Canada
This interactive panel webinar will explore the growing role of Indigenous seed networks in ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and biocultural knowledge stewardship. Bringing together practitioners and experts from different regions and contexts, the discussion will highlight Indigenous leadership in seed collection, conservation, banking, and use in restoration.
Panelists will share experiences and perspectives on the importance of Indigenous seed stewardship, approaches to understanding native plant seed needs, and ways to strengthen Indigenous leadership and participation in restoration initiatives. The conversation will also explore how seed networks can contribute to sustaining relationships with plants, landscapes, and cultural knowledge while supporting locally appropriate and ecologically meaningful restoration.
Designed as a conversation rather than a series of formal presentations, the 90-minute webinar will provide an opportunity to learn from diverse experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, and consider how restoration practitioners and organizations can better support Indigenous-led seed stewardship and restoration.
Speakers:
Lia Domingues is a Brazilian socio‑environmental journalist and communicator with over 10 years of experience in community‑based and ecological initiatives
Lucy Adhiambo develops propagation protocols for native and threatened species, conducts germination and viability studies, monitors seed quality, supporting seed banking activities, and contributes to restoration projects.
Benard Maina is a conservation professional specializing in seed banking, native plant propagation, and ecological restoration. He serves as a Seedbank and Nursery Coordinator.
Kaya DeerInWater is the Biocultural Restoration Specialist and Plant Ecologist for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
Gabriele Vieira is an Ambassador and Director at Large of the International Network for Seed-Based Restoration (INSR).