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Batchewana Natural Resources (BNR)
Words of the Month: Moccassin Waabigwan
Moccassin Waabigwan (Moccassin Flower) takes 10 years from germination to reach the flowering stage and should not be picked. This orchid is known for its beauty and rarity. It can be found in several places in BFN’s territory.
!!!Animal Sightings!!!
There have been bear and wolf sightings around the Rankin area. Please be cautious of surroundings, especially at night when these mammals have been spotted. Animals may attack when provoked so please, keep your distance and respect their territory.
Mukwa Trail
Phase I of the Mukwa Trail has been completed. An excavator was used to drain water from the trail and build ditches for better water flow. Phase II is well on its way with construction of durable bridging as well as BFN signage at access points to the trail. Please use the Mukwa Trail with respect.
Tobacco Harvest
Volunteers are needed to assist with BNR’s tobacco harvest. A meeting will be held in the BNR office Thursday August 26, 2010 at 6pm to confirm attendance
Commercial Fisheries Update
Please be respectful and stay off the docks. Goulais Bay docks will be closely monitored. Meegwetch!
Pop Can And Chocolate Bar Fire
The only tools you need to make fire
Remove chocolate from wrapper
Use chocolate to polish bottom of pop can
Collect tinder and wood
Use the sun’s rays and bottom of polished pop can to create a smoulder
Blow smoulder into a flame and onto wood
Sit back and enjoy your warm fire
Welcome Blueberry Moon!
Forest Fire Prevention
The summer season is forecasted to be a dry one, please keep these forest fire prevention tips in mind before lighting up!
Background Information
In 2008, BFN Chief and Council created the Natural Resources Department to manage, sustain, protect and fulfill our obligations as Caretakers of Mother Earth. This philosophy coupled with the protection of BFN Inherent and Treaty Rights serve as the foundation and provide the standards for the department and its progress.
BNR Crew
Danny Sayers Jr. ~ Natural Resources Coordinator Carrie Virta ~ Fisheries Technician
Mary Jane McCormick ~ Contaminants Researcher
Leanne Sewell ~ Administrative Assistant
James Roach - GIS Planner
Mike Sim - Summer Student
Monitoring Technician - Erin Robinson
Paul Johnson, Derrell Johnson, Mark Agawa, Bill McCabe, Isadare Agawa, Ken Virta
Projects The Natural Resources Department will involve but is not limited to Forestry; Commercial Fishing; Mining; Fish and Wildlife; Environmental Assessment; Membership’s Permits; Guests Permits; Enforcement/Field Monitoring; Eco-Tourism; Fire Management; Infrastructure; roads, bridges, etc.; Water Management; Map Information; Natural Resources Research; Public Safety; Non-timber Forest Products; Sustainable harvest of flora Corridors for Life:
Helping to protect and restore habitat and fish and wildlife populations under Great Lakes power transmission lines. How you can help:
Contaminants Research:
June 2010 Our Contaminants Researcher, Mary Jane McCormick, is back in the office to complete year two of the Contaminants Project. You will see her around the Root River collecting plants to be tested for harmful chemicals.
We are looking for voluteers to help build a safe walking trail to the Root River. Plans include building bridges, brushing out a trail and adding gravel to the Nature Trail located in Rankin Reserve (Batchewana Band Industries through to the Root River) Please contact Mary Jane McCormick for more details 759-0914 ext. 240 Fisheries Department
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About Us Guiding Principles
Our Traditional values and spirituality shall be respected at all times
Anishinabe knowledge and practices shall be incorporated into all land planning activities
Incorporate a meaningful consultation and participation process for BFN membership
Encourage a wide range of environmental and social benefits while achieving economic viability
Management operations shall maintain and/or enhance the long-term social and economic well being of BFN.
Management will maintain the integrity of ecological functions, biological diversity, water resources, soil, and fragile ecosystems and landscapes
Management shall respect all BFN by-laws, national and international laws
Consult with BFN planning committees before any permit is issued
Incorporate preventive measure and actions rather than the reactive band aide solutions to preserve our lands and fulfill our duties and obligations.
To sustain and maintain the practices in which we are traditionally in the habit of doing as recognized in the Robinson Treaty of 1850.
Vision
BFN Territory has provided for our people from the time immemorial and it is our obligation and duty to protect Mother Earth by managing our resources in ways which reflect our culture. Ongoing dialogue with BFN Elders and other Anishinabe knowledgeable people is necessary to ensure;
suitable balance for sustainable natural resources plans
that the harvest activities and decisions undertaken are to the benefit of all BFN members
protect the interest for future generations.
Goals
BFN is managing our Natural Resources within BFN’s Territory in a sustainable manner that reflects our Anishinabe responsibilities as protectors of the land. Achieving this goal involves;
generating opportunities and capitalizing on economic development and sustainable employment opportunities for all BFN members a process of land consolidation, jurisdiction and sovereignty, which includes our Inherent and Treaty Rights to all BFN’s lands.
Objectives and Strategies
The primary objective of the Batchewana Natural Resources department is to cultivate and promote the health of the land, air and water for our future generations which will be balanced by the current needs of the community. This principal objective embraces four key interdependent components:
sustainability practices
community needs
jurisdiction
sovereignty
Ongoing Policy/Regulation Development
BNR has in draft format an operating Resource Management Plan and a BFN Sustainable Forestry Management Plan. Other evolving policies include harvest/recreational camp policy and application guide (final draft); non-commercial harvesting application for visiting First Nations; hunting and harvesting safety; land usage application and permit for commercial/industrial operations; harassment and complaints form; chainsaw safety policy.
These documents have largely been created on an “as needed basis.” However, with the completion and approval of the BNR Resource Management Plan the Department will have a manual which will direct and proactively implement future policy.
Economic Development
Economic initiatives have been strongly directed and influenced by Batchewana First Nation’s cultural and economic interests and key to any potential partnership BNR has held that economic gain will not supercede the integrity of the environment or its protection. Currently, the exploration of renewable energy initiatives (wind power, solar power) is being explored as well as mining.
Logging and Gargantua Legal Team
BNR is an active participant in the meetings and initiatives proposed by the Legal Team with BFN Chief and Council approval. The Logging and Gargantua Community Information Session held on January 22/09 and the Elders Workshop January 23/09 are two of the most recent community and educational initiatives which have occurred.
Upcoming BNR Collaborations/Initiatives
Regional First Nations Contaminants Program Proposal; Blueberry and other berry products project; GIS Programming (meeting with North Shore Tribal Counsel and Natural Resource Canada); Species at Risk (ongoing) ; Accessing First Nations Forest Program Fund; Researching and securing other funding sources; Creating a Steering Committee for Economic Ventures/Partnerships
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Managing our commercial fisheries resources to the optimum benefit of BFN while respecting our environmental concerns. |
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