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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLands.Newsletter.FinalEditition.August2022August 2022 Volume 1, Issue 2.edited Lands & Environment Newsletter TSUUT’INA NATION LAND ADMINISTRATION NEWSLETTER INSIDE THIS ISSUE Council Rep and ED Update Lands Advisory Committee Agriculture/Buffalo Paddocks Conservation DND L.E.R.D. New Lands Consultation SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST • Update from Portfolio Rep • Land Use Planning • Policy Development • D.N.D. Name Change • Aquatic Habitat Restora- tion Project • Water Needs Assessment • Hunting • 11 Land & Environment Principals FROM THE OFFICE OF XAKUJAA LYLE DODGINGHORSE On behalf of Tsuutina Nation Chief and Coun- cil, I would like to thank all of the staff of the Lands portfolio. Your dedication to fulfill your roles and re- sponsibilities during the last three years has not gone unnoticed. During this council mandate, the Land Board, which is comprised of a dynamic mix of varied Nation Citizens, was created in order to make recommendations to Chief and Council for land use decisions, present and future zoning, and overall land protection. We have made great progress on important Land legislations that would guide our future land use; from allocations for members, to en- suring that strict environmental stewardship practices are forever adhered to. It has been a challenge to schedule Nation Cit- izen engagement sessions such as the upcom- ing focus groups to gather and use your input for our guiding documents, but as we resume under this new normal, assuredly we will ask and anticipate your involvement. In closing, I would like to share my personal sadness for the loss of my lifelong friend and colleague, Xakijaa Vincent Crowchild. Working on this portfolio with him gave me much satis- faction, and with our combined knowledge and our shared love of our lands, I believe we helped guide our staff to make good decisions. Recently, Xakiji has added Xakijaa Emmett Crowchild to the Lands portfolio, and we wel- come his experience and leadership on this file as we move into the future. 2 Aerial Photo of Tsuut’ina Nation Lands—July 2022 3 I would like to start by thanking all of the Lands staff, contractors and my colleagues for all of their hard work and commitment over the past few years to our projects and serving the Nation Citizens. It has been very difficult with the many loved ones that we have lost, in- cluding our Leader Late Vincent Crowchild, as well as the challenges caused by the isola- tion of families under Covid-19 restrictions. With the guidance and support from our Council Representatives Lyle Dodginghorse and Emmet Crowchild, we have been able to achieve many accomplishments this year. From planning and completing the road into the New Lands and fireguard protection project, negotiating and finalizing the DND lands, securing our Northern Boundary to having the most successful Buffalo Round up and creating youth participation and work opportuni- ties, our staff have been working hard to address these outstanding issues for the Nation. As we continue to work on the Nation’s Land Policies, our goal is to have continued com- munity involvement to develop sustainably and to protect the Lands and environment for generations to come. I hope you enjoy this first Edition of our Lands Newsletter, and we look forward to updating the Nation as we move forward together. OFFICE OF LANDS ADMINISTRATION TANIS ONESPOT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lands Portfolio trip to Moose Mountain, June 17, 2022 LANDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE In October 2020, Chief and Council approved and selected the Nation’s first Land Advisory Committee (formerly Land Board). Since then, the Land Advisory Committee have had their Terms of Reference Approved and have been added to the Nation’s Organizational Structure Boards and Committees. Currently, we are under the Indian Act Regime (RLEMP) when it comes to the management of our Lands & Environment. The Land Advisory Committee will be making recommendations to Chief and Council for further decision as we further research, review and develop our Land Policies and Processes. In the past, the Nation were signatories to the Land Code under the First Nations Land Man- agement Act, however, we are currently re- viewing options to opt out of this piece of legis- lation to further develop our Land Regime. As most have experienced many challenges through the pandemic times, it was difficult to meet monthly and in person over the past 2 years. However, now that things are less re- stricted, the Land Advisory Committee will be having monthly meetings. The will be making recommendations for Chief and Council, who have the final decision making. The following are the seven members who sit on the Land Advisory Committee: 1. Elder Alec Crowchild 2. Elder Keitha Manyhorses 3. Elder Diane Meguinis 4. Citizen Glen Starlight 5. Citizen Brenda Jacobs 6. Citizen Shad Manywounds 7. Citizen Tiffany Whitney 4 LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE A legislative listing has been developed for the documents need for Lands and Envi- ronment and the following are now in Part One of the Legislative Process Act of draft- ing and development and are priority for this year: 1. Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Harvesting Law 2. Agricultural Policies 3. Permits and Leases on Non-Designated Lands Policies (Small Business, New Builds, Etc.) 4. Custom Land Holding Policies *Dispute Resolution Process and Enforcement is currently under research and devel- opment. Community Engagement Activities such as Surveys, Focus Groups, Interviews, Home Visits, Open Houses, Information Sessions will be taking place in the near future. 5 The Lands Administration Portfolio has been working in collaboration with the Governance Portfolio over the years to research and develop the following: • Nation Land Governance and Regime • Land and Environment Management • The required Legislation and Policies, which will be developed through the Tsuut’ina Legislative Pro- cess Act. A Communication Strategy has also been developed and implemented. Over the past year the Lands Portfolio has conducted a Nation Census Survey and Land & Environment Survey to it’s Citizens. The data and content collected will be considered for the Community Comprehensive Plan, Legislation/Policy development and other documents for future use. The Lands and Governance Portfolios also hosted an open house at the Redwood Meadows Celebration Grounds in August 2021 and also had one in February 2022. Numerous focus groups also have taken place, such as for Hunting. Recently an MOU and Research Agreement with the Nation and FN Digital Democracy has been set in motion to assist with funding and provide tools and training for our Nation Citizens and Employees for our Land Use Planning and Policy Development We hope in the future to continue to have our Nation Citizens attend these events and bring forward any feedback or participate in the process. LANDS & GOVERNANCE UPDATE Creator place the Tsuut’ina People on this land, he gave us the Inherent Right to our peoples, our territory, our language, our right to self-determination which includes the Right to Self-Government, law-making authority to re- flect our culture, customs, traditions & practic- es, our Ceremonies, values & principles, citi- zenship and leadership. We have the responsibility to maintain, manage and protect the Tsuut’ina Lands for future gen- erations. We need to ensure that Tsuut’ina Laws, regulations, policies are based on our understanding of our oral history, our pratices relating to lands, animals, waters, plants, air, minerals and all that is inclusive to these are protected. Canada in 2021 passed a legislation “C-15 An Act that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” is Canada domesticating an International document under s.35 of the Constitution Act of 1982. This Act will enable Canada to determine their existing and future relationship with the Indigenous Peoples based on joining confederation and determining our Inherent & Treaty Rights. Tsuut’ina has opposed this Bill and needs the collective participation to build our Laws, Regu- lations, and Policies to protect our way of life, our lands and our future based on our beliefs, practices and customs. For further information, please contact the Treaty Initiatives Office, Jeanne Crowchild. TREATY INITIATIVES UPDATE BUFFALO PADDOCKS TEAM: Clayton Whitney—Buffalo Paddock & Agriculture Manager Trenton Heavenfire—Buffalo Paddock & Agriculture Labourer Brennen Starlight—Buffalo Paddock Labourer Tiffani Whitney—Buffalo Paddock & Agriculture EA The Tsuut’ina Buffalo Paddock has grown with diversity, determination and with great care all thanks to the staff involved. The Tsuut’ina Buf- falo Paddock is currently one of the largest bison operations across Canada, that is indig- enously owned and operated. It is in the heart of Tsuut’ina itself, the Tsu- ut’ina Xanit’i (Buffalo) are greatly important to the Nation. The crew recognizes the im- portance and takes pride in maintaining and caring for the well-being and health of the herd; raising them as wild animals, within their respective native environment. The herd has grown significantly to approximately 278 head since 2015, we expect to have approximately 160 calves born by the end of the 2022 calving season. Through dedication, encouragement and con- sistency; our team will continue to nurture and expand our knowledge on everything we can in this respected field of work. Updates as of June 2022: • (November ‘21/December ’21) The herd received their yearly vaccinations, weigh- ins and general health checkups. 82 calves from the previous calving year were sold; this is to ensure no in-breeding would take place. • (January ’22) Field harvest took place, we harvested a total of 14 bulls, and delivered the meat to Elders, and handed it out to Nation members at the Drive-Thru that took place • (March/April ‘22) The paddock recently bought 4 new breeding bulls, this is to en- sure there is no in-breeding taking place as well as to ensure a good bloodline for our generational herd. • (May ’22) The herd is on their summer pasture grounds; the paddock team will be using land management and will be having the herd take part in rotational grazing all summer. This ensures the grass, roots and environment get the time it needs to recov- er and grow. • (Summer ’22) Will be expanding the cor- rals for this upcoming November, this will help with getting in the whole herd, being able to vaccinate them and separate into groups. • Recently received a couple livestock grants that will be put towards new wells for the herd, as well as solar panels. 