Wahkohtowin Attends the Canadian Ecological Connectivity Conference in Banff

In April, three members of our Wahkohtowin team—Elena, Stevie, and Carly—traveled to Treaty 7 territory in Banff, Alberta to attend the first-ever Canadian Ecological Connectivity Conference. Hosted by Parks Canada and the Yellowstone to Yukon Collaborative, the gathering brought together leaders in conservation, research, and stewardship from across the country to explore what it means to maintain and restore ecological connections.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear sharing teachings about the buffalo.

Connecting Across the Land: Reflections from the Canadian Ecological Connectivity Conference

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in panels and presentations on topics ranging from Indigenous governance and land stewardship to wildlife crossings, freshwater biodiversity, and sustainable funding. It was a full and inspiring agenda, offering both practical tools and visionary goals for the future of ecological connectivity in Canada.

We were honoured to hear opening remarks from Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Kainai Elder Wilton Goodstriker, and Bill Snow of the Stoney Nakoda Tribal Administration. Bill Snow’s words grounded the gathering in the deep histories of the place we were meeting. He generously shared traditional Stoney Nakoda names and teachings connected to the local landscape, including:

• Mînî Rhpa (the waterfalls) – Cascade Mountain

• Mînî Cah-day (hot water mountain) – Sulphur Mountain, a healing site with natural springs

• Mînî Wanka (lake of the spirits) – Lake Minnewanka

• Eyarhey Tatanga Woweyahgey Wakân (sacred buffalo guardian mountain) – Tunnel Mountain, shaped like a buffalo lying down, protecting water and medicines in the area

  
  

For our team, these teachings were a reminder of how language and land are deeply connected—and how honouring place-based knowledge is essential in all conservation work.

Mike Oka Jr., Elena McCulloch, and Bill Snow took part in the Indigenous Stewardship Panel.

A Wahkohtowin Voice on the Panel

One of the highlights of the conference was seeing Elena McCulloch, our Conservation Projects Lead, represent Wahkohtowin on the Indigenous Stewardship panel alongside Bill Snow and Mike Oka Jr. from the Blood Tribe. Elena shared updates on the Height of Land Ecological Corridor, one of our core initiatives that aims to enhance both ecological and cultural connectivity across our Owner Nations' territories.

This project is about more than conservation—it’s about creating space for Indigenous-led planning, governance, and long-term stewardship. It also contributes to the national and international goals of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030.

Elena, Carly, and Stevie during the conference field trip to Mt. Norquay.

Learning, Sharing, and Bringing It Home

As the conference wrapped up, our team left with new relationships, new inspiration, and new ideas for how to bring these lessons back to Treaty 9. We’re grateful to Parks Canada for the invitation and to all the speakers who shared their knowledge with such generosity.

A big chi-miigwetch to everyone who made this gathering possible. We’re excited to keep building connections—across landscapes, communities, and Nations.

Written by: Carly Jackson