Stewardship

Community Based Monitoring (CBM) is a collaborative approach the TPU takes to environmental monitoring across Treaty #3 territory. We work alongside Treaty #3 First Nations and partner organizations to collect data on the health of Nibi, Aki, and all of our relations. The data supports tracking changes over time, identifies any issues in the environment, and can help inform decision-making in the Nation.

The CBM program monitors a variety of environmental indicators including water quality, climate change, microplastics, and others as directed by Treaty #3 leadership.

Stewardship facilitates the gathering of traditional and western knowledge to produce information on species at risk in the territory. Initiatives that the team are carrying out includes cataloging and mapping species sightings, determining risk factors, and creating resources that can help Treaty #3 members learn more about the vulnerable species in their area.

As part of its monitoring efforts, Stewardship actively tracks the spread of invasive species in Treaty #3 territory. Working with communities and Treaty #3 youth, monitoring coordinators work to identify the presence of invasive species that are current threats or potential threats in Treaty #3. In addition, the TPU identifies and monitors areas where invasive plant species such as Phragmites and Purple Loosestrife have been established. Mapping their presence, monitoring their spread, and collecting samples are key to protecting Nibi and Aki from harmful invasive species.