6 7 AGRICULTURAL The Agricultural Program is dedicated in help- ing serve the Nation through farming and as- sisting in easier access for Nation Members to purchase hay for their livestock. We are ac- tively seeking ways in helping the Nation be more sustainable and eventually being self- sufficient through agriculture. Currently the Agricultural Program is helping fix fence lines when damaged, as well as actively keeping an eye on all crops and fields. We hope to pro- ductively gain greater knowledge in this field of work, for a better future for the Tsuut’ina Nation. Updates as of June 2022:  All Nations band field have been fertilized, and will be closely watched this season  The Paddock team will be upkeeping fenc- es, and repairing damages done from live- stock & wild horses.  There are new dormant lands that have been turned into farming fields.  The Agriculture Program recently bought a new tiller, and will be purchasing haying equipment  The Program is working on getting their own farming equipment for the future; in hopes to have the Nation start farming on our own.  Haying season will start in July. CONSERVATION TEAM Shad Manwyounds, Conservation Manager Kathleen Dodginghorse, Conservation EA Range Patrol: Virgil Jacobs Tim Crowchild Tyson Heavenfire Lenny Eagletail New Lands Coordinator: Toas Onespot Trevor Manywounds CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT The Conservation Department has done some work on the Nation Borders, including: • NE Border—9 km + of fencing completed • SE Border - Installed camera traps and ex- tra signage for No Hunting or Shooting • Hwy 22—constant fence repairs • 30 + new “No Trespassing” signs all around the Nation A Camera Network has also been installed at: • Various entrances to undeveloped lands • Known trespassing areas • Known illegal dumping sites 8 The Conservation has employed many Nation Citizens over the past years on numerous pro- jects we worked , including the following: • New Lands fire break bush clearing—8 Nation Citizens hired • New Lands fire break fence - 8 Nation Citizens hired • New Lands fire break corral - 8 Nation Citi- zens hired • North boundary bush clearing - 8 Nation Citizens hired • 2 Nation Citizens hired as Heavy equip- ment Operators • Wood Workers Program—25 Nation Citi- zens employed, produced fire wood for Nation Citizens, Elders, Events and Cere- monies. Others areas the Conservation team do on a day to day operations include: Wildhorse’s • Constant maintenance of fences • Constant responding to calls of lose and wild horses • Round ups when Range Patrol is available • Survey on total horse population for Guardians Program Trespassers • Located many trespassing camp sites and filed multiple police reports • Will be setting up a report page/website for trespassers and illegal dumpers • Increased patrol in known areas Vehicles & Equipment • Trucks purchased for New Lands & Range Patrol • ATV’s, Snow Machine, Skid Steers and Trailer to haul equipment. Buildings • Quonset was purchased for Machines and equipment storage & training facility. • Installed Westside Base Wintergreen Rd. a New Lands & Range Patrol contact point. NEW LANDS UPDATE An Access Road was installed in the New Lands, due to well reclamation. We are planning an grand opening around Labour Day long weekend. In addition, rules should be available for use of the Lands such as recreational, temporary land use and hunting/harvesting. We are working on the FRIAA fire break and compiling a list of work needed to pro- vide full access to the new lands. Stay tuned for further updates . DUMP SITE CLEAN UP The Conservation Department has hired a company to clean dumpsites by the load and want to compile a list of known dumpsites on the Na- tion. Community Input is needed, please contact the Conservation Department if you have a known dumpsite and needs cleaning. TRAINING FOR RANGE PATROL, NEW LANDS AND LERD The team has recently completed the fol- lowing training: • Bear Aware • First Aid • Security • Environmental Land Use Management Drone Survey and Mapping • Surveys done on environmental concerns as directed. • Surveys done on trespassing sites • Data processing Land Use - Hunting/Gathering Policy Development • Community Surveys and focus groups • Laud Use community information ses- sions • Developing Hunting Zone Map Future Needs of the Conservation Department: • More personnel—for the amount of land, border, trespassing, wild horses and Na- tion requests, more personnel are essen- tial to meet all deliverables and increase visibility. • Equipment - more marked vehicles and professional job site cameras for border and undeveloped land surveillance. • More office space is required Currently seeking funding through Grant applications: • Indigenous Guardian Program: Wildhorse care management and will need 2 Nation employees dedicated to wild horse man- agement and the required equipment to be purchased. • 2 Billion Trees Canada Program: Funding for a plant nursery tp produce trees with established customers with the option of future use for food production. • Will continue to seek more funding oppor- tunities for future projects. Team: Carol Gottfriedson, Director Taye Dodginghorse, EA UXO CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT FORMERLY (D.N.D. DEPARTMENT) 10 The