Read on for updates on Indigenous funding programs, precedent setting impact benefit and resource management agreements, and stories of prosperity, jurisdiction and stewardship in action.
A Quebec developer is offering to give back to the Mohawks of Kanesatake 60 hectares of forest that was at the heart of the Oka Crisis. The transaction would represent the first use of Environment and Climate Change Canada's Ecological Gifts Program by a First Nation. “It's the first stage,” says Mohawk activist Ellen Gabriel, “The ultimate goal is to live in peace.”
The practice of establishing parks without Indigenous involvement is coming to an end. Earlier in July, the Okanagan Nation, provincial and federal governments signed an MOU to work together in creating a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen area. The proposed park will cover 273 square kilometres and include significant places like kłlilx’w, also known as Spotted Lake, which is sacred to the Syilx/Okanagan people.
The Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation is developing a new caribou stewardship plan in response to the recent dramatic decline in Bathurst caribou. The plan would see eight full-time monitoring positions created to track caribou throughout the year. Currently, the First Nation employs two full-time monitors, along with four rotating monitors during the winter.
The intent of the program is to provide Indigenous Peoples with greater opportunity to exercise responsibility in stewardship of their traditional lands, waters, and ice. This announcement lists, describes and maps programs that have been funded this year as well as in previous years.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is making funding available through a new Indigenous Capacity Support Program to Indigenous people, communities and organizations to help develop skills to better participate in the new impact assessment system. Applications deadline is September 7, 2019.
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