2013 Edition

Prince Albert Model Forest Celebrates the Gifts of Gene Kimbley

Prince Albert Model Forest’s International Projects

Michael Newman Retires

Knowledge: The Greatest Gift to Share

The Saskatchewan Resource Ranger Program

Helping Mother Earth

Saskatchewan Forestry Association

Island Forests Management Plan, Aboriginal Participation

Coexisting with the Wild Plains Bison

Inside:

For the past 20 years, Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF) has been working within a network of Model Forests across Canada engaging forest stakeholders from a broad range of backgrounds, to create a forum for discussion and developing new opportunities, adapting to current realities, and becoming resilient to future issues that may arise.

Model Forests are large-scale, forest-based landscapes that encompass a variety of land uses and values, resource management administrations, and land ownership. As a member of the Canadian Model Forest Network, Prince Albert Model Forest plays an important role within the International Model Forest Network particularly with our trilateral agreement between Vilhelmina Model Forest, Sweden and Alto Malleco Model Forest, Chile. We are also collaborating to build a research network among the

international circumboreal sites and participate in collaborative efforts with the Baltic Landscapes.

In addition to providing real support to the forest sector, the Prince Albert Model Forest assists with capacity building in our communities providing skill development, training and certification. We contribute to changing how the forest is viewed and the values it holds, not only from an economic perspective, but also the non-timber values and resources that it provides. Of the many forest management factors in which we make contributions, we plan for the effects of climate change and managing sensitive and at risk populations. We work to identify relevant regional themes, integrating and harmonizing these into meaningful projects at the local, grassroots level.

With our trusted history of program implementation and facilitation, PAMF provides a framework and platform for action that is cross-sectoral, works at multiple scales, and has a global perspective through its interaction with the International Model Forest Network. It also provides a program that has a longer-term vision, which is neutral in its approach; as a result we are able to facilitate between diverse interests and priorities, and act as an honest broker. By bringing together the knowledge, experience, and expertise through its stakeholders and experience, tools and guidance to provide assistance through this changing time can be developed, tested and implemented, on multiple scales and on a range of topics.

PAMF Board of Directors and ObserversFront row (left-right): Pat Dunn, Prince Albert National Park (PANP); Bernadette Slager, Saskatchewan Forestry Association (SFA); Sindy Nicholson, Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF); Joanne Kowalski, Ministry of Agriculture; Susan Carr, Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF) & Mika Carriere, PAMF

Back row (left-right): Richard Ananas, Beardy’s Resource Ranger; Volker Schmid, U of R - Germany Bachelor thesis student; Kenelm Grismer, Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC); Curtis Braaten, Conservation Learning Centre (CLC); Mark Johnston, PAMF President; Mike Bendzsak, Association of Saskatchewan Forestry Professionals (ASFP); Larry White, CLC; Alfred Gamble, Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation; Dwayne Dye, Ministry of Environment – Forest Service (MoE)

Prince Albert Model Forest Celebrates the Gifts of Gene Kimbley The world seems emptier since August 2012, when the Prince Albert Model Forest and the Canadian and International Model Forest Networks lost our dear friend Gene Kimbley at the age of 74.Gene was born on April 23, 1938 in Ile-a-la-Crosse, SK and raised in Beauval, SK. From an early age, Gene loved hunting, fishing and hockey. He left home to attend St. Thomas College in North Battleford in order to further his education and pursue a career in hockey. He achieved his dream of becoming a professional hockey player by signing with the Chicago Blackhawks and playing in the Pacific Coast Hockey League with the old Saskatoon Quakers and Calgary Stampeders hockey clubs. He was also inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the champion Anavets hockey club. Gene’s next career, which suited his love and passion for the outdoors, would last 50 years; first as a conservation officer, and then as a consultant and senior manager in the natural resources and economic development industries. During this time, Gene and wife Patricia raised their fam-ily while being stationed in a number of Saskatchewan communities including La Ronge, La Loche, Arborfield, Armit, Mistat-im, Pelly, Shellbrook and Prince Albert. Gene was integral in the beginnings of the Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF) in 1992 representing Montreal Lake Cree Nation then Prince Albert Grand Council on the Board of Directors. During that time he worked on the First Nation Forestry Program and for 15 years was involved in a variety of projects from site preparation, tree planting and inventories, business development and conferences. He eventu-ally served as the General Manager of the PAMF for over five years until his retire-ment from that role in March, 2007. Gene was Saskatchewan’s representa-tive on the National Aboriginal Forestry Association for many years, he was se-lected to attend several Intertribal Timber Conferences in the United States and was a member of the Joint Forestry Advisory

