2010-11 was the first year for the Species at Risk Stewardship Program. A total of five projects were funded from around the Northwest Territories.
The successful projects were:
Whooping Crane Nesting Site Preservation Project
Project Lead: Ron Schaefer
Region: South Slave
Species at Risk focus: Whooping Crane
Funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Program was used to divert an ATV and snow machine trail away from a Whooping Crane nesting site that is located outside Wood Buffalo National Park. The project lead also used the funding to create signage to raise awareness that a sensitive nesting site exists in the area. The new trail was strategically designed to include a safe lookout spot so local people can safely view the birds without disturbing their nest or habitat.
Learning About Species at Risk: Yellowknife Sparks, Brownies & Pathfinders
Project Lead: Yellowknife District Girl Guides of Canada
Region: Yellowknife
Species at Risk focus: Boreal Woodland Caribou, Nahanni Aster, Northern Leopard Frog, Wolverine, Peary Caribou, Polar Bear, Hairy Braya, Whooping Crane and Peregrine Falcon
Funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Program was used to assist the Yellowknife District Girl Guides of Canada with raising awareness of species at risk in female youth. Five groups of Sparks, Brownies, and Pathfinders used materials purchased with Program funding to earn a Species at Risk-focused badge.
At each Species at Risk-focused meeting, girls and their friends learned about one or more species at risk that lives in the NWT. The evening involved a snack or a meal, games, crafts and other learning activities. At the end of the evening, each girl was given an age appropriate species at risk book to share with their family.
Learning our Culture!
Project Lead: Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee
Region: Inuvik
Species at Risk focus: Arctic Char and Bluenose Caribou
Funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Program was used to support the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee with arranging an Elder’s Camp to share stories and talk about species at risk in the Aklavik area. Elders and youth spent several days at a winter camp together to perform traditional activities and share knowledge. Elders spoke about Arctic Char and Bluenose Caribou to the youth. The youth completed a questionnaire to test what they had learned about species at risk.
Knowing Nanuut: Inuvialuit Perspectives of Polar Bear Population Health
Project Lead: Wildlife Management Advisory Council (NWT)
Region: Inuvik
Species at Risk focus: Polar Bear
Funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Program was used to further document Inuvialuit knowledge, perspectives and observations of Polar Bear health on Banks Island. The project lead collaborated with the community of Sachs Harbour to conduct a focus-group workshop to gather Community and Traditional Knowledge. The project provided valuable insight and knowledge which can be used in decision-making on Polar Bears in future management or recovery planning.
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge: Woodland Caribou, Boreal Population
Project Lead: Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board
Region: Inuvik
Species at Risk focus: Woodland Caribou (Boreal Population)
Funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Program was used to gather and report on Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge of Boreal Woodland Caribou for the recovery planning process of this at-risk species. The project was successful in recording Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge.
NWT residents will benefit from the project. Collected information will be integrated into recovery planning and will be used in future research. The project increased hunters’ awareness of issues of conservation for Boreal Woodland Caribou in the Inuvik Region.