGN Gathering
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• IISAAK OLAM FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTerry Dorward, West Coast IPCA Conservation Director for IISAAK OLAM Foundation, serves on the RAD Network Leadership Circle. IISAAK OLAM and RAD collaborate on IPCA advancement, coastal habitats learning, and the First 30x30 Canada Program.
• Nature for Justice (N4J)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteven Nitah, Managing Director at Nature for Justice, serves on the RAD Leadership Circle and leads the First 30x30 Canada Program. RAD is a project partner in the First 30x30 initiative alongside N4J, IISAAK OLAM Foundation, and Nature Focus Development.
• Nature UnitedmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature United is listed as a partner on the RAD website. RAD collaborates with Nature United on policy advocacy, conservation finance, and advancing Indigenous-led conservation in Canada.
• WWF-CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWWF-Canada is a website partner and co-leads the Coastal Habitats Learning and Knowledge Hub alongside the Hakai Institute and McGill University. RAD is a project partner in this hub, helping to center Ethical Space and elevate Indigenous voices.
• Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerILI is listed as a partner on the RAD website. Steven Nitah is an ILI Senior Leader. ILI coordinates the National Guardians Network Gathering and develops tools for Indigenous fire stewardship and IPCA planning, areas of deep collaboration with RAD.
• Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRP is listed as a partner. RAD co-published the 'Envisioning Pathways Forward' piece with CRP and collaborates on resources including the IPCA Knowledge Basket and Balancing the Narrative communications guidelines. Steven Nitah is part of CRP's Leadership Circle.
• Ecotrust CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcotrust Canada is listed as a partner on the RAD website. RAD collaborated with Ecotrust Canada on the 'Aligning ENGO Financial Practices' report and EcoAnalytics and Environics Research. Ecotrust Canada also produces the Carbon Offset Evaluation Template and forest carbon resources used by RAD.
• Carolinian Canada CoalitionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarolinian Canada is listed as a partner. Sam Whiteye previously worked with Carolinian Canada Coalition as Director and founder of the Indigenous Leadership Pillar. RAD collaborates on conservation initiatives in Southern Ontario.
• Metcalf FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Metcalf Foundation is listed as a website partner and funder of CRP's Indigenous Conservation and Carbon work, which RAD draws upon and collaborates with through CRP.
• Simon Fraser University — Action on Climate Team (ACT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Justine Townsend leads a RAD-supported project in collaboration with SFU's Action on Climate Team (ACT), where she holds a postdoctoral fellowship. The project supports First Nations in overcoming obstacles to IPCAs and nature-based solutions.
• University of AlbertamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe University of Alberta hosts the Grasslands Learning and Knowledge Hub, where RAD participates through the Indigenous Subgroup working on ethical engagement and right relations. RAD is listed as a partner in this multi-institutional hub alongside the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
• Hakai InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Hakai Institute co-leads the Coastal Habitats Learning and Knowledge Hub with WWF-Canada, in partnership with RAD Network, McGill University, and the University of Victoria. The hub spans three coasts and three coastal habitats (salt marshes, seagrass, kelp forests).
• McGill UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcGill University is a partner in the Coastal Habitats Learning and Knowledge Hub alongside RAD, WWF-Canada, Hakai Institute, and the University of Victoria.
• University of VictoriasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe University of Victoria is a partner in the Coastal Habitats Learning and Knowledge Hub and also hosts the Engage with Nature-Based Solutions resource library, which RAD promotes through its Additional Tools & Resources page.
• Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUINR hosts the Two-Eyed Seeing Co-Learning Hub as part of the ECCC-funded multi-hub initiative. RAD collaborates with UINR to support cross-hub connectivity and mobilize Two-Eyed Seeing wise practices. Trish Nash of UINR previously served on the RAD Leadership Circle.
• Wahkohtowin Development NFPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAD Network is legally a project of Wahkohtowin Development NFP (Not for Profit). Wahkohtowin is a social enterprise held by Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree, and Brunswick House First Nations. RAD and Wahkohtowin co-produced the Wahkohtowin Boreal Carbon Project case study, film, and podcast series. David Flood serves as General Manager of Wahkohtowin and sits on RAD's Leadership Circle.
• Anwaatin Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMary-Kate Craig, a RAD Operations Team member, is a managing partner of Anwaatin Inc. — a company working with Indigenous stewards on climate action, energy projects, and waste management. RAD collaborates with Anwaatin on policy and network activities.
