Caitlyn Simmons

About Caitlyn Simmons

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Little Bay on the South Coast Newfoundland

June 23 2023

CPAWS-NL Celebrates Signing of Memorandum of Understanding to complete a Feasibility Study for South Coast Fjords NMCA in Newfoundland and Labrador

Caitlyn Simmons Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, News, Ocean Campaigns, Parks Campaigns

CPAWS-NL Celebrates Signing of Feasibility Study for South Coast Fjords NMCA in Newfoundland and Labrador

June 23, 2023 – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter (CPAWS-NL) is thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to complete a feasibility study for the South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA), by the government of Canada and province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the town of Burgeo. This significant milestone marks a momentous step towards the protection and preservation of one of the province’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.

The South Coast fjords, with their rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant marine ecosystems, are unparalleled in their beauty and ecological importance. The signing of this feasibility study demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding these unique coastal treasures for future generations to enjoy.

Executive Director of CPAWS-NL, Tanya Edwards, expressed her joy at this pivotal development, stating, “We are elated that the government of Newfoundland and Labrador has taken this important step towards the creation of the South Coast Fjords NMCA. This region is an ecological gem and a source of immense pride for our province. By initiating this feasibility study, the government has shown its dedication to preserving our natural heritage and supporting sustainable tourism opportunities.”

The South Coast Fjords NMCA has long been a priority for conservation efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its extraordinary biodiversity, including endangered species and sensitive marine habitats, necessitates robust conservation measures to ensure their long-term survival. CPAWS-NL has been working tirelessly alongside various stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and government agencies to advocate for the protection of this ecologically and culturally significant area for over two decades.

Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director at CPAWS-NL, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to complete a feasibility study is the result of years of collaboration and hard work by numerous individuals and organizations. We are immensely grateful to our partners, including Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens, for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we will continue to advocate for the sustainable management and protection of the South Coast fjords, ensuring the preservation of this natural wonder for generations to come.”

CPAWS-NL looks forward to actively participating in the feasibility study and collaborating with governments, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for the South Coast Fjords NMCA. The protection of this area will not only benefit wildlife and their habitats but also provide valuable opportunities for sustainable tourism, education, and research.

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For More Information Contact:

Tanya Edwards, Executve Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
tedwards@cpaws.org
Phone: 709-727-7789

Suzanne Dooley , Conservation Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
sdooley@cpaws.org
Phone: 709-726-5800

June 8 2023

CPAWS NL Special Marine Areas Data Hub: A Comprehensive Source of Data and Information on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Caitlyn Simmons Campaigns, News, Ocean Campaigns

CPAWS NL Special Marine Areas Data Hub: A Comprehensive Source of Data and Information on Newfoundland and Labrador's Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

June 8, 2023 St. John’s, NL – As part of World Oceans Day, we are happy to share our Special Marine Areas Data Hub, an innovative initiative aimed at facilitating open data sharing and information dissemination pertaining to the coastal and marine ecosystems of Newfoundland and Labrador! As an extension of our Special Marine Areas Guide, this database serves to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling marine spatial planning, conservation efforts, and public education.

At the core of the Special Marine Areas Data Hub lies an Interactive Map, boasting a large array of over 1000 layers, curated for exploration. This user-friendly mapping tool allows users to easily visualize spatial data, toggle layers, and superimpose datasets to identify interactions within the marine environment. In addition, users will be able to access species at risk profiles and search through an expanding database containing a wealth of marine data specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. This extensive collection encompasses contributions from organizations such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and Memorial University (MUN), ensuring a comprehensive and reliable information resource.

“Data is imperative to marine conservation as it offers detailed insight into biodiversity, habitat loss, and climate change impacts, allowing for evidence-based decision making and prioritizing strategies for endangered species and habitats. Making this information easily accessible to the public allows everyone to engage in these processes and drives informed discussions about environmental policy and action, enhancing our collective ability to protect the blue planet,” states Mikaila Bickford, Ocean Conservation Manager CPAWS NL. “Our goal with the Data Hub project was to showcase NL’s incredible ocean biodiversity and create a library of accessible and engaging data, information, and media. By creating a tool that anyone can use to learn, we hope to give citizens the tools to effectively interact with and protect their local coastal and ocean environments.”

