How it is we go about our work

Being the newly elected president of the Board of Directors of Plenty Canada is a serious responsibility. Anyone who becomes involved with an organization, particularly those in the not-for-profit sector, must believe in what the organization stands for and what it does. I can state quite emphatically that I’m deeply appreciative of the earnest and positivistic traditions that Plenty Canada is built upon and the significant work that is accomplishes to live up to its principles and values each and every year, throughout its long history.

​This past year has been remarkable in many ways. Plenty Canada has numerous projects and partnerships underway, but one project that I would like to highlight is the epic effort our team, in tandem with the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network, put forward to complete the periodic review that secured another ten years for UNESCO’s Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. This designation is important to people and communities for several reasons, as it provides a range of social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits.
 
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are recognized for their commitment to sustainable development. This means that communities in these areas are encouraged to balance the needs of local people with the conservation of biodiversity. This can lead to better long-term resource management, healthier productive ecosystems, and more resilient local economies.
 
The designation highlights areas that are ecologically significant, fostering the conservation of rare and endangered species. For communities living in these areas, this can lead to a more diverse and healthy environment, which benefits agriculture, tourism, and overall quality of life.
 
Being designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve also brings international recognition, which can help raise the profile of local cultures, including those of the Indigenous Peoples who inhabit areas on and near the Niagara Escarpment, taking into account our traditions and environmental practices. This recognition and involvement fosters a sense of pride within all communities in the region.
 
As an Associate Professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University, founding Director of the Indigenous Environmental Science/Studies program, and Co-Director of the University’s newly formed Indigenous Environmental Institute, I can attest to how UNESCO Biosphere Reserves serve as living laboratories for engaging scientific research and Indigenous knowledge. All communities can benefit from educational programs and partnerships with research institutions that focus on ecosystem restoration, sustainable land use, wildlife and habitat protection, and climate change adaptation.
 
Finally, a Biosphere designation encourages collaboration among governments, NGOs, local communities, Indigenous knowledge holders, and scientists. This creates a platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences, enhancing the capacity of communities to address environmental and socio-economic challenges now and into the future.
 
As we approach winter and the completion of 2024, I wish all of our donors, members, and network partners a safe, warm, and Happy Holiday Season. Be good. Be kind. Be generous. Be loving toward your family, friends, and colleagues, and have respect and empathy for all living things!

That is how we prefer to go about our work.

Skennenhatye (Peace be with you).
Nyá:wen. Chi Miigwech. Merci. Thank you.​
Dr. Dan Roronhiakewen Longboat
President - Plenty Canada
​

​Niagara Parks, in association with Plenty Canada, has published Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist, a 256-page coffee table book featuring works from 17 authors, numerous photographers, mapmakers, and artists, that chronicles the history of Indigenous peoples who have lived within the Niagara region for some 13,000 years.
 
This anthology reveals an unprecedented examination and presentation of the full spectrum of Indigenous life within the Niagara River corridor across millennia, bringing forward previously unknown insights and revelations from a variety of sources, from the meta narratives of Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek cultures, archaeological data, and British Indian Department records along with photographs, artwork, and objects from the collections of numerous museums, libraries, and archives. The group of authors who contributed to the book comprise the leading scholars and Indigenous knowledge holders with expertise on Indigenous history and culture within the Niagara region.
 
Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist was co-edited by Rick Hill, a renowned educator of Indigenous cultures, histories, and arts who currently serves as an Indigenous innovations specialist at Mohawk College and Tim Johnson, senior advisor for Heritage and Legacy with the Niagara Parks Commission and Plenty Canada. Both are former Smithsonian Institution executives.
 
“It is amazing to think that for some 13,000 years, my ancestors have been living within the beautiful environs of the Niagara Peninsula, and that my relatives continue to call this place our home,” said General Editor Rick Hill. “Now, we get to share our stories and the stories of this important place. The land continues to inspire us and as you will see, continues to sustain us as Indigenous peoples. We welcome you to our world.”
 