Council. Most recently he worked on projects for the Canadian Forest Service’s Aboriginal Forestry Initiative with Primrose Resources Ltd Partnership.During his time with the Model Forest, Gene was involved in planting the seed for the Vilhelmina Model Forest, Europe’s first Model Forest. In 2002, Canada was invited to Stockholm to make a presenta-tion about the International Model Forest Network. Leif Jougda, a land-use expert with Sweden’s National Board of For-estry heard the presentation and became interested in the Model Forest approach to resolving land-use conflicts. Leif met Gene Kimbley at the 2003 World Forestry Congress in Quebec City and in March 2004, invited Gene to northern Sweden with other Aboriginal representatives of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN). Together they spent four days in northern Sweden meeting with foresters, industry representatives, biologists, private landowners and indigenous Sami people and by September 1, 2004, the Vilhelmina Model Forest was officially launched. In 2006, through his efforts with the PAMF, Gene introduced the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger program which has since celebrated over 400 grad-uates from ten northern Saskatchewan communities. Gene firmly believed in the importance of educating youth. He knew that by believing in them, and providing them with skill development in the natural resources, grounded in an understanding of their own culture, they could find their way to developing pride in their culture and confidence in themselves. Gene believed in the strength of groups collaborating to help each other find solu-tions to their challenges. He was instru-mental in establishing the First Nations Island Forest Management Inc which for-malized collaboration between 12 bands to work together as a stronger unit in caring for the forests of their traditional lands.Four years ago, Gene and wife Patricia returned to his home community of Beau-val where he served as CEO of Primrose

Resources Ltd Partnership to facilitate economic development in his home and surrounding communities. Gene enjoyed his work so much he never retired and contin-ued his community enhancement efforts and mentoring right up until his passing. For those who met Gene, they will remem-ber his great sense of humour, his strong faith, and his capacity to renew spirit in others. Gene was a healer, he helped us to believe in ourselves, he taught us to recognize blessings, and he showed us the strength in working together to help each other. Ma maw wechehetowin.Gene left behind the love of his life, Patricia Mason, their three children Kelly, Kim and Tammy and his pride and joy, his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Gene and Patricia would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Septem-ber 8th of 2012.

Gene, accompanied by Robert Ermine, presenting the first Junior Forest Ranger Graduate with her Certificate, August 2006

Prince Albert Model Forest

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Regenerating the Model Forest – Our Skills for Hire

The Prince Albert Model Forest now offers you, on a fee-for-service basis, the skills we have developed through our 21 year history, the expertise of our broad partner base and the support you need to achieve sustainable resource-based communities.

Started in Canada in 1992 during a time where major conflict was happening in the forest sector, when challenges existed with access and rights to re-sources, and when questions arose to how to manage them sustainably, the success of the Model Forest concept was quickly realized, with people from a wide range of backgrounds finding a neutral forum in which to find com-mon solutions. Model Forests were originally created as Canada’s largest outdoor forest laboratory and were comprised of large-scale, forest-based landscapes and communities encompassing a variety of land use priorities and values, resource management administrations, and land ownership. We belong to the Canadian Model Forest Network and the International Model Forest Network of which there are now over 60 sites in 30 countries.

In the final 2013-14 year of known (but significantly reduced) federal funding to the program, we focus on building the existing multi-stakeholder platform for delivering activities. Through diversifying our partnership base and focusing on a few key thematic areas, we strive to create a sustainable and resilient Model Forest.

• Does your organization need expertise in traditional knowledge gathering and community engagement?

• Would you benefit from access to a network of researchers and universities, Aboriginal communities, all governments and industry?

• Could you use help with conference facilitation, logistics, registrations and reporting?

• Could you grow your business if you could tap into national and international communities?

Here’s what some of our current partners say about their organization’s commitment to the PAMF:

Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation – When the forest industry opens up, we need to develop our capacity, address housing issues, and provide opportunities for our huge population of youth under 25. PAMF has provided the opportunity to do a number of projects:

PAMF’s Junior Forest Ranger program (JFR) has shown that the majority of graduates have either stayed in school or found jobs. Their resumes with all the skills and certificates they earn in that program are impressive for future employers. We estimate that a direct benefit of that program has seen an annual savings to social services of $300.0K for all the kids who no longer need to claim welfare.

I can’t stress enough how important the PAMF board has been for us. The benefits of this partnership have opened doors to other partners and opportunities and these have had a major impact for us. Through the partnership, we have been able to complement community initiatives in the land use planning, solar panels for our hockey rink, begin a water quality study, and a climate change modelling and community vulnerability assessment. This is a crucial program for us.