TSUUT’INA NATION LANDS, known as the DND Lands, Tract 1 & Tract 2 (11,000 acres) was used for military trainings since 1910. DND and TSUUT”INA NATION have conducted clearance on these lands since 1985. The NA- TION negotiated and signed an agreement with DND that was referred to as the 1985 agree- ment. Terms of this agreement for UXO clear- ance determined the depth of 18 cm (45 inches). This clearance depth does not allow the Nation to safety utilize these lands, as the present oper- ations are still finding ordnances below these depths. A final settlement agreement between TTN and DND took place in 2021 and allowed the NA- TION to take over the management of any further clearances. During settlement agreement negotiations DND agreed to advance 3 million to complete clear- ance of non-accepted lands under the terms of the 1985 Agreement. Tsuut’ina Nation has an UXO service agreement with NOTRA to complete clearnance of areas not accepted. NOTRA mobilized on August 30, 2021 with a crew of 14 UXO techs (4 nation UXO techs). On ground clearance commenced on September 1, 2021 on the area known as the 500 line within tract 2, this area is identified as the main impact area on the range. EM surveys were conducted and determined ap- proximately 13,000—40,000 targets in this area. First day of clearance resulted in the finding of A 81 MM HE at a depth of 1 meter. On September 14, 2021 another UXO item was found, both ord- nance were identified as live items. UXO Clear- ance of this area is estimated to take 2 years to complete. Attached maps will explain or show previous clearance and further clearance require- ments. Clearance operations for 2022 commenced on May 16, traditional feast took place May 19 with a crew of 11 UXO techs (4 Nation UXO Techs). This year clearance program is required to pro- vide clearance for new homes adjacent to the range, to date we have cleared 4 new homes and one pending. Recently, a safety issue has developed where NON NATION public have been accessing the range at all hours, under federal regulations this is strictly prohibited during clearance operations. Due to UXO Federal Safety Regulations a gate will be installed to prevent this safety hazard, this can also create a liability for TSUUT’INA NA- TION. All Federal Regulations are strictly ad- hered to during clearance operations.  In the first phase of this year’s clearance oper- ation 78 kilos of munitions scrap was removed, no live ordnance.  On June 1st to June 30th, 45 kilos of non- munitions scrap and 570 kilo of munitions scrap was removed.  1,085 targets dug with 2 live ordnance finds.  DND was contacted to denoted live ordnance.  DND Administration and DND Ottawa also pro- vides a School Awareness Program completed for this year, this will take place again in the fall.  DND Ottawa provides funding for this program.  DND Administration consists of 2 full-time employ- ees and a part-time clerk.  It was agreed in June 2022, that the name of this program will be changed from D.N.D Department to Tsuut’ina UXO Clearance Department.  A Call Out for a new logo for this new name has been placed with Communications, not responses to date and it was agreed to for deadline to be extended to September 2022. 11 12 Photos from UXO Clearance Department 13 Team; Alison Heavenfire, Director Jim TwoGuns, Lands Manager Peter Crane, GIS/Mapping Manager Carrie-Joy BigPlume—Permit Clerk Logan OneSpot- - Environmental Coordinator Yolanda Jacobs - Executive Assistant The Lands and Environment Research Department (LERD) is committed to Environmental Research through Education and Training, Planning for Land Sustainability, Ecological, Document Development and Community Engagement. The Connection to Mother Earth and the responsibility to the protection of lands, ecological habitats and biodiversity is key and will shared through the 3 P’s (Protocol. Planning and Policy) within the Tsuut’ina Nation Lands. 14 The L.E.R.D. Department is glad to be back in the office together after a tough 2 years of the pandemic and have been working on many projects in collaboration with other depart- ments and consultants. The L.E.R.D Department gathers information and provide update and recommendations to the delegated authority of Chief and Council for further decision. The L.E.R.D team manages or liaisons to con- duct the technical support for is the following: • Policy Research & Development • Land Advisory Committee Implementation and Administration • Community Education & Engagement • Information and Records Management - Land Records and Archives • Developing a Land Registry System • Permits & Leases on Non-Designated Lands Process • GIS & Mapping Software - centralized for the Nation, Training and Implementation • Custom Land Holding Processes • Data Collection and Monitoring • Land Inspection Reports • Environmental Site Inspection Reports • Grant and Proposal Research • Climate Change Adaptation Research The L.E.R.D team also provides project man- agement and technical support for following projects for the Lands Department: • Environmental Site Assessment - Phase One Update • Water Needs Assessment • Land Use Planning Initiative • Aquatic Habitat Restoration Program • Reserve and Land Management Program • Environmental Management Plan/Forest Management Plan • Source Water Protection Plan • Climate Change Adaptation Plan LANDS AND ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH DEPARTMENT (L.E.R.D.) Funds have been allocated by the federal gov- ernment through the department of fisheries and oceans (DFO) to assist Tsuut’ina Nation participate in fish habitat restoration, aware- ness, and capacity development. Fish depend on not only water, but they also need a healthy riparian area (land beside water) to provide functional habitat. What is Aquatic Habitat Restoration? • Aquatic refers to those species that live in water • Habitat is the land within and around the water that impact the health of a waterway. • Restoration means fixing areas in and around the waterways that may have been damaged from human or natural activities. Therefore, this program is all about protecting and supporting healthy waterways for fish and other species that live in and around the water ways, like the Beaver. Aquatic habitat restora- tion and enhancement projects are designed not only to improve fish habitat conditions, but to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish and wildlife resources that depend on these sys- tems. As stewards of the land, we want to do all we can to protect healthy waterways. Look for our logo around the community to learn about projects we will be completing over the next few years. WATER NEEDS ASSESSMENT UPDATE AQUATIC HABITAT RESTORATION (AHR) PROGRAM 15 In 2021, L.E.R.D. was allocated funding from ISC to fully examine existing groundwater quali- ty on Nation lands. Most rural homes on Nation lands require ground water well or cistern to hold treated water that is trucked to them. Over the last year, our sampling team collected and analyzed the results of 181 rural water well samples directly from the well prior to any treat- ment or filtration. So far, this information helped the Nation understand the natural groundwater is of poor quality. Naturally occurring elements such as fluoride, manganese, sulphate, sodium, iron, nitrates, and total dissolved solids (TDS) are present in groundwater. The depth of the well and where it is located will impact differences in water quality and is suita- ble for drinking. The team will continue sam- pling at another 59 rural wells this summer. In addition, homes that have been found lacking a proper effective filtration system throughout the program will be evaluated for a new system installation. All rural residents on a well should seek to understand how the filtration systems operate and understand that filters should be changed on a regular basis to remain effective. For more information, email Logan.onespot@tsuuutina.com 16 In 2013 Tsuut’ina L.E.R.D.. Completes a Phase 1 ESA of the entire reserve, and it was updated in 2021. This type of assessment identifies potentially contaminated sites from past or existing activities on the land. The reason for this type of assessment is to identify risks to environmental quality of the land, soil and the groundwater and to ensure that people are not exposed to contamination by build- ing on or near impacted sites, What did we learn? Common sources of contami- nation on reserve including existing and former fuel tank locations, buried old dumpsites that can impact groundwater, unburied dumpsites, and former in- dustrial sites where waste oil has been deposited. Contamination sites must be protected from any disturbance until the site is remediated (cleaned up) so contamination does not spread. The next step is to clean up impacted sites and prevent future con- tamination from occurring. If you have a business on reserve and want to learn more about the proper management of fuel tanks look at this website: https://www.canada.ca/en/ environment-climate-change/services/pollutants/ storage-tanks-petroleum-allied-products.html. The Phase 1 ESA strengthens the need for the Na- tion to develop a land use plan that identifies safe development areas and those not suitable for de- velopment. It also helps the Nation prioritize high risk sites for remediation. Check out our Conserva- tion team, the are already working on the clean up of surface dump sites. PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT (ESA) UPDATE DID YOU KNOW? Fuel tanks were not regulated on fed- eral lands until 2008. The Lands Portfolio in currently developing a Tsuut’ina Nation Sustainable Environmental Management Plan with Consultant CCI Inc, this draft report is in review and once finalized the recommendations and data will be imple- mented for future Land Use and Environmen- tal Projects. This report include a Landscape Assess- ment, Range Health Assessment, Wildfire Hazard Assessment, Landbase Classifica- tion, Resource Value Assessment Recrea- tional Potential . Please stay tuned for further updates and community edu- cation./engagement activities SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 17 Lands/Governance Open House February 2022 18 Consultation is legislated in Alberta; Indige- nous Peoples must be appropriately consulted when federal or provincial governments con- sider action or projects that may impact our Treaty and Inherent Rights, as “Right Holders” we have distinct process of consultation with companies, regulators, municipalities, govern- ments and other Indigenous Peoples. The following is an update of Consultation Activi- ties: TC Energy • We have a total of 7 projects with TC Energy • We participated in the CER regulatory