Niagara Geopark Partners with Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations

January 5, 2026

(Niagara, Ontario) Niagara Geopark and the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations (NAIR) have entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a long-term partnership to ensure Indigenous knowledge, voices, and perspectives are authentically represented across all Niagara Geopark programs, initiatives and communications.

NAIR is an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening public understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and pivotal relationships that emerged within Niagara, while examining traditions of reconciliation that build upon the strengths of previous accomplishments while acknowledging current challenges.

Niagara Geopark is a Canadian registered educational charity working to inspire stewardship, inclusivity, and a deeper connection to the Earth by celebrating Niagara’s unique geoheritage and cultural histories, as it advances the Region’s bid for designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The MOU formalizes a shared commitment to collaboration, accuracy, and respect.

While the foundation of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation is internationally significant geology, both organizations recognize that human history and cultural evolution present us with the most meaningful and profound connections.

“This partnership is fundamental to what the Niagara Geopark stands for,” said Perry Hartwick, Chair of the Niagara Geopark. “If we are serious about deepening our connection with the Earth and contributing to an improved quality of life for all who live here, Indigenous knowledge must be embedded at the very core of our work. NAIR brings the leadership, scholarship, and lived experience needed to ensure Indigenous perspectives are shared accurately, respectfully, and meaningfully.”

The partnership is grounded in shared principles that include respect for Indigenous cultures, rights, histories, and knowledge systems, as well as a commitment to ensuring Indigenous, geographical and archaeological content is presented accurately, responsibly, and collaboratively. Central to the agreement are co-creation, scientific and historical integrity, Indigenous knowledge, ethics, and a shared commitment to truth, reconciliation, and long-term relationship-building.

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to doing this work properly,” said Tim Johnson, president of the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations. “For Indigenous knowledge to be shared responsibly, it must be grounded in respect, accuracy, and a genuine commitment to building and honouring sustainable relations. This partnership with the Niagara Geopark ensures Indigenous voices are not added as an afterthought, but meaningfully embedded in how Niagara’s stories are researched, interpreted, and shared.”

NAIR’s organizational composition — that includes a group of Associates composed of leading scholars and knowledge holders on the region’s Indigenous history, contemporary issues and relations —  underscores both its credentials and intentions in this regard.

Under the MOU, NAIR will serve as the primary Indigenous knowledge advisory partner to the Niagara Geopark, supporting, validating, and verifying Indigenous content across all Geopark programs, materials, and initiatives. NAIR will provide guidance on cultural protocols, community engagement and interpretation, and will collaborate on research, education, and public-facing projects. Niagara Geopark will recognize NAIR as its primary scholarly advisor on Indigenous knowledge, including historical geographic locations and nomenclature, and will seek NAIR’s verification on interpretive signage, digital content, educational resources, trails, events, and tourism programming.

Through this partnership, NAIR and the Niagara Geopark will pursue joint initiatives, promote shared messaging, and strengthen public understanding of the essential role Indigenous leadership and knowledge play within the UNESCO Global Geopark framework.

This MOU represents an important step forward in Niagara’s journey toward international recognition—grounded in honour, respect, scholarship, and reconciliation.

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Media Contacts:

Perry Hartwick – Chair – Niagara Global Geopark Inc.perry@niagarageopark.com

Tim Johnson – President – Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relationsmohawksn@gmail.com