This summer the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation implemented a stewardship program for all natural rewsources within their community and Renfrew County. The Earthwalkers program was designed to provide work expreience to youth in the natural resources sector. In partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Ottawa Valley Forest, and the Stewardship program of the MNR. This program linked landowners, land interest groups, and agencies to encourage resposible land care on private land.

The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Earthwalkers Stewardship Ranger Team comprised a small group of youth under the age of 18 that function under the direction of a single team leader. The youth were recruited locally and work on community based projects. The eight week program provided the students with work experience, education, and training in the natural resources sector. The primary objective of the program was to educate the students and to enhance and protect the natural heritage feartures for future generations. The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Earthwalkers Stewardship Ranger Team was designed as a summer work program that enabled Algonquin youth to learn more about managing their natural environment while gaining both experience and formal education.

Team Leader, Dale Benoit-Zohr said, “I asked the students to capture the essence of the program in their own words. I told them they must be descriptive, and the single word I got from them was ‘awesome’.”

The Earthwalkers trained in a number of health and safety courses, learned to handle navigational equipment, and learned different forestry management techniques including assessments and tree identification. The team learned how to construct and install wetland species habitats such as wood duck boxes and beaver baffles, completed wetland assessments, and trained in fish and wildlife identification including how to identify invasive species in a region. They also learned bear awareness, and map and compass skills.

Some of their information sessions were done along side the Ontario Stewardship Ranger Team. The Earthwalkers had the once in a lifetime experience of assisting in natural disaster relief after Combermere was hit by a tornado. “Our kids were amazed when they went to Combermere. We were the only team there,” explained Benoit-Zohr, “we were amazed that no one was seriously hurt and no one was killed.”

The Earthwalkers team also constructed a beaver baffle as part of their training. A beaver baffle is a man-made conservation effort that allows beavers to stay within their established habitat and eliminates the possibility of flooding. Baffle pipes are placed under the water level to permit water to flow but maintains sufficient levels for the beaver ponds. Creating a baffle allows the landowner and beaver to live together with minimal problems.

Benoit-Zohr explained that the Earthwalkers enjoyed working with the Ontario Stewardship Ranger team, building duck boxes, and constructing the beaver baffle. “They enjoyed anything that was hands on, actual manual work,” she added, “they didn’t enjoy doing any paper work.” The team also managed to locate wetlands in their community and provide recommendations for the future of those wetlands.

The stewardship program was done in partnership with Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Ottawa Valley Forest Inc. (OVF), Renfrew County Stewardship Council, Ron Deshane/Ducks Unlimited, Bonnechere River Watershed, Forest Lea Cross Country Ski Group, Pikwàkanagàn Pow Wow Committee/Elders/Wetlands, Kemptville College/Ministry Of The Environment, Timberline Snow Country Skidoo Club, Renfrew County Woodlot Association, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). Funding was provided by the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, MNR, Ottawa Valley Forest, and the Renfrew County Stewardship Council.

Besides providing summer employment, training and skills, the program opened up opportunities for the team members. “When they first started there wasn’t any interest from any one in doing stewardship courses,” Benoit-Zohr explained. At the end of the program two of the students voiced interest in careers in the natural environment. One may consider forestry as a career option and the other is interested in work with the canine unit. She added, “I think the program made them realize there’s an entire world out there besides computers and games. Their eyes are open in that now they see different options, different fields they can work in.” Pikwàkanagàn looks forward to the expansion of the program in the future.

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