Environment

Resolution #16 – Environmental Stewardship

The Chiefs of southern First Nations passed a resolution in environmental stewardship at the September 2004 Chiefs-in-Summit in Dakota Tipi First Nation.

THEREFORE THE CHIEFS-IN-SUMMIT RESOLVE: that First Nations must participate as active partners in any public or private environmental stewardship programs and initiatives; and

THEREFORE IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED: that all southern First Nations perform their own environmental research and studies in regards to environmental stewardship in their traditional territories; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: that the Grand Chief support and lobby for financial support from the federal and provincial governments to participate fully in all environmental stewardship programs and initiatives.

Southern First Nations Environmental Strategy

Further to Resolution #16, the SCO developed the Southern First Nations Environmental Strategy, which was accepted at a special meeting in Winnipeg in February 2005. Every southern First Nation lies within the watershed of Lake Winnipeg. The Environmental Strategy, therefore, was guided by a focus on providing solutions to Lake Winnipeg environmental problems and included the following recommendations:

Develop and implement environmental education and awareness initiatives in First Nation communities;
Ensure that the traditional and local perspectives of First Nations are included in the processes aimed at better understanding the lake. To that end, begin the formal gathering of this knowledge to supplement the scientific research currently being conducted on Lake Winnipeg;
Assess the effectiveness of First Nation wastewater facilities with respect to nitrogen and phosphorus discharges and take action to upgrade substandard systems;
Increase the capacity with respect to First Nation environment expertise and organization in Manitoba, especially as it concerns the protection of water and water-related resources, through the establishment of a First Nation Water Protection Council.

First Nations Water Protection Council

The First Nation Water Protection Council was established by Resolution at the March 2005 summit in Dakota Tipi First Nation. It is intended to serve as a new mechanism to assist communities in successfully moving toward measurable improvements and meaningful results in the environmental quality of their local environments. This council is representative of the southern First Nation tribal areas and is mandated to:

Represent Southern First Nations interests and exercise jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to water and water resources;
Direct the implementation of the Environmental Strategy;
Serve as a communication link between First Nation communities, governmental agencies, the scientific community and the public; and to
Establish a technical advisory committee.

Draft Terms of Reference

Provide leadership, identify key existing and emerging water issues, and support stewardship actions.
Promote awareness and education, encourage input, and advocate First Nation positions on matters respecting water quality and protection of water resources.
Monitor water quality research and trends, identify information gaps, and develop strategies to address existing gaps.
Assist and coordinate the development of water management plans for First Nation territories.
Provide input and advise on developments or activities that have, or may have, a negative impact on water quality.
Communicate with other tribal, organizational and governmental bodies at local, national, and international levels on water-related matters.
Participate in the development of public policies and management plans to ensure the protection and sustainable use of water resources.

Council Members

Chief Larry Barker – Hollow Water
Chief John Spence – Sandy Bay First
Chief Billyjo Delaronde – Pine Creek
Chief David Crate – Fisher River
Chief Emery Stagg – Dauphin River
Chief Debbie Chief – Brokenhead

Current Projects Under the First Nations Water Protection Council

Strategic Water Management Project (The Water Atlas)

This project involves the development of a water-related database using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. The goal of this project is to provide a tool for communities to use in their efforts to protect and manage their water resources while recognizing the cultural importance of water to First Nation peoples.

The objectives of the project are to:

Provide an underlying framework based on traditional, local, scientific knowledge and aerial imagery, within which communities will develop their respective water ‘inventories’;
Provide guidance to communities, as needed, through the Technical Advisory Committee;
Ensure consistency over the long-term in methodologies, technologies, and in data collection, archiving, management and accessibility among southern First Nations;
Develop a GIS database to manage regional and community data related to water, water management, and water protection. This GIS will be accessible to all southern First Nation communities via the internet.

Click here for more information or to become involved.

Fish Habitat Program

The SCO is working together with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) on this project. The goal is to assist communities to protect, recover and manage their fish habitat.