In 2008, BFN Chief and Council created the Natural Resources Department to manage, sustain, protect and fulfill our obligations as Caretakers of Mother Earth. This philosophy coupled with the protection of BFN Inherent and Treaty Rights serve as the foundation and provide the standards for the department and its progress.
BNR Crew
Danny Sayers Jr., BNR Manager
Dave Sewell, BNR Field Supervisor
Vic Bolduc, BNR Mining and Aggregate Tech.
Leeann Sewell, BNR Administration Assistant
Projects
The Natural Resources Department will involve but is not limited to Forestry; Commercial Fishing; Mining; Fish and Wildlife; Environmental Assessment; Membership’s Permits; Guests Permits; Enforcement/Field Monitoring; Eco-Tourism; Fire Management; Infrastructure; roads, bridges, etc.; Water Management; Map Information; Natural Resources Research; Public Safety; Non-timber Forest Products; Sustainable harvest of flora.
Guiding Principles
Our Traditional values and spirituality shall be respected at all times Anishinabe knowledge and practices shall be incorporated into all land planning activities Incorporate a meaningful consultation and participation process for BFN membership Encourage a wide range of environmental and social benefits while achieving economic viability. Management operations shall maintain and/or enhance the long-term social and economic well being of BFN. Management will maintain the integrity of ecological functions, biological diversity, water resources, soil, and fragile ecosystems and landscapes. Management shall respect all BFN by-laws, national and international laws.Consult with BFN planning committees before any permit is issued. Incorporate preventive measure and actions rather than the reactive band aide solutions to preserve our lands and fulfill our duties and obligations. To sustain and maintain the practices in which we are traditionally in the habit of doing as recognized in the Robinson Treaty of 1850.
Vision
BFN Territory has provided for our people from the time immemorial and it is our obligation and duty to protect Mother Earth by managing our resources in ways which reflect our culture. Ongoing dialogue with BFN Elders and other Anishinabe knowledgeable people is necessary to ensure; suitable balance for sustainable natural resources plans that the harvest activities and decisions undertaken are to the benefit of all BFN members protect the interest for future generations.
Goals
BFN is managing our Natural Resources within BFN’s Territory in a sustainable manner that reflects our Anishinabe responsibilities as protectors of the land. Achieving this goal involves; generating opportunities and capitalizing on economic development and sustainable employment opportunities for all BFN members a process of land consolidation, jurisdiction and sovereignty, which includes our Inherent and Treaty Rights to all BFN’s lands.
Objectives and Strategies
The primary objective of the Batchewana Natural Resources department is to cultivate and promote the health of the land, air and water for our future generations which will be balanced by the current needs of the community. This principal objective embraces four key interdependent components:
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sustainability practices
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community needs
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jurisdiction
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sovereignty
Ongoing Policy/Regulation Development
BNR has in draft format an operating Resource Management Plan and a BFN Sustainable Forestry Management Plan. Other evolving policies include harvest/recreational camp policy and application guide (final draft); non-commercial harvesting application for visiting First Nations; hunting and harvesting safety; land usage application and permit for commercial/industrial operations; harassment and complaints form; chainsaw safety policy. These documents have largely been created on an “as needed basis.” However, with the completion and approval of the BNR Resource Management Plan the Department will have a manual which will direct and proactively implement future policy.
Economic Development
Economic initiatives have been strongly directed and influenced by Batchewana First Nation’s cultural and economic interests and key to any potential partnership BNR has held that economic gain will not supercede the integrity of the environment or its protection. Currently, the exploration of renewable energy initiatives (wind power, solar power) is being explored as well as mining.
Logging and Gargantua Legal Team
BNR is an active participant in the meetings and initiatives proposed by the Legal Team with BFN Chief and Council approval. The Logging and Gargantua Community Information Session held on January 22/09 and the Elders Workshop January 23/09 are two of the most recent community and educational initiatives which have occurred.
Upcoming BNR Collaborations/Initiatives
Regional First Nations Contaminants Program Proposal; Blueberry and other berry products project; GIS Programming (meeting with North Shore Tribal Counsel and Natural Resource Canada); Species at Risk (ongoing) ; Accessing First Nations Forest Program Fund; Researching and securing other funding sources; Creating a Steering Committee for Economic Ventures/Partnerships.