Prince Albert Model Forest – We have just completed Legacy film project for the Interna-tional Model Forest Network which involved gathering inter-views from people involved in our 4 year traditional knowl-edge gathering research project “Learning from our Elders”. Listening to interviews recorded in the footage demonstrates PAMF is important to a lot of people. Those interviews ex-pressed that everyone benefits from this partnership, working together and helping each other. Through the Junior Forest Ranger program since 2006, we’ve seen community commit-ment to maintain the program even without funding.

Saskatchewan Research Council – Our organization participates at the PAMF Board table with three staff members representing different organizations. We have a long history of developing joint funding proposals with the PAMF. As long as PAMF exists, we remain committed.

Conservation Learning Centre – Partnership with PAMF has provided the opportunity to start their alley cropping demonstration plot and to be involved in the Community Garden at Beardy’s.

Prince Albert Grand Council – We’ve been able to do a lot of projects through the PAMF including caribou research, Junior Forest Rangers, and the community FireSmart program. It’s in PAGC’s best interests to remain committed to the PAMF partnership.

Canadian Institute of Forestry – We see the value of the partnership and networks. Like the Model Forest, we’re also looking at hosting conferences so we’re all working together to achieve the same outcomes.

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The Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF) has a long history of engagement with interna-tional projects. It goes back to the World Forestry Congress held in Quebec City in 2003. The General Manager at the time, the late Gene Kimbley, met with Leif Jougda who would eventually become the GM of the Vilhelmina Model Forest in northern Sweden. Gene and Leif met at the Congress and discussed the concept of the model forest and how it could bring a diverse set of stakeholders together to solve problems, address conflict and develop new models of sustainable forest management. The outcome of the discussions was that the Vilhelmina Model Forest (VMF) was formed as an arena for dealing with land use conflicts, mostly related to the effects of resource development on Sami reindeer herders’ husbandry activi-ties. PAMF mentored the early development of the VMF and set the stage for further inter-action between the two model forests.

Since 2003 there have been a number of aboriginal youth exchanges between PAMF and VMF, and we developed a cookbook using traditional recipes from aboriginal com-munities in the two model forest areas. We continue to look for ways to collaborate with VMF, and are currently finishing up a four year project called “Learning From Our El-ders” in which aboriginal students have been interviewing community elders about climate change and the role caribou/reindeer play in their communities.

PAMF has also played a role more broadly in international work. The International Model Forest Network (IMFN) is made up of approximately 60 model forests in over 30 countries worldwide. The International Networking Committee was created within the IMFN to facilitate and encourage col-laboration among the international model forests. Each of the six regional model forest

networks is represented on the committee, and the president of PAMF has served as the Canadian Model Forest Network representa-tive since 2008. This has given PAMF good insight into opportunities for international collaboration, one example of which is the Trilateral Agreement between PAMF, VMF and the Alto Malleco Model Forest in Chile. The agreement identified areas of mutual interest and sets the stage for collaboration on projects and exchanges of stakehold-ers. Proposals are in development to seek funding for supporting further collaboration among the three model forests.

Another recent development is the creation in 2012 of the Baltic Landscapes Network, a new European project that will result in the formation of four to six new model forests in the Baltic Sea region. The new model forests will be mentored by VMF and existing model forests in Russia, particu-larly the Komi Model Forest in northwest Russia. Discussions are underway regarding opportunities for collaboration between the members of the Baltic Landscapes network and the Canadian Model Forest Network, with PAMF playing a prominent role.

PAMF will continue to explore opportuni-ties for working internationally through the regional and international model forest networks and other similar groups that share our belief that collaboration provides more benefits than working individually.

A young jack pine, carefully tended eventually will tower over this forest, developing a tough layer of bark, stiff needles and a strong core. Similar to that of Mr. Michael Newman, with 38 years of commitment to forestry, we congratulate you! Just like that pine tree, we know you’re tough as bark, firm enough to weather the storms and although you may be strong, deep down you are a good hearted man.

Ending his career where he first began, Mike retired in Edmonton at the Northern Forestry Center with the Canadian Forest Service (CFS). His achievements throughout the years spanned across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Starting as a forestry intern with CFS he went on to try out tree planting, fire fighting and being a forest technician. His experience landed him a position in Prince Albert, SK which lasted for 27 years. Major projects he has overseen included: Maintaining Our Forests program, Forest Resource Development Agreements, Afforestation 2020 program, the Prince Albert Model Forest and Forest Communities program and the First Nation Forestry Program.

