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In 2008, BFN Chief and Council created the Natural Resources
Department to manage, sustain, protect and fulfill our obligations as
Caretakers of Mother Earth. This philosophy coupled with the protection
 of BFN Inherent and Treaty Rights serve as the foundation and provide
the standards for the department and its progress.
BNR Crew

Danny Sayers Jr., BNR Manager
Dave Sewell, BNR Field Supervisor
Vic Bolduc, BNR Mining and Aggregate Tech.
Leeann Sewell, BNR Administration Assistant

Projects

The Natural Resources Department will involve but is not limited to Forestry; Commercial

Fishing; Mining; Fish and Wildlife; Environmental Assessment; Membership’s Permits;

Guests Permits; Enforcement/Field Monitoring; Eco-Tourism; Fire Management;

Infrastructure; roads, bridges, etc.; Water Management; Map Information; Natural

Resources Research; Public Safety; Non-timber Forest Products; Sustainable harvest of flora

Corridors for Life: 

[FishingLands]

Helping to protect and restore habitat and fish and wildlife populations under Great Lakes power

transmission lines.

How you can help:

• By staying on established trails you will be helping to ensure that fish and wildlife populations, along with species at risk, continue to thrive and survive maintain aquatic environments that are good for fish.

problem areas to service power lines or near them.

 

[Moose]

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 About Us

 Guiding Principles

Our Traditional values and  spirituality shall be respected at all times

Anishinabe knowledge and practices shall be incorporated into all land planning activities

Incorporate a meaningful consultation and participation process for BFN membership

Encourage a wide range of environmental and social benefits while achieving economic viability

Management operations shall maintain and/or enhance the long-term social and economic well

being of BFN.

Management will maintain the integrity of ecological functions, biological diversity, water resources,

soil, and fragile ecosystems and landscapes

Management shall respect all BFN by-laws, national and international laws

Consult with BFN planning committees before any permit is issued

Incorporate preventive measure and actions rather than the reactive band aide solutions to

preserve our lands and fulfill our duties and obligations.

To sustain and maintain the practices in which we are traditionally in the habit of doing as

recognized in the Robinson Treaty of 1850.

 

Vision

BFN Territory has provided for our people from the time immemorial and it is our obligation and

duty to protect Mother Earth by managing our resources in ways which reflect our culture.

Ongoing dialogue with BFN Elders and other Anishinabe knowledgeable people is necessary to ensure;

suitable balance for sustainable natural resources plans

that the harvest activities and decisions undertaken are to the benefit of all BFN members

protect the interest for future generations.

 

Goals

BFN is managing our Natural Resources within BFN’s Territory in a sustainable manner that

reflects our Anishinabe responsibilities as protectors of the land.  Achieving this goal involves;

generating opportunities and capitalizing on economic development and sustainable employment

opportunities for all BFN members a process of land consolidation, jurisdiction and sovereignty,

which includes our Inherent and Treaty Rights to all BFN’s lands.

Objectives and Strategies

The primary objective of the Batchewana Natural Resources department is to cultivate and

promote the health of the land, air and water for our future generations which will be balanced

by the current needs of the community. This principal objective embraces four key interdependent

components:

sustainability practices

community needs

jurisdiction

sovereignty

Ongoing Policy/Regulation Development

BNR has in draft format an operating Resource Management Plan and a BFN Sustainable 

Forestry Management Plan. Other evolving policies include harvest/recreational camp policy

and application guide (final draft); non-commercial harvesting application for visiting First Nations;

hunting and harvesting safety; land usage application and permit for commercial/industrial operations;

harassment and complaints form; chainsaw safety policy.

 These documents have largely been created on an “as needed basis.” However, with the completion

 and approval of the BNR Resource Management Plan the Department will have a manual which will

direct and proactively implement future policy. 

 

Economic Development

Economic initiatives have been strongly directed and influenced by Batchewana First Nation’s

cultural and economic interests and key to any potential partnership BNR has held that economic

gain will not supercede the integrity of the environment or its protection. Currently, the exploration

of renewable energy initiatives (wind power, solar power) is being explored as well as mining.

Logging and Gargantua Legal Team

BNR is an active participant in the meetings and initiatives proposed by the Legal Team with

BFN Chief and Council approval. The Logging and Gargantua Community Information Session

held on January 22/09 and the Elders Workshop January 23/09 are two of the most recent community

and educational initiatives which have occurred. 

 Upcoming BNR Collaborations/Initiatives

Regional First Nations Contaminants Program Proposal; Blueberry and other berry products project;

GIS Programming (meeting with North Shore Tribal Counsel and Natural Resource Canada);

Species at Risk (ongoing) ; Accessing First Nations Forest Program Fund; Researching and securing

other funding sources; Creating a Steering Committee for Economic Ventures/Partnerships

Refrain (if possible) from driving in and crossing streams and creeks, helping to
Avoid driving through muddy areas to help power crews speed their access into
Encourage native plants and flowers to grow naturally by avoiding traveling on