Dena Kayeh Institute and protecting Dene K'eh Kusān (The People's Way We Follow) An interview with the Director of Culture and Land Stewardship, Gillian Staveley, at the Dena Kayeh Insitute. |
"Protecting the land is such a sacred responsibility: we know that in our lifetime, there's a lot that needs to be done to make sure that our lands and our waters are safeguarded. We know firsthand how much our culture and our well-being are tied to that, and we don't want to put our communities in jeopardy." |
The Kaska communities recognize the importance of their territories' health as directly tied to their well-being. Like their ancestors, the Kaska continue to steward the land and view it as a sacred responsibility. Part of this continued reclamation and resurgence of the Dene way of life has been through the work that the Dena Kayeh Institute (DKI) has led over the past decade. DKI has spearheaded the proposal for an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) to build this resurgence. The IPCA is known as Dene K'eh Kusān, translating to "the people's way we follow." This area is the most extensive intact landscape in Northern British Columbia, encompassing 40,000 square kilometres of ancestral territory. The name and territory selected represent the relationship between people and land. Linking cultural, spiritual, stewardship and governance of their ancestral ways to present communities. |
As leaders concerned for the well-being of the future, DKI wishes to partner with all crown governments and partners, particularly with the Province of BC, to help advance Kaska's vision for Dena Kayeh. Ultimately ensuring climate strategies benefit the land and future generations. Gillian emphasized, "If we really are going to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 to address those climate change concerns, it really can't be done without Indigenous Nations." |
The lead-up to this IPCA application by DKI has been decades in the making. Elders have led this reclamation work to unite the Nation on what matters most. More recently, out of this grassroots initiative, DKI has been working on multiple strategies and media outreach to gain support for its vision. DKI has made a short film to showcase the vision of Dene K'eh Kusān available on their website. It is hoped efforts may support the legislation of Dene K'eh Kusān IPCA. |
Angus Macdonald and Gillian Staveley |
Along this journey, Gillian shared a challenge of this work is shifting leadership to Indigenous people leading the way forward, especially in conservation. However, with the continued Reconciliation at all levels of our society and Indigenous resurgence, we are on our way—furthermore, Gillian's insights from this journey of Indigenous stewardship. It is the recommendation that other Nations pursuing similar stewardship initiatives should not feel pressure to do stewardship under someone else's worldview and process. |
"Our land and our waters are not something to be rushed. We're doing this for future generations. We have to do it right. We need to take the time to listen to the stories of our elders and give space to those reconciliation reconnection journeys that are taking place. Also, make sure we leave space for our young people to learn and be part of these initiatives. It's so much bigger than one thing." |
Please join us at the 3rd annual First Nations of BC Annual Emergency Management Forum to discuss national and regional emergency strategies with leadership and other emergency management professionals. |
Attendees will hear, first hand on the latest on issues that impact their Nations' and agencies |
Clear Seas' Indigenous Internship Program is an initiative to conduct inclusive maritime-related research that integrates Traditional Knowledge and builds research capacity within Indigenous communities. Open to post-secondary students and non-academic learners across Canada. |
The program offers a 4-6 month, hands-on, paid, part-time learning and developmental experience. Participants work with the program team to conduct their own research or maritime related research topic of importance to an Indigenous community. |
The Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Skills and Training (ISAT) program supports Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations in increasing Indigenous participation in agriculture, seafood, food processing and related community economic development initiatives. |
The 2023/24 program provides up to $80,000 in funding per project according to program objectives of increased capacity, skill development, traditional cultural, economical food harvesting and knowledge transfer. |
The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) supports the engagement of Indigenous leadership in implementing the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Providing funding promotes the conservation, protection and recovery of Target species and their habitats on Indigenous territories. |
The funding for a project in one year can range from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligible activities include protecting, preserving, improving, and reducing threats to habitats, planning, monitoring, recording Indigenous knowledge, public outreach, and educational initiatives. |
The National Adaptation Strategy & Hydrologic Predicition and Innovation provides funding for several related initiatives. Funding can range from $80,000-$800,000 per project per year. Applicants may apply to any of the following streams: - Stream 1: Priority Climate Data, Services, and Assessments
- Stream 2: Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP)
- Stream 3: Hydrologic Prediction
- Stream 4: Innovation In Hydrometry
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There are currently three vacant case study positions available in the 2024 series, and successful candidates will be awarded a research stipend of $15,000. |
The Indigenous Climate Hub website includes a section of the website dedicated to an online library of resources. The library offers access to stories, studies, articles, and media resources related to Indigenous people's work or the related impact of climate change. |
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