We invite those interested to visit the Special Marine Areas Data Hub at datahub.cpawsnl.org. Visitors can gain valuable insights, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, and actively contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of our precious coastal and marine ecosystems.

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CHECK IT OUT HERE

For More Information Contact:

Mikaila Bickford, Ocean Conservation Manager, CPAWS NL

mbickford@cpaws.org

Tanya Edwards, Executve Director, CPAWS NL

tedwards@cpaws.org

Phone: (709) 726-5800

May 25 2023

CPAWS NL welcomes announcement to start consultations for protected areas, as new local polling reveals residents of Newfoundland and Labrador show support for more protected areas!

Caitlyn Simmons Campaigns, News, Terrestrial Campaigns

CPAWS NL welcomes announcement to start consultations for protected areas, as new local polling reveals residents of Newfoundland and Labrador show support for more protected areas!

May 25, 2023 St. John’s, NL – We are delighted to hear the recent announcement from the provincial government, that 10 proposed protected areas will proceed to public consultation.

The proposed Protected Areas plan, A Home for Nature, was finally released during Spring 2020 for public consultation. The plan, which was initially devised several decades ago, is based on science and guidance for over 25 years. “The priority sites identified by WERAC in this recent announcement represent some unspoiled areas or low impacted sites, critical habitat for various species of plants and wildlife, unique features and as well as representation of various eco-regions that may be unique”, stated Tanya Edwards, Executive Director, CPAWS NL. “We have been waiting for an announcement such as this for such a long time and we applaud the provincial government as they take this step forward to help protect biodiversity loss and maintaining these valuable natural areas and unique species.”

A recent poll commissioned by CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador, in Spring of 2023, within the province, further supports today’s announcement by highlighting what we already know: The majority of Newfoundland and Labrador residents feel the current amount of land in the province being protected is “not enough”.

The poll conducted shows that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians support parks and protected areas with 85% agreeing that these areas contribute to the economy and tourism, and 76% agreeing that a planned system of parks and reserves is the best way to conserve natural areas.

Parks and protected areas are important to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over 80% of respondents indicated parks and recreation are important to their quality of life. While almost 90% feel it is important that areas are set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitat.

“It’s not surprising that residents love the great outdoors and want to keep it as pristine as possible for its health and recreational activities”, states Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director CPAWS NL, “ We are encouraged that the province and the members of WERAC will be seeking feedback from the public, indigenous groups and organizations, municipalities and stakeholders to determine support and what the protected areas will look like.”

The results of this poll are timely to this recent announcement in Newfoundland and Labrador and further demonstrate that the provincial government and the public are both aware of the same reality. With the climate and biodiversity crisis the planet is currently facing we have to be ambitious in our actions.

CPAWS NL has been long term advocate for new protected areas and we hope that the province will fulfill their commitment to advance these sites plus others in a timely manner with feedback from the public.

POLL HIGHLIGHTS

A majority (55%) of Newfoundland and Labrador residents feel the current amount of land in the province being protected is ‘not enough’. Four percent consider the current amount of land being protected is ‘too much’.
Almost 7 in 10 respondents support Newfoundland and Labrador committing to a target of 30% of its land being set aside for conservation purposes by 2030.
Across the province, residents feel strongly that when choices must be made between the environment and commercial or recreational use, protection of the environment must come first. There is recognition that a resource-based economy must protect the resources for sustained economic growth. 80% of the province agree that determining land uses must be based upon maintaining the quality of the environment for future generations.
There is a great deal of concern for the economic future of the province among respondents, with 89% being at least somewhat concerned, and almost half (46%) being extremely concerned. Closely related to the economic future is concern for the health of marine areas (83%), and the economic future of the marine industry (83%).
A minority of provincial residents (21%) feel the economy should come before protection of wildlife habitat, a view that is rejected by 60% of respondents.
Nine in 10 respondents (89%) agree that protection of wilderness and marine areas is needed. 82% feel action must be taken to prevent loss of biodiversity in marine areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Most respondents indicated they are somewhat aware of the biodiversity crisis. Younger respondents are most aware of the biodiversity crisis.
Eighty-four percent of respondents do not know what Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas are.
Parks and protected areas are important to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over 80% of respondents indicated parks and recreation is important to their quality of life. Almost 90% feel it is important that areas are set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitat.
There is strong support for parks and protected areas, with 85% agreeing that these areas contribute to the economy and tourism, and 76% agreeing that a planned system of parks and reserves is the best way to conserve natural areas.