“I couldn’t be more gratified by the depth of content that the book’s scholars, Indigenous knowledge holders, and artists contributed to its pages,” said Concept and Managing Editor Tim Johnson. “This magnificent book does something truly remarkable, it greatly expands understanding and comprehension of the deep Indigenous history along the Niagara River corridor while simultaneously revealing the place-based learning power inherent at heritage destinations throughout the Niagara Parks system, extending 56 kilometres from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.”
 
The book’s VIP unveiling and launch program was held at Niagara Parks’ Old Fort Erie Visitor Centre and featured remarks from the book’s editors, authors, and contributors, followed by a book signing and reception. Copies of Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist were made available for purchase at the event.
 
Following the launch, copies of Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist were made available for purchase across Niagara Parks retail stores and other participating locations across the region such as the Niagara Falls History Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, and the store at Fort George, operated by The Friends of Fort George.
 
There are two sites at which to order the book online, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum website and the store at the Friends of Fort George website. See links below:
 
https://notlmuseumshop.square.site/product/landscape-of-nations-beyond-the-mist/1209
 
https://friendsoffortgeorge.square.site/product/landscape-of-nations-beyond-the-mist/296?cs=true&cst=custom
 
Printed in Canada using high quality papers and production processes, this hardcover book is an exceptional choice for a Holiday Gift this season!

— Niagara Parks

​Plenty Canada’s Two-Eyed Seeing to Share Knowledge of Ontario’s Breeding Birds, in partnership with Ontario Nature, has entered its second full year of operation, with lots of community outreach along with Lands, Resources, and Environment department support happening throughout the year. In the spirit of Two-Eyed Seeing, great care is taken to ensure that Indigenous knowledge keepers and western science perspectives are equally represented at every event or activity.
 
Sharon Kimberley, the Indigenous Community Liaison, North, organized community events all over Northern Ontario.  Plenty Canada had a booth at Career Day in Webequie First Nation and did classroom talks about bird conservation and environment-focused careers. Birding talks, lunches, and nature walks were held with Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Services in Fort Frances and Atikokan. It was a great privilege to be invited to and attend the Grand Council Treaty 3 Indigenous Residential Schools Survivor’s gathering, to talk about birding, the Atlas, and share the joy of observing nature outdoors.
 
Sharon travelled to Chapleau, Ontario to lead a bird monitoring workshop for Wahkohtowin Development GPI’s Land Guardians. Two Atlas Regional Coordinators and a Knowledge Keeper also participated. The Land Guardians learned how to use bird monitoring equipment and related apps then had an opportunity to do a trail walk and practice their skills in a real-world setting. In partnership with Atlas representatives, Sharon presented about bird monitoring and accessing Nature Count data at Wahkohtowin Development GPI’s Indigenous Land Symposium, with many interested participants dropping by the booth to learn more.
 
Emily Morris, project supervisor acting as the Indigenous Community Liaison, South, in partnership with Atlas representatives, organized a birding workshop at the Youth Summit for Mother Earth, with Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from across Ontario. Birding resources were also provided at the Gidakiiminan E-Nakiijig Gathering hosted by Nin-Da-Waab-Jig (Walpole Island Heritage Centre) and Ontario Nature, with Indigenous Land Guardians from across southern Ontario.
 
Roughly 20 Indigenous participants from communities participating in the Two-Eyed Seeing project from across Ontario were supported to attend the Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space Training conference held in March at the Gathering Place by the Grand in Six Nations of the Grand River.
 
The project has supported bird monitoring activities in Indigenous communities all across Ontario, including more than 17 First Nations, supplying more than 90 Autonomous Recording Units plus handheld recording units and binoculars. Training has been developed and delivered and ongoing support is being provided for data analysis.
​
For the remainder of this year, attention has now shifted to focus on how to make the Atlas-3 products useful for Indigenous communities and how to include Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Being in the Atlas-3 publication. Discussions and outreach are ongoing on this important topic. A gathering is planned in Sudbury, Ontario for January 2025 with attendees from First Nations across Northern Ontario and participants involved in bird monitoring and Atlas-3.

