On July 11, Swan River First Nation (SRFN) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) signed a Relationship and Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
According to a joint news release, the goal is “aimed at advancing boreal forest conservation initiatives within Treaty 8 Territory.”
Todd Bailey is the consultation director for Swan River First Nation.
“The collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada is an important step in honouring our stewardship responsibilities and protecting our traditional lands,” says Bailey.
“By integrating our cultural practices and knowledge with conservation efforts, we can ensure a sustainable future for our community and the boreal forest.”
Michael Nadler, CEO of Ducks Unlimited Canada, agrees.
“We are honoured to collaborate with Swan River First Nation, a community with a deep and rich knowledge and culture rooted in this forest landscape, which is a vital ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and holds immense cultural significance,” he says.
“This MOU reflects our commitment to building strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.”
The news release says, “This MOU represents a significant step towards fostering a mutually respectful and collaborative partnership dedicated to preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of the boreal forest while integrating the deep knowledge and experience Swan River residents hold in the local landscape.”
DUC and SRFN plan to work on “key projects” that “blend SRFN’s Indigenous knowledge with DUC’s scientific expertise.”
The news release mentions two projects: a wetland field guide and climate change modeling initiatives.
The partnership is guided by principles from four directives which call for best practices for fruitful Indigenous and non-Indigenous interactions. The First Nation Information Governance Centre’s Owernship, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP), Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and recommendations from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) inquiry.
“The boreal landscape, with its vast and diverse forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, is integral to the cultural traditions and values of SRFN,” states the news release.
“Recognizing the importance of this ecosystem, SRFN is committed to protecting its territory and inherent rights through its stewardship responsibilities. DUC, a leading non-governmental, not-for-profit conservation organization, shares this commitment, and with these aligning goals this partnership underscores the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge, culture, and perspectives into conservation efforts.”
The MOU is for three years, and can be extended if the groups agree. Each group is looking for funding sources for the work.
The news release adds, “SRFN and DUC are committed to respecting the diversity of local communities, sustaining the ecological and cultural wellbeing of the boreal forest, increasing shared knowledge on wetland conservation, and weaving together scientific and traditional knowledge to achieve collective conservation goals.”