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READ THE FULL REPORT

For More Information

Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director, CPAWS NL

sdooley@cpaws.org

Tanya Edwards, Executve Director, CPAWS NL

tedwards@cpaws.org

Phone: (709) 726-5800

February 10 2023

Coastal Conservation and Environmental Opportunities: Public Opinion Survey Giveaway- 2023 Terms and Conditions (Bellevue)

Caitlyn Simmons Uncategorized

Survey Contest Rules – 2022

How to enter:

Complete the survey online
Don’t want to complete the survey online? No problem! You can also email csimmons@cpaws.org to request a paper copy of the survey or to complete the survey by telephone. The survey must be not left completely blank in order to be entered for the prize draw.
Enter your name and contact information including 1.) phone number and 2.) email address if you would like to be included in the prize draws.

Contact information will only be used for the purpose of the contest.

Contest runs until Thursday March 2, 2023 at 11:59pm NST.

It is the sole responsibility of the entrant to ensure their entry is properly submitted as described above. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Newfoundland and Labrador (CPAWS-NL) will not be responsible for any lost, delayed, misdirected, illegible, incomplete, damaged or undeliverable entries, or any delay or failure to transmit, process, receive or consider entries.

Chances of winning are dependent on the number of entries received. Quebec residents and individuals who are not legal Canadian residents at time of entry are not eligible to win.

The Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You understand that you are providing your information to CPAWS-NL and not to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The information you provide will only be used for the administration of this Contest and in accordance with CPAWS-NL privacy policies. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are completely released of all liability by each participant (and their parent/legal guardian if they are a Minor) in this Contest. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Contest must be directed to CPAWS-NL and not Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Questions regarding the contest or campaign can be emailed to csimmons@cpaws.org

General

These Rules and Regulations are final on all matters relating to CPAWS-NL’s Coastal Conservation and Environmental Opportunities: Public Opinion Survey prize draw (the “contest”). The contest is governed by the rules set out below. By entering the contest, you agree to abide by those rules and the decisions of CPAWS-NL staff.

You also agree to comply with all applicable laws. The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Eligibility – Entrants

You are not required to make any purchase or pay any fee to enter or win the contest. Entrants may not win more than one prize.

You may only enter the contest if you are an individual and, at the time of entry, you are a legal resident of Canada. If you do not meet the Canadian residency requirement, you may still post a photo but will not be eligible for any prizes. Quebec residents are not eligible to win.

Each eligible entrant aged seventeen (17) years or under must have their custodial parents’ or legal guardian’s consent to complete the CPAWS-NL survey. If a custodial parent or legal guardian does not provide the required consent, then the entry will be disqualified. Proof of identification and parental consent must be provided upon request. If a custodial parent or legal guardian does not provide consent, or if proof of identification cannot be obtained to the satisfaction of the Sponsor, the entry will be disqualified.

CPAWS-NL employees and their immediate families (i.e., their spouses, siblings, children, spouses’ parents, and the spouses of any of those individuals) and their household members (related or not) are not eligible to enter the contest.

CPAWS-NL may at any time in its sole discretion disqualify any entrant who: does not meet the contest’s eligibility criteria, fails to comply with these rules, attempts to enter the contest in any manner or through any means other than as described in these rules, attempts to disrupt the contest or attempts to circumvent any of these rules.

Prizes

The contest prizes are as follows:

FINAL DEADLINE PRIZES: One $100 North Atlantic Gift Cards (randomly select at the end of the contest, where the final deadline: March 2, 2023)

All entries submitted will be eligible to win the final deadline prizes. Entrants can only win one of the prizes listed above through the contest. 

Winners

In order to be declared a contest winner and be eligible for a prize, the prize winner must have complied with, and remain in compliance with the rules. The prize winner must answer a skill-testing question and provide any other documentation that CPAWS-NL may require. Prizes will be shipped within Canada only, or delivered digitally.

