TFN Guardians Attend Land Visioning Workshop on Manitoulin Island
On October 22-23, 2024, the Temagami First Nation (TFN) Guardians participated in a transformative Land Visioning Workshop held in the nation of M’Chigeeng on Manitoulin Island. The event provided an opportunity for the Guardians to deepen their connection to the land, gain valuable skills, and engage in discussions on community-driven conservation planning.
Skill-Building Activities
One of the highlights of the workshop was a hands-on lesson in archery. Guardians learned to shoot a compound bow under the guidance of a certified instructor from Fuel the Fire TV, a renowned organization focused on fostering traditional outdoor skills. This experience not only honed practical abilities but also emphasized the importance of traditional methods of hunting and harvesting.
Following the archery lessons, a chef demonstrated how to expertly remove a backstrap from a deer previously harvested with a bow. The backstrap, considered one of the most tender and flavorful cuts of venison, was prepared alongside wild rice, partridge, and squash. The meal was cooked in a cast iron pan over an open fire, creating a truly immersive and traditional culinary experience. The Guardians discussed the profound significance of understanding where food comes from and fostering a deeper connection between the land, food, and overall health and wellbeing.
The team at Fuel the Fire TV left a lasting impression with their expertise and passion. Their involvement was seen as a valuable resource for future initiatives, particularly programs aimed at engaging and educating youth.
Land Relationship Visioning Tool Workshop
The second day of the workshop was dedicated to the Land Relationship Visioning Tool. This tool is designed to assist communities in developing a comprehensive Community Conservation Plan. Such plans serve as blueprints for the ecological health and sustainability of local territories. By creating actionable strategies, communities like TFN can ensure the long-term protection and stewardship of their lands, fostering resilience in the face of environmental changes and challenges.
A Holistic Approach to Conservation
The workshop underscored the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern tools to create a shared vision for the future. By integrating practices like hunting and harvesting with structured conservation planning, the Guardians not only deepened their connection to the land but also equipped themselves with practical and strategic knowledge to serve their community better.
This event highlighted the intersection of cultural practices, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing, aligning perfectly with the TFN Guardians’ mission to preserve the land for future generations. The Guardians look forward to applying the insights gained from the workshop in their ongoing efforts to protect and steward their traditional territories.
OPG Whitefish Spawning Study – Matabitchuan
On the nights of November 13-14, 2024, the Temagami First Nation (TFN) Guardians, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Timiskaming First Nation, conducted a whitefish spawning study. This study forms part of the preliminary environmental evaluation associated with proposed work at the Matabitchuan Generating Station.
The shoreline observational study revealed a concerning trend. Only four whitefish were observed on the first night, and just a single fish was noted the following night. This marks a significant decline in spawning activities along the Matabitchuan River compared to previous years when higher numbers of spawning whitefish were recorded.
The observed decline has raised concerns among the TFN Guardians, particularly in light of the planned construction activities related to the generating station’s reconstruction. The Guardians emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring during the construction phase to ensure that these activities do not further disrupt the river’s fragile ecosystem or negatively impact whitefish spawning patterns.
The TFN Guardians and their partners remain committed to ongoing environmental stewardship and advocating for the health of local aquatic habitats. As more data is gathered, it will play a critical role in shaping protective measures and ensuring the sustainability of this vital ecosystem.
Jacob Evans, TFN Guardian Lead
Jacob.evans@temagamifirstnation.ca
MEET THE WOOLLY APHID, AKA “BLUE FUZZY BUTT”
In the world of insects, the woolly aphid—affectionately dubbed the “Blue Fuzzy Butt”—stands out for its adorable, cotton-candy-like appearance. Covered in fluffy white wax, and sometimes with a hint of blue, these tiny sap-sucking insects look like little floating cotton balls when they take to the air.
Water Testing
October 2024 – We, the Temagami Guardians, have been actively monitoring and testing the water in ‘off-loop’ lots and key water intake zones around Lake Temagami. By gathering this data, we aim to build a long-term understanding of the lake’s water chemistry, which will help us track any changes over time. To do this, we’re using a YSI digital multimeter to conduct basic chemical analyses. This data is crucial, not only for scientific purposes but also for ensuring the long-term health of our lake and, most importantly, the quality of our drinking water.
FRESH WATER SPRINGS
We’re also identifying and logging fresh water springs on Bear Island. These springs hold great potential for future drinking water projects. By recording their locations, we can protect these vital water sources from the impacts of development, ensuring they remain clean and available for our community in the future.
Water, or Niibi, is sacred to us all. It flows from the height of our land, nourishing every living thing. It is our duty to protect and respect it, as it sustains our lives and the lives of future generations. This is why we are committed to the work we are doing to ensure that the water remains pure and abundant for our children, grandchildren, and all life that depends on it.
We ask for your support in these efforts. Together, we can safeguard the water that sustains us all.
Jacob Evans
Jacob.evans@temagamifirstnation.ca
