Cultural Projects
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CONSERVATION & CULTURE
Projects that Have Cultural and Historical Significance
You may be interested to learn more about the cultural significance of your conservation area, or to conserve the indigenous heritage of the region. Partnerships with local First Nations have informed some important projects that honour indigenous history.
Conserving these spaces and ensuring that First Nations are part of any development means starting early in the process. First Nations provide expertise that should be integrated into the process before any decisions are made.
Once a location for a project is selected, you can start the process to bring Indigenous advisors on board.
STARTING EARLY
Contact relevant First Nations or Indigenous governments to share the intent of the project, and invite their input at the outset. Early involvement allows space for Indigenous voices to shape the scope, purpose, and protection measures from the beginning, not after plans are drafted.
Research the History of the Location
Find out what traditional territory your project is located within, using an online resource such as native-land.ca or provincial heritage database information. Try Saskatchewan’s Heritage Conservation Branch to find out as much history as you can. Inquire with other community departments or local knowledge keepers to find out if there are Indigenous communities traditionally associated with the area..
Engage with Respect
Partnerships in these projects should be informed by respectful efforts at building long term relationships between the First Nation community and your own community. By starting the process early, you have the opportunity to gain a new perspective of what constitutes a project of cultural significance. First Nations may have insights into the meaning of projects that you are unfamiliar with. This can be an opportunity for education and true reciprocity within the project’s overarching purpose.
Formalize Relationships
Ensure that all partners in the relationship are consulted, and have an opportunity to inform how the agreement on the project goals should be reached. From there, you can create a working group that can oversee archeological research into the region, and help you develop a project plan that meets the cultural goals of all those involved.
Wakamow Valley Authority, Meewasin Valley Authority, and the City of Prince Albert and the City of North Battleford parks departments have integrated Indigenous culture and voices into their park masterplans, park projects, and project planning processes in meaningful ways. By building relationships with First Nations and Indigenous groups early on, integrating culture into parks and conservation areas has become a natural part of the development process.
CHECKLIST ITEM
Research the historical and cultural significance of your region to find out if there is an opportunity to bring a First Nation’s perspective into your project plans.
Little Red River Park, Prince Albert