Michael was integral in getting the Prince Albert Model Forest started in 1992 and has been an ongoing member and champion throughout its history. In the First Nations Forestry program he worked closely with

First Nations communities under the Prince Albert Grand Council. He shares “I have had an excellent career with the Canadian Forest Service. I believe I have made a bit of a difference in the various communities I have worked with. Some of the highlights have been working with the Model Forests in Prince Albert and Manitoba, The Junior Forest Ranger programs in Saskatchewan, The Envirothon programs in Saskatchewan and Alberta. It’s good to know that the summer students that we worked with in Prince Albert office are now making major contributions to forestry in Saskatchewan.”

Mike’s Model Forest friends presented him with a number of gifts to take into his next adventures in life. The Prince Albert Model Forest presented a beautiful leather vest and a hand crafted antler carving, the First Nations community of Beardy’s & Okemasis presented him with a painting, and PAGC gifted him with a warm star blanket. Mike shared with us all “I will really miss working with all my contacts and friends I have made over the years. However, I will be back for hunting in Alberta in the fall and canoeing in Saskatchewan.”

Good luck to you Mike in your future endeavours! You will be missed.

-Your friends at the Prince Albert Model Forest.

Prince Albert Model Forest’s International Activities

Michael Newman Retires

Prince Albert Model Forest: Susan Carr GM, Mike, Bernadette Slager and Mika Carriere

Official Signing of the first trilateral agreement between the Model Forests of Prince Albert, Vilhelmina, Sweden, and Alto Malleco, Chile at the Canadian Model Forest Network’s AGM hosted by PAMF at Elk Ridge, SK June 2011.

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researchers and land managers. The final product presents valuable TEK stories collected from Elders in various communities across northern Saskatchewan. Knowledge collected was focused around Woodland caribou habitat, health, land use impacts and climate change history.

Looking at the bigger picture, Naomi Carriere shares “We’ve had over ten communities that have been involved in the Learning from Our Elders project, so they range in communities from the north, looking at Brochet, Manitoba; Southend, Grandmother’s Bay, Stanley Mission, Sucker River, La Ronge, Deschambeault Lake, Denare Beach, Cumberland House, and Prince Albert. So if we look at the number of communities that we’ve involved, and the number of people that have been hired, and also provided honorariums through interviews, we have well over a 100 people that have participated in the project.”

“It’s really important to validate those youth and those elders and their connection to their culture, but also taking them into a new direction as well – getting them interacting in their communities and also through their activities that they’re most comfortable doing, like fishing, and trapping, and reindeer husbandry. I think that it really highlights role models that come out in different ways. It’s not a role model that you would typically think of on a poster per se, but it’s looking at people and how they are connected to their community, and their activities and their culture. They are the true stewards of the land.”

Gail Clarke and her husband Raymond have dedicated their lives to living off the land and staying connected to their cultural traditions. Being the appointed “Elder” of the group, Gail became our fluent Cree speaking guide. As a teacher, she was patient and kind. In her own words she shared her thoughts about joining the project; “I jumped at the chance of doing it! – From my perspective, like talking to the Elders, everything to them is interrelated, it’s interconnected. It’s sort of the holistic approach to life. You can’t have one without the other.” Her heart was

The greatest gift to share is one of

KNOwLeDGe

very connected to the Elders within her community, she even suggested to the PAMF “To start a library of that knowledge… we could learn, not just about Woodland caribou, but many other different things.”

Mika Carriere, the Projects Officer with the PAMF requested to be part of the project. She was fortunate to have the assistance of her father, Clifford Carriere, a fluent Cree speaker who is well-respected by the Elders in her community. He became a big part of the project. She shares “It’s a gift that he’s giving me in order to understand my Swampy Cree language, and also to get to know each of these Elders, because time is very precious. We only have them for a little while on this earth and I’m very thankful that they’re taking that time, and letting me talk to them, letting me get to understand the history of what’s gone on in our community and what’s happening here on the land today.”

One of the Elders involved shared with the group “When we speak in our language, we speak with what we truly know and how our ancestors have passed on the knowledge to us and how we still use it. If they do it the right way, if they listen to our people with their first language, whether it’s Cree with the different dialects that we use or whether it’s the Déne languages, or whether it’s the Salteaux languages, Algonquin or Ojibwa we need to have an understanding of working together, I love that, you know. – There has to be trust; are they coming here to do something which is going to be honorable. God controls everything. We are very spiritual and we will ask for everybody to come together with a good sound mind that can help everybody. And not put anybody down because we are in this together, we are the human race.”

In today’s world, we face rapid changes to our environment. Now, more than ever, we need to learn from the past, and from the wealth of knowledge that our Elders can share with us. In the four years since this project began, we have already lost some of those elders we interviewed. We see firsthand the urgency of listening to and learning from those who live close to the land while their voices can still be heard.

