indigenous collaboration
Credit: Jim Germond
A collaborative effort saves Clayoquot Sound's ancient forests
The Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations will now oversee the conservation of 760 square kilometers of old-growth forests in Clayoquot Sound, with the support of philanthropic funding.
In short:
- The B.C. government and First Nations have designated 760 square kilometers of old-growth forests as protected conservancies.
- These protections nearly double the amount of safeguarded old growth in Clayoquot Sound to 1,639 square kilometers.
- Nature United provided $40 million to help First Nations buy out forestry-tenure holders, enabling this conservation effort.
Key quote:
"Collaborative work with First Nations is a cornerstone of our vision for old growth in this province."
— Bruce Ralston, B.C. minister of forests
Why this matters:
Protecting old-growth forests is important for maintaining ecosystem health, carbon storage, and cultural practices. By preserving these forests, we’re not only safeguarding the planet but also ensuring cleaner air and water for the surrounding communities. Read more: The push for standing forest protections in US climate policy.
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Credit: Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA/Photo courtesy of Natividad Chavez, BLM/Flickr
Indigenous tribes advocate for co-management of sacred lands
Indigenous tribes in northern California seek greater decision-making power over sacred lands recently protected by a national monument expansion.
In short:
- The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and allies have successfully lobbied to include Molok Luyuk in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, protecting it from wind farm development.
- Tribes are negotiating a co-stewardship agreement with federal agencies, aiming for stronger management roles over Molok Luyuk, though full co-management requires congressional approval.
- True co-management, as seen in Bears Ears National Monument, grants tribes significant decision-making power, integrating traditional knowledge into federal land management.
Key quote:
“Co-management means decision-making authority. Co-stewardship means one entity still has the decision-making authority.”
— Melissa Hovey, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument manager.
Why this matters:
Empowering Indigenous tribes in land management enhances conservation efforts and acknowledges their traditional ecological knowledge while honoring sacred sites. Read more: Giving Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante the protection they deserve.
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Credit: tinabelle/BigStock photo ID: 30407411
Canada and the US tackle mine pollution with an international study
After years of advocacy by the Ktunaxa Nation, Canada and the U.S. have agreed to an International Joint Commission inquiry into pollution from southeast B.C.'s Elk Valley coal mines.
In short:
- The inquiry aims to address contamination affecting the Elk and Kootenay rivers, with a focus on selenium's risk to aquatic life.
- Efforts include forming a governance body and a two-year study to develop action plans and understand the pollution's impact.
- Teck, the mining company, has invested over $1.4 billion in pollution mitigation, but selenium levels remain a concern.
Key quote:
“I am glad to see that the U.S. and Canada are finally taking their commitments to Indigenous Peoples, the environment and the international Boundary Waters Treaty seriously.”
— Gary Aitken Jr., vice chairman of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Why this matters:
The initiative represents an important step toward addressing a century-long pollution issue in southeast B.C., focusing on health outcomes and the environment. Coal extraction and coal burning pollutes the planet and threatens ecosystems in myriad insidious ways.
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Credit: Adam Baker/Flickr
This B.C. bighorn sheep herd’s fight for survival
Between a mysterious illness, dangerous weather and vanishing habitat, a herd of bighorn sheep almost disappeared from Tobacco Plains Indian Band’s backyard. To bring them back means returning the land to how it looked generations ago.
Credit: Donna S/Flickr
Talbert Cypress: In Florida Everglades, our tribal conservation plan will end drilling in Big Cypress for good
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida has a plan to stop the drilling and protect the aquifer.
Credit: The EITI/Nelson David Alonso Charry/Flickr
Renewable energy drive for Indigenous groups in Colombia
Local communities and indigenous groups can now set up partnerships to produce and sell renewable energy.
Credit: Consumers Energy/Flickr
Saugeen Ojibway Nation scrutinizes TC Energy's pumped hydro proposal
The Saugeen Ojibway Nation is closely examining the ambitious Ontario hydroelectric storage project to ensure environmental, cultural and economic considerations are met.
- TC Energy's $4.5-billion plan involves drawing water from Lake Huron's Georgian Bay, storing it in an upslope reservoir and returning it through turbines to generate power for southern Ontario as needed.
- Saugeen Ojibway Nation is conducting field trips to similar TC Energy projects and holding educational sessions to better understand the project's impacts.
- TC Energy is working hard to overcome a spotty environmental record and convince Indigenous leaders that they have learned from past mistakes and can be a trusted partner.
Key quote:
"We’ve put it in writing: we will not do this project if we don’t have the support of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. We will walk away.”
— John Mikkelsen, TC Energy’s solutions director
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