The winners will be notified through email or telephone. If the selected winning entrants does not respond within 7 (7) calendar days of the first notification attempt, if a prize is returned as undeliverable or is rejected, or if a participant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may be selected.

In case of dispute as to the identity of any entrant, an entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. CPAWS-NL may request valid proof of identity, residency, age and other relevant documentation, and they may disqualify a selected winner if they determine (in their sole discretion) that the provided proof is not sufficient.

All prizes must be accepted as awarded (with no substitutions), and may not be sold, transferred, or converted into cash. All prizes will be delivered by way of postal delivery upon the winner accepting the prize as awarded or delivered digitally to the winner’s email. CPAWS-NL are not responsible for lost or undeliverable mail.

Cancellation

If for any reason CPAWS-NL cannot run the contest as planned (including as a result of bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, infection by computer virus or any other cause that corrupts, impairs or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this contest) CPAWS-NL may cancel, modify, extend or suspend the contest. In that event, CPAWS-NL may award prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment, or award no prizes.

CPAWS-NL may also disqualify any individual who tampers with or in any way corrupts the entry process, or who attempts to undermine the legitimate operation of the contest by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair practices, or by attempting to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or CPAWS-NL representatives.

CPAWS-NL reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, extend, modify or suspend the giveaway.

Disclaimers, Liability, and Indemnification

CPAWS-NL does not accept liability for any loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from your participation in the contest.

CPAWS-NL is not responsible for: (1) late, incomplete, or misdirected entries, or entries received through impermissible or illegitimate channels; (2) technical failures of any kind, including without limitation the malfunctioning of any telephone, computer, network, hardware or software; (3) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any service; (4) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the contest; (5) electronic or human error which may occur in the administration of the contest or the processing of entries; or (6) any injury or damage to persons or property, including without limitation your computer, which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from your participation in the contest or from downloading any material from CPAWS-NL websites.

CPAWS-NL will not be liable to you for any indirect, special, consequential, or punitive damages in connection with the contest or these rules.

By participating in this contest, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless CPAWS-NL and their employees, directors, officers, members, affiliates, agents, and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions or losses of any kind (including actual legal fees and expenses) arising from or related to: (a) your failure to comply with any of these rules; (b) any misrepresentation you make under these rules or otherwise to CPAWS-NL; or (c) your participation in the contest.

Personal Information

You consent to CPAWS-NL using and disclosing your personal information for the purposes of administering the contest.

Law

The Rules will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and the federal laws of Canada applicable in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Disputes

All disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with the contest, prizes or these rules will be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Further Information:

CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador
360 Topsail Rd, Suite 303
St.John’s, NL, A1E 2B6
NLinfo@cpaws.org
Tel.: (709)726-5800

January 6 2023

2022 Puffin and Petrel Season Recap

Caitlyn Simmons Uncategorized, Wildlife Campaigns

Puffin Recap

Although the public portion of this summer puffin patrol was suspended, it was still a wonderful year! Thanks to CPAWS NL, ECCC-CWS and Trent University, 91 juvenile puffins were measured and successfully released this fledging season.

While this number may seem lower than other years, it is consistent with what would be expected based on moon phase and mean body mass. “We hope that next year we can resume the public puffin patrol,” states Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director of CPAWS NL. “The hotline that was implemented was successful and we hope to incorporate it again next season. Thank you to all residents who helped dim lights and reported sightings!”

In addition, Taylor Brown, PhD Candidate with Trent University conducted studies on the impact of lights on puffling fledgings (which was approved by ECCC-CWS) this past season.

“This past August, you may have seen my bright experiment light shining out over the water at Witless Bay’s Lower Pond beach and Ragged Beach some evenings. My experiment ran for 11 nights total, and was a great success! Without getting too deep into the details, it did appear that my bright light attracted pufflings”, explains Taylor Brown. “We made sure to count all the pufflings we saw, as well as document their behaviour in detail, and we made every effort to capture puffins that might have been brought into town by our lights.”

Brown, plans to assess her data further during the winter. “I would like to thank CPAWS NL, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and the Town of Witless Bay for all of their essential support of this project. I look forward to coming back next year and working with these wonderful organizations and the communities again to figure out how we can prevent pufflings from getting stranded in town!”

