OVERVIEW
The Oldman watershed is a part of Treaty 7, and the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) People. The Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) includes 4 Nations: Kainai-Blood Tribe, Siksika, Peigan-Piikani, and Aamskapi Pikuni.
Our Indigenous partners teach us how to live lightly on the land and we are honoured to learn from their leadership, wisdom, and knowledge. The traditions and culture of the Blackfoot are rooted in respect for the Earth and there is much we can learn about sustainability from their time-tested experience living on this land for time immemorial.
The OWC has invested in local Indigenous-led projects that are supporting cultural and environmental restoration. Our partners from Siksikaitsitapi, Kainai Nation, and Piikani Nation are leaders in demonstrating how to braid traditional ecological knowledge and western scientific knowledge together. OWC advocates for the decolonization of environmental initiatives by supporting Indigenous-led watershed projects that seek to restore land and culture alike.
WHAT’S BEING DONE
The Blackfoot Native Trout Recovery Project is building the capacity of Blackfoot land management staff to complete eDNA sampling, redd (spawning nest) surveys, and habitat restoration across their traditional territory. Learning from and sharing Indigenous knowledge is an important component of the project. Elder interviews, storyboards, workshops, presentations, and a story map convey the value of fish and water to the Blackfoot People.
Piikani Nation Land Management is building resilience to climate change by restoring grasslands used for livestock forage and implementing nature-based solutions. Progress is tracked through range health assessments and by establishing range reference sites to use as a comparison over time.
Blood Tribe Land Management (BTLM) completes valuable range, riparian, and species assessments to measure the health of the land and help guide management decisions. The return of the iinnii was a historic moment, and restoration initiatives will ensure habitat and forage for the iinnii is re-established as well. The impact of these restoration activities is measured through stream health assessments. OWC and BTLM staff are trained in how to complete these assessments using the well-respected CABIN and STREAM protocols.
The Kainai Environmental Protection Association is a vital forum that facilitates relationship-building and the sharing of information between the many individuals and groups involved in the environmental sector in Naapi’s Territory. An annual summit is a landmark event featuring inspiring presentations and tours.
Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank are initiatives led by Api’soomaahka (Running Coyote) at his home on Kainai Nation. With support from Blood Tribe Land Management, OWC, and many partners, the land is being restored. Prescribed burns and goats are assisting with invasive species management, and native seeds, shrubs, and willows are being replanted to restore grasslands and riparian zones. OWC has helped plant potted shrubs and grasses, as well as native seeds. Special thanks to Api’soomaahka for nurturing the plants through all climate conditions and sharing his knowledge across Alberta.
SUPPORTERS, FUNDERS & Partners