3 Generations of Sami reindeer herders

Families gather to manage their reindeer Jonna Blind Sami youth

Learning from our Elders is a unique cross-cultural program that focuses on sharing local Elders Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) about woodland caribou in northern Saskatchewan and reindeer husbandry in northern Sweden.

Prince Albert Model Forest has led a project for the past four years with, the Universities of Saskatchewan (UofS) and Umeå in Sweden, with funding support from the International Model Forest and Environment Canada’s Aboriginal Funding for Species at Risk program.

Initially the idea of Learning from our Elders came from our partnership with the Vilhelmina Model Forest (VMF) in Sweden through a series of Aboriginal Cultural Exchanges. Strong cultural connections between the Sami reindeer herders in Sweden and the Cree of northern Saskatchewan rooted a relationship that has grown into a cross-cultural comparison of the lifestyles of the Sami reindeer herders of Sweden compared to northern Saskatchewan’s First Nation/Métis lifestyle of living off the land through hunting, fishing and trapping.

Between the two cultural groups there was a shared interest to work towards collecting TEK from both sides of our circumboreal world. The initial steps were led by two researchers, Annette Löf, a PhD student from Umeä University, and Naomi Carriere, M.Sc Biology from the U of S. Together they developed a gap analysis under the guidance of Dr. Maureen Reed, U of S, and a final report based on methods used in collecting TEK from Elders. Comparing the similarities and differences between the two cultures and also the species connection between woodland caribou in Saskatchewan and reindeer in Sweden, the findings from the research culminated in the development of an interactive DVD learning module titled Learning from our Elders.

Beginning in 2010, the two groups developed a series of workshops for selected trainees to be involved in the project. In Sweden, Annette Löf provided guidance to Anna-Maria Fjellstrøm, the current President of the VMF. A group of Sami youth conducted interviews with family members who practiced reindeer husbandry; a way of life where Sami families remain closely connected to their reindeer herds throughout the seasons. To date, the youth and Sami families remain in contact through Skype video conferencing and email, keeping the connection builds a better bond. The data collected is not yet ready to be shared; it remains with their guide, Anna-Maria, a Sami reindeer herder herself. The information will be reviewed and formatted into a learning DVD.

In Saskatchewan, Naomi Carriere has dedicated her time and effort to complete the final learning module showcasing the findings of the four years of research. Five local Aboriginal knowledge gatherers were trained in the proper knowledge gathering methodologies to collect information in their home communities of Brochet, Manitoba, Kinoosao, Weyakwin, Stanley Mission, and Cumberland House, SK. The learning module will be available for the public, schools, universities,

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Host communities interested in running the program can contact the Prince Albert Model Forest who coordinates the program in partnership with Prince Albert Grand Council, Ministry of Environment – Wildfire Management branch, and Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) Woodland campus – Natural Resource Technology branch.

Each organization involved sees the value in educating and training the next generation of “natural professionals”. Together, we offer guidance to host communities that are willing to commit their own funding to run a SKRR program. Seeing that this is a

community-driven program, the key partners pool their resources together (funding, training opportunities, in-kind support) in an effort to guide the community into tailoring a SKRR program that fits the needs of the youth.

Since 2006, the SKRR program has been able to share its success with many communities who see the value in giving youth an opportunity to earn the skills needed to fulfill a career in natural resources. Past participating host communities/ groups include: 1. First Nations Island Forest Management - Sturgeon Lake is base camp, James Smith, One Arrow, Wahpeton, Ahtahkakoop

(2006), 2. Stanley Mission (2007), 3. Pelican Narrows (2008), 4. Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation (2008), 5. Hatchet Lake (2008), 6. LaRonge – Sucker River, Grandmothers Bay, Hall Lake (2009), 7. Prince Albert (2009), 8. Eastern Sector – Cumberland House, Red Earth and Shoal Lake (2009), 9. Yellow Quill (2010)

A recent Ranger graduate survey conducted over a two year period shows the benefits of the program. According to results, out of the 319 surveys received, 60% of graduates are Males and 40% are Female. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed stated work experience was the main reason they joined the program.

Since the survey was done in the early stages of the program, the results show a young budding work force. However, more than half of the graduates are still continuing their education in high school or upgrading their education. 68% of graduates are continuing their high school or are employed.

This program has proved to be instrumental in kick starting the career path for youth in Saskatchewan. We continue to work together with communities to help support the next generation of “natural professionals” in our Province!

The Saskatchewan Resource Ranger Program

When asked “Did the SKKR program encourage you

to continue your education?” 274 replied YES!

The success of the program also proves to be

helping youth gain employment, when asked “Do

you feel the SKKR program helped you obtain

employment?” 249 said YES!