Petrel Recap

During the fall months, during September to mid-November, Leach’s Storm-Petrel chicks begin their migration seawards. Like pufflings, many juvenile Leach’s Storm-Petrels unfortunately become thrown off-course due to strong winds and light pollution from the coasts.

This past season, with help from The Rock Wildlife, ECCC-CWS, MUN, and many others 848 juvenile petrels were able to be found and safely released to continue their migration!

November 17 2022

Open Call: Various Conservation Positions

Caitlyn Simmons current jobs, Jobs

The Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of CPAWS is currently looking for new team members! Do you thrive in an innovative and exciting environment? Want to be part of a team that makes a difference? If you would like to be part of a progressive and dynamic organization and you are passionate about protecting Canada’s land, ocean, and wildlife, then come be part of our diverse team!

About Us

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, we have played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometres of Canada’s public land and water – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory! Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of both wildlife and humans. CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador has been working to protect Newfoundland and Labrador’s public land since 2003. We work with government, other environmental non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and the public to keep Newfoundland and Labrador wild.

About You

You are passionate about conservation and have knowledge of conservation issues within Newfoundland and Labrador and an eagerness to grow your expertise in these fields. Interdisciplinary and adaptable by nature, you are looking for a role that offers diversity and new challenges – we can promise that no two weeks are the same. You enjoy organizing with both people and projects and are comfortable juggling multiple projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines. You have lots of initiative and are equally happy working independently or as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities may include:

Support the CPAWS NL Team to carry out detailed research and community engagement sessions that relate to terrestrial and/or marine and coastal management areas throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Planning and hosting community outreach events and workshops to explore conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador, including booking venues, promotions and managing budgets
Conduct policy and scientific analyses and literature reviews and help to draft reports, presentations and summaries as needed.
Assist in creation of communications materials including social media posts and web content including image searches and message creation
Support Indigenous conservation and implementation of projects that advance reconciliation
Work with Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
Government Relations

Summary of Qualifications and Experience:

Expertise in planning and managing campaigns
Relevant educational experience, or equivalent training or experience (please describe how your education and/or experience is relevant to working with CPAWS NL in your cover letter and resume)
Must have the ability to review, create and synthesize peer-reviewed literature, technical reports and various styles of community engagement surveys.
Experience in engaging the public in scientific and/or conservation issues one-on-one or in group settings such as workshops, town hall meetings, etc
Confident and able to communicate effectively with all levels of government, indigenous communities, decision-makers, scientists, community members and a broad range of other partners
Experience in, or knowledge of, the not-for-profit sector and conservation issues in Newfoundland and Labrador on the public landscape (passion for protecting nature is essential)
Strong report writing, organizational and time management skills and an eye for detail
Ability to work individually and as part of a team
Proficiency in MS Office applications
Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel throughout the province for meetings when needed.

Assets (nice to have but not essential):

Ability to use scientific equipment such as Drones, DSLR cameras, ROV’s
Familiarity with GIS (ArcGIS)
Use of various communication programs (Adobe Suite, Canva, etc)

Salary

The salary will vary by position; feel free to state your salary expectations in your application.

Application Submission

Please submit a cover letter and resume to NLinfo@cpaws.org with “Open Call” in the subject line. Please tell us why you want to join CPAWS NL and what you can bring to the team to advance conservation within Newfoundland and Labrador. We thank all applicants. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis from the date of posting until the positions are filled

Note: This posting may be used to create a candidate list for future positions with CPAWS NL.

Why work for CPAWS?

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. Working in a way that respects the sovereignty and leadership of Indigenous nations, we are focused on conserving nature to respond to the dual crises of accelerated biodiversity loss and climate change. Our vision is that at least half of land, freshwater and ocean in Canada is permanently protected to sustain nature and people for current and future generations.

Apply Now!

September 30 2022

Reconciliation and Conservation

Caitlyn Simmons Blog, Blog2, Slider, Uncategorized blog, conservation

Written by Stanley Oliver

Reconciliation has become a topic of interest at many tables, including Protection and Conservation. It is a very powerful word and can arouse a lot of sentiment and sometimes even debate. But what does it really mean in terms of Conservation? Well-reconciliation can mean different things to different people (scientist and Indigenous). As such each group/assembly (associations with First Nations, Inuit and Metis established bodies) may wish to define what reconciliation-conservation-protection means from their perspective.

