She:kon and Greetings from Plenty Canada

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
​

---