Our results show a young work force ready to take

on new challenges. The SKRR program will continue

working towards achieving our objectives of the

program to:

• Encourageyouthtoremaininhighschooland

complete their education by promoting confidence,

culture and leadership skills within them.

• Supportandencourageyouthtoestablishacareer

in the field of natural resources.

• Provideparticipantswiththeopportunitytolearn

and respect our environment.

• Worktogetherwiththecommunityandengage

participants, parents and elders to build a

stronger, healthier and more sustainable future.

• Developsuccessfulpartnershipsbetween

Aboriginal people, Government and Industry.

The Saskatchewan Resource Ranger (SKRR) program involves youth, communities and

partnerships. It is a six-week summer work program with a focus on natural resources that is driven

with community funding and support to employ youth between the ages of 16-18. It is an opportunity

for outdoor education, training and skill development and certification all wrapped into one.

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In more ways than one, the First Nations community of Beardy’s & Okemasis is giving back to help our Mother Earth grow to become sustainable for all generations. Since joining the Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF) as a partner in October 2009, they have taken the lead in project development to help their community bud and bloom.

Conrad Alfred Gamble is a GIS technician in the lands department with the band; he also has the added responsibility of Special Projects coordinator. His dedication to community driven projects benefits the core of the community. As a band member, Conrad believes in building a better future for his people. He shares “We are traditional people who have been told that all we will receive is through Mother Earth and we have to teach people to change their minds and their habits.”

Through networking with partners of the PAMF, the community has established many connections. To date their projects include: Saskatchewan Resource Ranger program, Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge mapping project, National First Nations Environmental Contaminants program, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience program and most recently their Community Garden project.

The Saskatchewan Resource Ranger program was one of the first projects that Beardy’s & Okemasis became involved in through the support of the PAMF. Since 2008, they have celebrated 87 young aboriginal graduates from the program. In 2012, they even won the Ranger Relay course at the graduation ceremonies. Involving youth in education, culture

and instilling community pride is what counts to build a brighter future.

In 2012, six local Rangers were showcased in an Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) episode of the culturally acclaimed series “Fish out of Water”. Hosts Don Kelly, the urban Ojibway and co-host Cree/Métis city gal Dawn Dumont joined the Rangers in a challenging adventure where they learned valuable cultural skills; like bow-hunting and preparing a traditional delicacy that proves to be quite tasty: pan-fried gopher!

Taking it a step further, past graduates with Global Positioning System (GPS) skills have participated in the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge mapping project. Information that is collected includes: Hunting/Trapping areas, Healing Gathering/Medicine areas, Structures/Camp Sites, and other sites of significance. The students have gained experience in interviewing Elders and community members. Research completed will be used for Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) opportunities in the future.

Sharing community knowledge has proven to be an integral part of the National First Nations Environmental Contaminants program with Health Canada and the First Nations University of Canada. This program was developed with the help of the Yellow Quill First Nation and their Resource Rangers. Local students were required to collect samples from well water, surface water, snow melt and ground water. The research will identify the current state of health of source water and will lead to the protection of a

Helping Mother earth valuable resource, our water. On behalf of the community, Conrad comments “We find water to be so sacred, but we find that our hands are tied as to how to keep it clean, how to keep it pure, because of what is happening all around us.”

All of these projects have culminated in the community working with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and the University of Saskatchewan in a Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience program. Together, they are developing methods that can be used to mitigate the effects of climate change impacts on the land, water, soil and air. This will prove to be another example of community-based research. Collectively the community wants to adapt to the changes that are going on in our ecosystems and become more resilient to make wise decisions for the long-term because it’s the locally responsible thing to do.

How does one community manage to take on so many projects? As an independent First Nation, the band must show diversity in community development. The lands department is fortunate to have a champion who brings these projects to the table; Conrad Alfred Gamble has been vital in keeping his community committed to helping our Mother Earth.

Their most recent project will take root this summer 2013. A Community Garden with an Agro-forestry edge. Funded by the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the project partners include Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada, the Conservation Learning Centre, Saskatchewan Research Council, Prince Albert Grand Council, PAMF, Saskatchewan Forestry Association, the band school of Beardy’s and Okemasis and community Elders. Together, the team will provide guidance to the students who will coordinate the planning, planting and maintenance of the 5-acre garden and orchard.

In the Plains Cree dialect “Helping Mother Earth” can be translated to “E-wicihayak (We are helping) Misiwe-askiwi-kikawiyaw (Our whole earth mother). In many Aboriginal languages, “Mother Earth” is depicted as a living person. If the inhabitants of this world continue to desecrate her, then she will no longer be a life-giving force. Take no person, animal, or thing for granted. Mother Earth can live without us, but we can’t live without her.