process for West Path 2023 Project • Established a relationship agreement, received capacity funding for our program and for the Gunaha Institute • Continuing mentoring as needed • Communicating with contact person on a quar- terly basis Advisory Group or Committees • Town of Banff—Advising on reconciliation and addressing Indigenous issues • Banff Parks Canada—Advising on reconcilia- tion and park operations • TMX– Socio-economics—Advising on social issues surrounding TMX • SR-1 Springbank—Land Use Advisory Com- mittee—Participating and advising on issues of land use within the Springbank Reservoir • Whyte Musuem—Banff—Advisory role, we will be facilitating in photograph identification which will require Elders to assist. Mining and Regulators • Fording River TECK—New Project, completed ceremony and initial site assessment, complet- ed harvesting. • • • • • Met with Ktunaxa Elders prior to start of pro- ject, provided protocols, stated our interests and intentions, we listened to their position and respectfully requested for their support to do our work. They provided their approval and we in turn will support them in protecting the land and water through our work. • Michel Coal—This project requested a 5-year extension so that they can engage with the Ktunaxa further, we provided a support letter to this request. • Crown Mountain - This project also requested a 5 –year extension so that they can engage with the Ktunaxa further, we provided a sup- port letter to this request. • Grassy Mountain—This project is on pause as the company challenges the Federal decision, we will maintain communication as needed. • Vista Mining—This is an existing mining pro- ject, they have requested an extension to their site and that is moving through the regulatory process. We will continue to monitor this pro- ject. Regulators • We are involved with a number of regulators in regards to some of our projects, this providing feedback on processes and other regulatory activities. The following are list of regulators that we work with:  Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)  Canadian Energy Regulators (CER)  Alberta Energy Regulators (AER)  Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) T.U.S. Consultation Department Team: Consultation Director—Violet Meguinis Project Manager—Declan Starlight Office Manager—Coral Bottle Executive Assistant - Maryann Big Plume Field Technician - Michael Onespot Sr. Field Technician—Conrad Starlight Regulatory Analyst/Writer—Tyanne Meguinis 19 GIS & Mapping Update Over the past year, the Consultation Department, in collaboration with the L.E.R.D., Public Works and IT department have acquired a new software, which will be implanted in the near future for cen- tralized use of the Nation when it comes to GIS and Mapping. Do you need to request a Nation Map? If you require a map of the Nation for business reasons, please contact Peter Crane, GIS/Mapping Manager at Peter.Crane@tsuutina.com and state your request and pur- pose for map. Employee Training Update Over the past year, the Lands Portfolio Staff have been focused on training and have participating in the following training, which is still on-going: • Environmental Management • Land Use Planning Management • Land Management • Vegetation and Wildlife Monitoring • Cultural and Resource Management and Monitoring • Climate Change • Facilitation • Water Sampling • Cows & Fish Riparian Health Assessment • Land Management Upcoming: • GIS/Mapping • Drone • Off-Road Vehicle 20 SAFE TIPS FOR BEING OUT ON THE LAND 1. Harvest only what you need and remember to follow our traditional protocols (such as offer- ings and feeding the spirits) when out sweat- grass, sage and berries or even getting tipi poles. 2. Be aware of bears and other wildlife, such as cougars and coyotes. 3. Try your best to avoid driving your off-road ve- hicle in bodies of water, your vehicle can con- taminate the waters and harm the fish, flora and other organisms in the water. 4. Pay attention to the fire risk conditions, avoid having an open fire if weather conditions per- mit, such as dry land and winds. 5. When spending time outdoors, ensure to clean up after yourselves and don’t leave any garbage. 6. Always travel in pairs or more, make sure to let people know where you are going and when you are expected to return. 7. Be well prepared for sudden weather change. 8. Be aware that some areas may not have any cel- lular service. 11 LAND & ENVIRONMENT PRINCIPLES 21 In June 2020, Chief and Council approved the following 11 Land & Environment Principles: 1. Tsuut’ina Nation Lands have been set apart for the use and benefit of the Tsuut’ina Nation. Any addi- tional lands that maybe acquired by the Tsuut’ina Nation shall be likewise be for the use and benefit of the Tsuut’ina Nation. 2. Tsuut’ina Lands are held collectively by the Citizens of the Tsuut’ina Nation. No individual citizen owns land. The Tsuut’ina Nation does not issue Certificates of Possession to Individual Citizens. 3. Tsuut’ina Lands are a valuable resource and must be protected. The Tsuut’ina Nation Way of Life is to maintain harmony between Citizens and their environment; to enforce , preserve and protect the lands, air, water, flora, fauna, ecological systems, natural resources, historical and cultural artifacts and archeological sites; and to create and maintain conditions under which Citizens and nature may co-exist fulfilling the land, environment, water, cultural, protocols, social, economic, notwithstanding any other requirements for the benefits of all generations of the Tsuut’ina Nation in perpetuity. 