Lands, Resources and Environment

The role of the Lands, Resource and Environment Department (LRE) is to manage the land and resources both on-reserve and within the traditional territory.

The department works with different industry sectors including: forestry, mining, power development and other resource development projects.

The LRE overseas on-reserve land allocations for residential and recreational lots and assists with identifying areas for future development.

Our Mandate

Whereas the lands, waters, air, fire, plants, forests, wildlife, fish, minerals and other resources and the Sagamok Anishnawbek peoples were created and placed together in the area that the Sagamok Anishnawbek inhabit and use and the laws were established to ensure a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship; and

Whereas such is reflected in the Sagamok Anishnawbek understanding of the Robinson-Huron Treaty, 1850; and

Whereas the Sagamok Anishnawbek did not relinquish any of their rights and responsibilities in relation to our lands by entering into the Robinson-Huron Treaty.

Therefore, the Sagamok Anishnawbek Lands, Resources and Environment Unit shall provide coordination, monitoring, planning and support to ensure that Sagamok Anishnawbek interests, rights and responsibilities to G’daa Kiim-non, both on Sagamok reserve lands and off-reserve traditional territories, are upheld in accordance with our traditions, values and with respect to our future generations.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Lands Rights Research Project (LRRP)    The LRRP is an initiative involving consultation with experts in the fields of law, history, mapping and traditional ecological knowledge. Utilizing the best of both modern research practices and traditional knowledge we seek to provide better understanding of the legitimacy of Sagamok’s role as steward within our traditional territories and the preservation of its historical and cultural legacy.

Land Code Development      The LRE and G’daa Kiim-non have developed a proposed Land Code for Sagamok Anishnawbek. The LRE is coordinating and conducting community consultation sessions with the goal of having the proposed Land Code passed as law.

Land Use Plan       The LRE are in the early stages of developing a Land Use Plan. This plan will assist with identifying areas for future development for subdivisions, parks and green space as well as commercial and industrial sites.

LAND STEWARDSHIP & OUTREACH

Fish Stocking Program      The LRE has a micro-hatchery and have been collecting and cultivating fish eggs for the purpose of stocking inland lakes. The micro-hatchery is a cost effective alternative to the rearing pond that once operated in Sagamok Anishnawbek.

Bat Monitoring Program        In 2016 the LRE had erected bat boxes throughout Sagamok Anishnawbek. A monitoring program is currently being developed and will be implemented to determine what bat species are present and provide outreach to the community on the importance this species at risk.

Species At Risk Inventory     The LRE will continue to provide the community with outreach on species at risk and have been developing programs to collect data on different species that may be found in Sagamok Anishnawbek. Once a species is confirmed, then applicable protection measures can be put in place.

Search the Ministry of Natural Resources' official list of endangered, threatened, special concern and extirpated animals and plants in Ontario

https://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/species-risk-ontario-list

Read progress reports on how Ontario is working to protect and recover species at risk in Ontario (Profiles of species)

https://www.ontario.ca/page/five-year-review-progress-towards-protection-and-recovery-ontarios-species-risk

Environmental Monitoring  The LRE monitors development projects in Sagamok Anishnawbek in order to protect mother earth from potential negative effects and to protect species at risk. The LRE monitors the phosphorous levels in LaCloche Lake and conducts various water sampling projects in the territory.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Earth Week        Each year this event is held in May to promote land stewardship to the community and offer different outreach programs. An annual roadside garbage clean-up is organized during Earth Week.

Fall Harvest Gathering     The LRE organizes and implements this annual event. This event is located approximately 7km from Ritchie Falls Resort. The purpose of Fall Harvest is to enhance community knowledge and implement culturally significant activities. Some of these activities include hunting and the gathering of plants for both food and medicine.

G’daa Kiim-non Committee

The committee was established to support the Lands, Resources and Environment with providing sound recommendations to Chief and Council on lands and resources matters.

G’daa Kiim-non Mandate       The G’daa Kiim-non Committee shall direct and support the development and implementation of a strategic, coordinated and culturally appropriate approach to the Lands, Resources and Environment Unit and the G’daa Kiim-non Lands Stewardship Strategy in a manner that is consistent with Sagamok’s Community Healing and Development Ten Year Action Plan. The G’daa Kiim-non Committee reports and makes recommendations to Chief and Council.

G’daa Kiim-non Committee Members