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Wildlife Conservation
We are stewards of our Lands, and its brother and sister species.
WE ARE PROTECTORS
Our responsibility to the walkers, flyers, crawlers, and swimmers is recognizing our interconnectedness and acting on it.
Indigenous participation in wildlife conservation combines our knowledge as People being stewards of our Lands for thousands of years with innovation and collaboration with forestry partners.
Conservation protects and manages habitats, controls invasive species, and reduces human-wildlife conflicts. Indigenous wildlife conservation engages local Communities and involves them in the conservation effort, with contributions of shared knowledge, innovation in programs, and alternative approaches to maintaining ecosystem balance.
Wildlife conservation programs and initiatives within Communities advances our rights to steward our Lands, revitalize our culture and create economic particiation opportunities.
Indigenous-led conservation is the most effective and equitable way to safeguard habitat, reverse wildlife loss and reduce climate change.
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Studies show that Indigenous-managed lands boast higher levels of biodiversity — unsurprising, given millennia of stewardship experience."
BROTHER AND SISTER SPECIES
Indigenous cultures and animal species have a deep-rooted and interconnected relationship that has developed over thousands of years. Many indigenous cultures have a strong spiritual and cultural connection to specific animal species, which play a central role in their beliefs, traditions, and way of life. These species are often considered sacred and are protected and revered.
In turn, the presence and health of these species are integral to the well-being and cultural identity of indigenous communities. However, the decline of indigenous animal species due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation is a threat to both the survival of these species and the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. C
Conservation efforts that prioritize the protection of indigenous animal species and the preservation of traditional indigenous knowledge and practices are crucial in ensuring the survival of both cultural and biological diversity.
MOOSE RECOVERY PROGRAM
We need your support to continue our efforts .
Wahkohtowin Development’s three owner First Nations are looking to take up their traditional role as stewards of the moose population on their territories by independently monitoring moose while also collaborating with the province to improve how habitat is managed.
Moose are a cultural keystone species for First Nations in Ontario. They are a vital link in a community’s connection to the land and to tradition.
For the past two decades, Moose have been declining in Ontario, and Indigenous communities have expressed concern about moose numbers as well as their health, including possible transmission of disease or contaminants through meat. Indigenous peoples use the phrase ‘all my relations’ in this meaning they are referring to all animals, all plants, all ecosystems, all people that interrelate and rely on each other for sustainability
ACTIVE CALL FOR DONATIONS
In addition to our grant applications and Community support we are welcoming donations from Forestry & Conservation allies to continue our efforts. If you are interested in more information please reach out to David Flood, Wahkohtowin's General Manager.
Wahkohtowin is actively working on behalf of our owner communities on developing monitoring protocols and submitting proposals to Ontario and the forest industry. Our priorities are to;
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Carry out seasonal monitoring activities with local Indigenous youth as part of our Guardian Program.
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Provide monitoring data directly to our communities Lands and Resource departments.
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Develop improved methods for identifying critical late winter moose habitat, to be integrated into forest management planning in Ontario.
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Compel forest managers to cease herbicide spraying in areas that provide browse for moose, especially areas used by moose in critical seasons like fall and winter.
RESOURCES
The Moose ᒨᔅᐤ is cultural keystone for our People.
We've compiled resources to help our Communities understand the objectives and habitat requirements to preserve their species.
WE ARE WAHKOHTOWIN
Our People
and Lands have stories to tell
We have been stewards of our lands and waters for thousands of years. Today, we find richness and vibrance through innovation for a conservation economy, the revitalization of our culture and practices, and rekindling our relationship with our Land.
Join our conversation, and share in our collaborative approach to ensure sustainability and harmony within our lands, our people, and our livelihoods for future generations.
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