4. Certain Tsuut’ina Nation Citizens have been allocated land for their use. These Citizens are responsi- ble to mitigate and remedy all environmental concerns as approved by Tsuut’ina Chief and Council and through individual efforts as trustee of the environment and land use for succeeding generations. This means care-taking the lands to attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety or other undesirable and unintended consequences. 5. A Tsuut’ina Nation Citizen who has been allocated land must apply for leases, permits for use of allo- cated lands. 6. All Tsuut’ina Citizens are to respect land allocations while using lands for residency, community use, economic development while not causing harm, hardship or trespassing through allocated lands. 7. The Authority to designated, surrender, separate, or dispose of land for future development for the benefit of the Tsuut’ina Nation belongs exclusively to the Tsuut’ina Electorate to be decided on by a Referendum. 8. A Tsuut’ina Citizen who has reached the age of 18 is entitled to receive land allocation for house site through generational land allocation. Only in extreme circumstance will a Tsuut’ina Citizen be ap- proved land allocation through general lands inventory. 9. All development of Tsuut’ina Lands such as water developments, farms, homes, businesses, shall be subject to law and policy to protect the collective interest. 10. Tsuut’ina Government may take possession of land for the beneficial use of the Tsuut’ina Nation that Citizen deprived of a previously authorized legal use will be compensated utilizing the established base line formula applied to the Ring Road Agreement that also included a nuisance fee. 11. In the event of death, the Executor of the deceased person’s land use occupation will present the wishes of the deceased to Chief and Council who have final approval. 22 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS—LAND USE PLANNING Question: Answer: What is a Land Use Plan (LUP)? The process of planning an orderly allocation of land, community resources, facilities and services with a view to maintaining and improving the physical environment and the economical and social conditions of the community. What are the benefits of an LUP? The whole community benefits because the LUPP can proactively implement positive change, while also protecting the priorities and values of the community for future generations. This change can include such things as economic development, protection of traditional use lands, maintaining a sound environmental program. Why is an LUP important? Land Use planning is a tool for moving towards sustainability through long-range planning and through balancing the well-being of the environment with the social and economic well-being of residents. Why do we need a LUP? To better manage resources; to identify areas of opportunity and resolve any problems with the land as it is currently being used. How is an LUP developed? Once a vision is established for the future of the reserve, input from the community is analyzed along with mapping and surveying of the land, then goals are defined. Is the Community normally involved in the development of an LUP? Yes through meeting with members of the community, open houses, information surveys and com-munity meetings. What type of information will be collected from the Citizens? Through focus groups and surveys, Citizens are asked to bring forward there recommendations, comments and other feedback for areas such as: Hunting, New Lands, DND Lands, Cultural Sites, Custom Land Holdings, Wilderness, Water, Climate Change and other Land & Environment Issues. Will the community be involved in the pro-cess? Yes, through meetings with Elders, open houses, membership surveys and community meetings. Who will be involved in the planning pro-cess? Chief and Council, the Planning Committee and the community at large Who will be on the planning committee? Representative from Lands, Economic Development, Environment, a planner, a surveyor, and El- der, A youth, Legal Counsel Who is responsible for LUP/communication strategy/review process? The Lands Admin Portfolio in collaboration with the Governance Portfolio. The Lands and Environ- ment Research Department will be the lead. How much will this cost and how will it be funded? There are different funding streams available such as the NALMA Land Use Planning Initiative. What s the timeline to develop the plan? 1-3 years depending on funding availability Will there be a vote on the final plan? Chief and Council and the Land Advisory Committee will need to decide in the near future of a date the final Land Use Plan will be completed and ready for the Citizens to ratify. How will the plan be ratified? As per our legislative process act, it could be ratified through Stream A for a Citizen Vote. This decision will need to be decided in the near future. As a living document, how often is the LUP document reviewed and updated? The LUP, as a living document, can be adapted to changing needs, opportunities, and problems. The ongoing progress will be reviewed annually and the plan will be updated according