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SaSkatchewan ForeStry aSSociation The Saskatchewan Forestry Association (SFA) is one Prince Albert Model Forest partner that will always stand by our side, mainly because Bernadette Slager, Education coordinator for the SFA shares our office space. We feel privileged to work alongside Bernadette; she brightens our day and always fulfills her commitments to all things forestry.

In 2012, the SFA celebrated its 40th Anniversary! To date, they remain a non-profit organization devoted to “increasing the public awareness and stimulating the interest in the wise use, protection, and management of the forests and related resources of land, water, and wildlife of Saskatchewan.”

To achieve these goals, Bernadette has committed nine years of service to build onto partnerships with other organizations that have similar concerns with educating the public about the valuable natural resources that exist in Saskatchewan. SFA shares valuable lesson plans about our forests and its resources for students in kindergarten to high school, accessible online at http://www.whitebirch.ca

School groups can contact the organization to schedule dates to work with students in classrooms or even outdoors on the Kristi Lake nature trail located 5km north of Prince Albert, SK. Another exciting event the SFA participates in is the environmental youth competition called Envirothon. Targeted for high school students the objective is for school teams to register and learn about soils, land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and a current environmental issue each year. Teams compete in a Provincial trail test and share an oral presentation to win a chance to place in the Canon National Envirothon. In 2012 and in the spring of 2013, the Envirothon team from Luther College in Regina, SK claimed the title!

The Conservation Learning Center which is located on 457 acres of land 18 km south of Prince Albert in the Parkland Region of Saskatchewan has recently partnered with the SFA. Together, they are combining their efforts to offer students agriculture learning experiences through hands-on activities at the farm. The school program encompasses agricultural, environmental, conservation and wildlife topics.

Being one with nature, Bernadette strives to survive the elements as she dedicates her time during the summer travelling to many northern Saskatchewan communities to teach Outdoor Survival to youth in the Saskatchewan Resource Ranger program. She has also branched out to begin sharing lesson plans about agriculture in the classroom, since the First Nation community Beardy’s & Okemasis is preparing to plant a community orchard.

Bernadette shares “Our partnership with the PAMF has strengthen over these past few years and it is our wish that we continue to work together promoting the beauty and benefits of the boreal forest of Saskatchewan.” With her flexibility, commitment and creativity Bernadette is one woman that can do it all, we will always enjoy our time together!

Island Forests Forest Management Plan, Aboriginal ParticipationThe Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Forest Service Branch is developing a Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the Island Forests. These forests are unique in that they are not part of a licence area, but rather consist of a number of smaller detached parcels of provincial forest in and around the city of Prince Albert. The timber allocation for all four forests is distributed among numerous independent forest operators.

FMPs prepared for Saskatchewan’s forest areas establish strategic direction of forest resource management for a 20-year timeframe. The Forest Service established a planning team of forestry professionals who have worked on various sections of the FMP and contributed their respective expertise towards the plan. Duty to Consult was triggered and the Forest Service distributed notification letters to affected First Nations communities.

Prince Albert Model Forest support provided meaningful dialogue between the FMP planning team and key members representing the communities triggered in the Duty to Consult. To date the group has met 6 times and meetings have been a two way dialogue focusing on sharing experiences.

Discussions with the group revealed that many communities have Traditional Use Studies (TUS) completed for their traditional territories, which include components of the Island Forests. Data available through these TUSs are pivotal to guide forest operations. However, they are fragmented among the communities and are in various formats. The idea of a TUS assembly project for interested First Nations was developed

so their values are better understood and/or maintained/protected. The dataset could then be analyzed in to the tactical plan and during operational planning. A project proposal was developed by the Saskatchewan Research Council and was successfully submitted to First Nations and Metis Relations (FNMR). Project work and group meetings are continuing with First Nations and Metis Relations support.

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In addition to the Stewards, other participants include the

Prince Albert Model Forest (PAMF), Rural Municipalities of

Big River, Canwood and Shellbrook, Big River First Nation,

Ahtahkakaoop First Nation, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan,

Prince Albert Grand Council, Nature Conservancy Canada,

Wildlife Conservation Society, Nature Saskatchewan,

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, National Wildlife

Refuge Association, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance

Corporation, Canadian Bison Association, Waskesiu

Wilderness Region Destination marketing Organization, Big

River and Area Forestry Committee and the Parkland Agri-

Environmental Group Plan.

This final step in the planning process opens the door

to begin developing short and long-term action plans to

accomplish the goals outlined in the Management Plan.

Currently the Bison Stewards’ field technician, Becky

Gillespie, also works with the resource conservation team

from Prince Albert National Park and the Université Laval

research team in sharing data, monitoring movement

of collared cows, and collecting biological samples of

harvested bison for DNA testing.