One of the saddest things and worst impact of Colonialism was the removal of Indigenous people from their-our land and waters-the very places where we continue to find our strength, identity and our inherent right and place in this world. Accordingly, true reconciliation requires a sincere discussion about conservation which includes the past and present. But reconciliation talks must also be rooted in the land and waters. It calls for a respectful relationship, that is also ingrained in the central connection to the land and waters that continues to provide healing to Indigenous people and communities.

Indigenous and local communities are inclined to thrive in terms of conservation for several reasons. Indigenous people and communities have long standing histories with their lands and waters, which have provided Indigenous families nourishment and sustenance in a very direct and intimate way since time immemorial. Indigenous people (especially our elders) have a unique relationship and understand the many uses and the values of hundreds of natural species (trees, fish, birds, insects’ rocks etc.). Some say they see the forest differently than others. This feeling/observation must be recognized, respected, and included in any government led process. There is an Inuit word “Silas” that refers to everything, the sky, the waters, and the land. Everything affects each other, everything is connected a truly holistic approach.

Indigenous leaders are now vociferously encouraging government and policy writers to not only focus on a single management topic but rather look at the function of landscapes-waters and what is important to keep in terms of whole ecosystem connectivity, how different habitats-species may be managed to complement each other?

One-way Indigenous people suggest to government, interest groups and agencies (such as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) is the fundamental inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in balance with Western Science. Indigenous and local knowledge holders continue to be a significant part of protecting the planet’s biodiversity and the overall health of all our ecosystems. I would suggest and insist that governments and scientists need to be allies with Indigenous people and communities by developing/strengthening Indigenous voices-governing bodies, including scientific assessments, recognizing territorial rights and creating collaborations between researchers and indigenous and local communities. One of the most important aspects is that governments really must respect Indigenous knowledge and values.

Officially, Webster’s Dictionary defines the term reconciliation as simply the act of the unification of parties at variance (difference), renewal of friendship after disagreement or animosity. Further to this, Webster explains that reconciliation is “the state of things that are seemingly opposite, different, and inconsistent.

Shortly after being elected as the leader of the Liberal party and defeating Stephen Harper, Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau proclaimed a National Day of Reconciliation. He also pushed his Indigenous rights recognition framework and stirred debate on ending or “decolonizing” the 1876 Indian Act, which gave Ottawa control over most aspects of Indigenous life, from health and education to land development.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (T&RC) final report (released in 2015) of Canada chaired by Murray Sinclair describes the term reconciliation as “an ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships. It adds that “a critical part of this prescribed process involves mending and repairing damaged trust by making well deserved apologies, providing specific ways to include Indigenous people in official processes and following through with tangible actions that demonstrate real inclusion and change.

The T&RC report further goes on to make clear that creating respectful relationships also requires the revitalization of important related Indigenous law and legal traditions/customs. It is crucially vital that all Canadians better understand how traditional Indigenous Knowledge and philosophises helps in resolving possible conflict, repairing harm, and ultimately restoring those broken relationships that can benefit and contribute to economic and environmental stability of possible natural resources development.

Indigenous people of Canada deserve better, “it can no longer be about us, without us” approach (not my quote). Hence, if we as a Canadian society want to really move forward in terms of reconciliation and conservation and it is important enough for all of us, an absolute necessity remains to have those respectful inclusion discussions and work towards and amicable reciprocal relationship.

_________________________________________

Stanley Oliver was born and raised in Labrador. Stan is an Inuit who is an avid hunter, fisher, and outdoorsman. He currently holds the position of Manager with the Labrador Office of Indigenous & Northern Skills Trades. He holds a Diploma from Memorial University as Resource Technician, a Certified Engineering Technician with the NL Association of Engineers and numerous certificates in Indigenous Governance and Administration.

His in-depth knowledge of Labrador and Indigenous rights is often requested on the local, provincial, and national level. He currently sits on the National Indigenous Advisory Committee for the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency and the NL Provincial WERAC.