to the find- ings of the review. Which lands are included in the Land Use Plan? See attached map of the current areas including; residential, industrial, environmentally sensitive and cultural/traditional uses. What will our LUP address? The plan will address allocation of land, community resources, facilities, and services with a view to maintaining and improving the physical environment and the economical and social conditions of the community. Will we lose reserve land if it zoned com- mercial? No the land will till be part of reserve lands. Will it affect current land holdings and allot- ments? No, current land holdings will not change Why do we need it now? As our population is growing and our demands on the land, we need to plan and zone our lands to ensure they are protected and sustained for future generations. How will the LUP be implemented? The document includes an Action Plan that prioritizes projects; as well procedures, policies will be put in place for implementing projects with by-laws to ensure compliance to regulations. How will the community be updated? Information will be provided through out website, our newsletters and through social media. How can the community be engaged so that members can provide input? The community’s input will be sought through meetings with Elders, open houses, Citizen surveys, community meetings will be held to discuss progress and answer questions. You can also contact the Lands Office at any time. 23 Source: NALMA LUP Toolkit 2017 WHAT IS LAND USE PLANNING? Land use planning is a comprehensive process that creates long-term goals through engagement with the entire community, which will identify common community values on where and how things will be developed and if those developments are sus- tainable. It will document existing uses, identify plans for future uses and develop laws, policies and procedures to support the management the lands, environment, and natural resources for sustainable future development. An overarching goal for land management is the development of sustainability for Tsuut’ina Nation lands, natural resources and the management and protection of the environment. It can be achieved by balancing the social, cultural, environmental and economic elements that make up a community. Social: how the community works together, caring for elders, quality of life, level of crime, availability of recreational facility and programming, and an overall respect for the land, the community, and the environment. Culture: tangible and intangible, embodies many socio-cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of a community; reflects and enables community relationships, accomplishments, challenges and hopes. Environmental: Bio-physical Health, protection of sacred and traditional areas, provision of potable water, collection and treatment of sanitary sewer, storm water management and the mapping of flood plains, the management of solid waste, the stewardship of the land, the accountability of the decision makers, and the conservation and protection of natural resources. Economic: cost of living and wages, the variety of employment opportunities, revenues generated by natural resources, leas- es, permits, other sources and capital costs required to keep the community viable. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN LUP Phase 1: Pre-planning (May 2021 to September 2022) Community Engagement – Information sessions by meetings, focus groups and information sur- veys to gather knowledge from specific groups within the community. Phase 2: Development (October 2022 to June 2023) The research conducted and the goals drafted from the working team will be presented to the com- munity for the opportunity to provide their input, enhance the vision for the LUP and inform mem- bers. Phase 3: Implementation (July 2023 to December 2023) Information sessions and open houses to keep the community updated. Community support for the LUP will occur when they are informed of how the plan is progressing. Through our legislative pro- cedures process and due to law development related to lands being a common interest and how it will benefit the whole community, their input is needed. Phase 4: Monitoring and Evaluation (January 2024 and Beyond) Rules and requirements of the LUP will need to be communicated and understood by the commu- nity members to ensure compliance. Annual reports of the activities and projects will demonstrate successes within the plan and what needs more planning. 25 The Lands Portfolio has been working in collaboration with the L.P.T.S/ Governance team to set-up focus groups for the months of July, August, and Sep- tember 2022 for Land Use Planning and Policy development in the following areas: • New Lands • DND Lands • Custom Land Holding • Agriculture • Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Harvesting • Cultural Sites and Areas • Small Business on Non-Designated Lands Focus Groups will be conducted twice a week and can be at a Citizen Home, Tipi at the Buffalo Paddocks or office setting. For Further information please contact Carrie Joy Big Plume to sign up at the Public Works Building: Phone: (403) 281-0754 Newslettter Edited by: Alison Heavenfire, LERD Director Public Works Building 48 Bullhead Road, Tsuut’ina Nation, Alberta T2W 6H6 T: (403)281-0754 C: (403)836-1659 Email: Alison.heavenfire@tsuutina.com