— Emily Morris & Sharon Kimberley

​In 1971, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the Man and the Biosphere Programme. A decade and a half later in 1987, Patrick Robson stepped into the role of Community Development Planner for the Niagara Escarpment Commission. With his steady hand, it’s no surprise the Niagara Escarpment earned its UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation in 1990. The Commission played a key role as the original promoter, manager, and oversight body for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere (NEB) from its designation in 1990 until 2019 when governance transitioned to a non-government format. Patrick was a key driver of this more inclusive format.
 
After his time at the Commission, Patrick occupied various planning positions at the Regional Niagara Municipality of Niagara’s corporate office. For Integrated Community Planning he continued to pursue his passion for advancing the mandate of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere.
 
Patrick’s leadership and problem-solving expertise were essential when, in 2012, a review of the Biosphere recommended moving its management away from government oversight to a not-for-profit community-based model. By 2015, Patrick had transitioned to his true passion – Professor of Environmental Studies at Niagara College, where he was able to leverage and “bend” new minds to further engage partners and brainstorm a new governance structure and collaborative network that valued diverse cultures and ideas. As an outcome, the Transitional Leadership Committee was founded by Patrick, Liette Vasseur (Brock University), and Victoria Serda (Bagida’waad Alliance). Their task was to define the main priorities and structure of the Committee, which included the need for more Indigenous engagement.
 
By 2021, the Transition Leadership Committee, in collaboration with Plenty Canada, continued working on reconciliation and governance initiatives. In July 2021, an agreement was signed to formalize co-management with Plenty Canada. By March 2022, the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, completing the transition. Patrick was elected as the first Chair alongside Co-chair Charlene Winger-Jones.
 
Beyond Patrick’s legacy in supporting the NEB, the time and talent he shared with numerous other boards and organisations that aligned with his core values and interests have been immeasurably impactful and appreciated. He was a loving husband of forty years to Kelly, a devoted father to Shelbi (Kevin) and Quinn (Maddie), and a proud Papa to Fenix and Dez. Patrick lived a full life with purpose and passion and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures.

From September 13 – 15, the 15th annual Youth Summit for Mother Earth was held at Tawingo Outdoor Centre on the traditional territories of the Ojibway, the Chippewa, the Algonquin, and the Odawa, also known as Muskoka. Each year, youth from across the province come together for a weekend-long, cross-cultural gathering to learn from peers, mentors, Elders, and specialists about topics ranging from cultural humility to wetland advocacy. The Youth Summit continues to be the highlight of the year for dozens of youths from across the province as part of our Nature Guardians Youth Program.
 
This year, the Summit brought together 64 youth from 42 communities. What continues to make the Youth Summit a success each year is the passion, enthusiasm, and keenness of the youth to learn and connect with peers. Without their commitment to learning and advocating for Mother Earth the Youth Summit would not be possible.
 
Our partners Plenty Canada, the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University, and Walpole Island Land Trust have been fundamental in braiding Indigenous Ways of Knowing into this gathering for the past few years. The Summit is the culmination of the year-long planning by program staff, partners, Ontario Nature Youth Council, and the Youth Circle for Mother Earth’s Coordinating Circle members, who help to plan and lead workshops and activities each year.
 
This year, the Summit offered a variety of workshops, discussions and sharing circles. Some of the workshop topics included nature photography, introduction to birding and the Two-Eyed Seeing Bird Knowledge Project, traditional beading, and navigating eco-Anxiety. Participants also had the chance to explore the trails, go swimming and canoeing in Lake Vernon, complete team challenges, and participate in opening and closing ceremonies.
 
A highlight of this year’s Summit was the Opening Ceremony on Friday evening, setting up the intentions for the weekend through The Thanksgiving Address. Elder Christopher Stock, a fifth-generation member of Wáhta Mohawks, led a powerful ceremony and welcomed youth to join in on traditional dances, games and songs. The knowledge and experiences shared by Elder Christopher as well as Knowledge Keepers and community members from Anishinaabe territories through ceremony, morning smudge, sharing circles and cultural humility learning sessions has fostered a deeper connection with Mother Earth and increased understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
 
Reflections from Participants
 
“It will always be an amazing experience I will remember forever. [The Summit] has encouraged me to take more action to protect the environment and spread more awareness.” – Sarah, Orillia
 