• Nature Investment HubsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature Investment Hub is listed as a website partner and funder. The hub supports conservation finance and natural asset management initiatives that intersect with RAD's work on Indigenous-led conservation finance.
• Ducks Unlimited CanadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDucks Unlimited Canada is a partner in the Grasslands Learning and Knowledge Hub alongside RAD, University of Alberta, and Canadian Forage and Grassland Association. Contributes wetland carbon sink resources to the RAD resource library.
• Gwen Bridge ConsultingsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGwen Bridge, a RAD Leadership Circle member, runs Gwen Bridge Consulting. She provides advice, develops strategies, and manages natural resource-related projects for First Nations. She also coordinates Ethical Space training and consulting for government.
• EcoAnalyticsmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRAD Network teamed up with EcoAnalytics and Environics Research to conduct research on ENGO financial practices and reconciliation. EcoAnalytics contributed analytical expertise to the 'Aligning ENGO Financial Practices with Commitments to Indigenous-Led Conservation' report.
• Environics ResearchmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRAD Network partnered with EcoAnalytics and Environics Research for the ENGO financial practices research project. Environics Research contributed research and stakeholder engagement expertise to help inform how ENGOs and funders can better align financial practices with reconciliation commitments.
• Royal Roads UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerErin Dixon, RAD's Wise Practices Director, is an Associate Professor at Royal Roads University. RAD draws on Royal Roads' academic resources and course offerings (e.g., Natural Asset Management Fundamentals) through its resource library.
• Coast FundssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoast Funds is listed as a partner on the RAD website. Coast Funds produces 'Finance for Forests: A Guide to Conservation Finance Options for First Nations,' which is included in RAD's resource library for Indigenous Nations exploring carbon and conservation finance options.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP): Multi-institutional partnership producing the IPCA Knowledge Basket and Balancing the Narrative communications guidelines; RAD co-publishes resources with CRP. Direct peer in Indigenous conservation knowledge mobilization.
• Indigenous Leadership Initiative — First Nations Guardians Program: Coordinates National Guardians Network and Indigenous fire stewardship programs. Direct peer as both organizations co-convene Guardians gatherings and align on Indigenous-led land stewardship.
• Carolinian Canada Coalition: Eco-region conservation coalition in Southern Ontario with significant Indigenous leadership pillar work (founded by Sam Whiteye, RAD Leadership Circle member). Direct peer in regional Indigenous conservation collaboration.
• Wahkohtowin Development: First Nations-owned social enterprise (Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree, Brunswick House) and RAD's legal parent NFP; operates the Boreal Carbon Project featuring mycorrhizal fungi. Direct peer as both organizations advance Indigenous-led conservation finance in Treaty 9 territory.
• Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI): Indigenous-led organization coordinating the National Guardians Network, Indigenous fire stewardship, and IPCA planning tools; Steven Nitah (RAD Leadership Circle) is an ILI Senior Leader. Closest direct peer given shared mandate on Indigenous-led conservation and Guardians programming.
• IISAAK OLAM Foundation: Indigenous-led foundation advancing IPCA implementation and nature-based solutions in coastal BC; Terry Dorward (RAD Leadership Circle) is West Coast IPCA Conservation Director for IISAAK OLAM. Direct peer as both organizations co-convene Indigenous conservation capacity building and partner on First 30x30 Canada.
• Nature for Justice (N4J): Co-leads First 30x30 Canada Program alongside IISAAK OLAM and RAD; Steven Nitah serves as N4J Managing Director. Direct peer convening Indigenous-led nature-based solutions at scale.
• Coast Funds: Indigenous-led conservation finance organization producing 'Finance for Forests' guide for First Nations; RAD promotes Coast Funds resources in its library. Direct peer in Indigenous conservation finance pathway development.

Broad incumbents

• WWF-Canada: Major environmental NGO co-leading the Coastal Habitats Learning and Knowledge Hub with Hakai Institute and McGill; RAD is a project partner in this hub. Broad incumbent with overlapping Indigenous-led conservation work.
• Nature United: Canadian affiliate of The Nature Conservancy advancing nature-based solutions and conservation finance; partnered with RAD on policy advocacy. Broad incumbent in conservation finance that overlaps with RAD's Indigenous-led conservation mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@radnetworkconservationeconomy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/restore-assert-defend-rad-network
• Instagraminstagram.com/radnetwork_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Restore, Assert and Defend (RAD) Network