In 2012, the PAMF supported an internship for Volker

Schmid, a forestry student from Germay’s Rottenburg

The Sturgeon River Plains Bison Stewards (SRPBS) have spent the last two years developing a unique Plains Bison

Management Plan. Gord Vaadeland, local rancher in the Big River area and Executive Director of the SRPBS

comments on the level of participation in the planning process; “The unique thing about this is that it was led by

the ranchers, with a lot of help from local aboriginal communities and then supported by the Governments and

so essentially what’s in the plan is a lot of really good and aggressive conservation initiatives.”

University. Much like the North American bison, Europe’s

largest mammal, the Wisent neared extinction and is only

now being reintroduced into what’s left of the wilds of

Europe, including Germany. Volker gained experience in field

sampling vegetation and monitoring the bison. He returned

in the spring of 2013, to develop a thesis based on the Plains

Bison. Volker shares “From my opinion, it is a privilege

to have the opportunity to maintain that sort of wildlife

(bison). From the perspective of a small, crowded country

like Germany, it is a symbol of space and freedom you can’t

get everywhere in the world.”

The PAMF is proud to see the success of the SRPBS. The

late Gene Kimbley, past manager of the PAMF along with

Susan Carr and other Model Forest partners helped build

the foundation for the Stewards. Gord Vaadeland being a

3rd generation rancher knew something had to be done.

He recalls “As land owners, we didn’t realize we were doing

anything new and cutting edge. We just thought we were

doing what we had to do. The Model Forest helped us

structure ourselves and allowed us achieve that success with

sound partners right from the start.” Not only has the SRPBS

been successful but Gord’s Sturgeon River Ranch tourism

business has been honored with the Land of Living Skies

Award at the Tourism Saskatchewan Awards of Excellence.

Truly his heart lies within helping others and caring for the

land, as his motto reads “Come see the way it was...when we

took care of each other...when we took care of the earth.”

Co-existing with the wild Plains Bison

Gord Vaadeland being a 3rd generation rancher knew something had to be done. He recalls “As land owners, we didn’t realize we were doing anything new and cutting edge. We just thought we were doing what we had to do. The Model Forest helped us structure ourselves and allowed us achieve that success with sound partners right from the start.”

Gord’s Sturgeon River Ranch tourism business has been honored with the Land of Living Skies Award at the Tourism Saskatchewan Awards of Excellence.

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Prince Albert Model Forest

STAFF

Susan Carr, General ManagerPrince Albert Model Forest(306)953.8921 / Fax (306)763.6456susan.carr@sasktel.net

Mika Carrière, Projects OfficerPrince Albert Model Forest(306)953.8922 mika.pamf@sasktel.net

BOARD OF DIReCTORS

Dr. Mark Johnston, PresidentSaskatchewan Research Council

Cliff Buettner, Vice-President Prince Albert Grand Council

Michael Bendzsak, SecretaryAssociation of Saskatchewan Forestry Professionals

Pat Mackasey, Treasurer Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment

Ron BurnsFirst Nation Island Forest Management Inc.

Board of Directors cont’dBernadette SlagerSaskatchewan Forestry Association

John QuinnResort Village of Candle Lake

Tom McKenzieLac La Ronge Indian Band

Pat DunnPrince Albert National Park

Gord VaadelandSturgeon River Plains Bison Stewards

Alfred Conrad GambleBeardy’s and Okemasis First Nation

Conservation Learning Centre

Sindy Nicholson /Mike DemyenCanadian Institute of Forestry – Sask Chapter

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations

PROJeCT PARTNeRS

Not officially represented on the Board of Directors but collaborating on specific projects. Bosque Modelo de Araucarias del Alto Malleco, Chile

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Ibero-American Network of Model Forests

Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin

Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science & Technology (SIAST)

Umeå University, Sweden

University of the Arctic

University of Manitoba

Swedish Agricultural University

Swedish Forest Agency, Vilhelmina District representing the Vilhelmina Model Forest (VMF)

Vilhelmina Model Forest

Vilhelmina Municipality

Vilhelmina North Sami Village

OFFICe LOCATIONSuite 141 - 1061 Central Avenue Saskatchewan Forest Centre Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Phone Number: (306) 953-8921 Fax Number: (306) 763-6456 e-mail: susan.carr@sasktel.net website: www.pamodelforest.sk.ca

MAIL: P.O. Box 2406 Prince Albert Saskatchewan, Canada S6V 7G3

A BIG Thank You to our “natural photographer” Hamilton Greenwood, program head for the Natural Resource Technology programs at SIAST Woodland Campus, for his beautiful seasonal pictures that grace the pages of our Forest Times magazine.