“I gained a wonderful reminder and understanding that we should be grateful for our Earth’s sustenance and mindful of how we utilize our environment. Cultural humility is a very important life skill and is something we should continue to build upon; I learned about valuable Indigenous teaching that remind us of our place on this Earth and this deep acknowledgment that we must treat out environment with utmost respect.” – Saara, Scarborough
 
The 2024 Youth Summit was a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to care for Mother Earth. The knowledge shared by leaders, mentors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and youth peers empowered youth across the province to take action in their community and continue to foster a relationship with nature. For a visual recap of this year’s Summit, check out the 2024 Youth Summit Zine designed by Youth Council Member and Summer Youth Program Intern, Rushelle.
 
You can also visit the Youth Summit for Mother Earth page for more event information, photos, and testimonials. If you are a high school student passionate about nature, join the Ontario Nature Youth Council to connect with youth leaders across Ontario and inspire positive change in your community! By being part of the Youth Council, you will help to bring the annual Youth Summit for Mother Earth to life. Applications will open in late Fall 2024.
 
This project was undertaken with financial support from Transport Canada’s Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy, RBC Foundation, Ontario Power Generation, Enbridge Gas, The McLean Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, Algonquin Outfitters, 4imprint and the 44 organizations, companies and generous Ontario Nature members that sponsored youth participation. 

— Emily Green, Education Coordinator at Ontario Nature ​​

With Plenty Canada’s assistance the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network recently completed the 2024 Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Self Study, a significant milestone in the periodic review process and in the Network’s ongoing conservation efforts. Every ten years, UNESCO designated biospheres undergo a comprehensive review of the biosphere, ensuring they meet the criteria for conservation, development, and logistical support. This process involves detailed reporting on the biosphere's ecological health, community involvement, and sustainable development initiatives. Following the format provided by UNESCO, the 2024 Self-Study Report shares research findings, case studies and insights from our network partners to describe ecological, cultural, and developmental changes and significant moments in our biosphere over the past ten years. The 2024 Self-Study Report is now available on both the Network and Plenty Canada websites. The review provided the Network with a reflective process to understand how conservation, sustainability, and stewardship looks within our biosphere, and provides a stepping stone to guide our future.
 
As part of the periodic review, representatives from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO were given an extensive tour of the biosphere, highlighting the unique ecological and historical features of the escarpment. From our start in Neyaashiinigmiing until the end at the Landscape of Nations Memorial, we showcased the beauty of the escarpment and the extensive work of our network partners. During the tour, reviewers interacted with political leaders, local government staff, Indigenous youth, research institutions, parks and conservation agencies, business, advocacy organizations, educators and students and Indigenous cultural educators who shared their insights and experiences in stewarding and preserving the biosphere. The representation present throughout the tour demonstrated how a powerful network might accelerate collaboration to achieve the shared goals for the conservation of the Niagara Escarpment and the communities that are linked by it.
 
With the contributions of our partners, we were able to demonstrate the diversity and the unique long term commitment of people and organizations working within our biosphere. The tour provided the NEBN with the opportunity to speak to the representatives from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO about our co-governance structure, and the importance of Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space in the work of a biosphere. We heard from the representatives from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO that they were impressed, at times moved, and essentially grateful for all they learned from our community.
 
The successful completion of the periodic review and the positive feedback from the CCUNESCO tour highlight the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere’s exemplary status as a model for sustainable development, and Two-Eyed Seeing conservation in action. Moving forward, the network aims to continue its efforts in protecting its natural and cultural heritage while fostering sustainable economic activities. The insights gained from the review and tour will guide future initiatives, ensuring that the biosphere remains a vital part of Canada’s natural legacy and a leader in reconciliation. As the NEBN looks to the future, it remains committed to maintaining the delicate balance between human activity and nature, ensuring that this precious landscape thrives for generations to come. Plenty Canada and the Network always welcome and invite our partners to provide us with their insights and input on the future initiatives of the biosphere. Please use the “Contact Us” page on our website to let us know your thoughts!
 
— Tasha Gunasinghe (Photos © MarkZelinski.com)​