First Nation to receive funding to help protect Hudson Bay lowlands
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at the COP-15 Biodiversity conference Wednesday that Ottawa will be giving $800 million to four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
One of them is in the Hudson Bay lowlands in the far north part of our region, home to diverse wildlife, billions of migratory birds and an important carbon-capturing area for the planet.
Trudeau’s announcement was an earth-shaking one for the Mushkegowuk council, which has been working to protect the Hudson Bay lowlands from human interference.
It’s one of four Indigenous-led conservation efforts in the country that will get a piece of that $800 million, as well as more than $200 million in philanthropic financing, making it more than $1 billion towards protecting traditional land that’s critical to the world.
Officials said Friday it’s global recognition of how critical the far north is to the health of the planet.
“This is the largest carbon sink in North America, it’s the third largest one in the world,” said Lawrence Martin, of Mushkegowuk Marine Conservation.
“And that carbon is, actually, what the elders called ‘breathing lands.’”
Not only that, Martin said the land and surrounding marine area is home to vast numbers of fish, polar bears, seals, beluga whales and creatures from around the world.
“August and September, you have this huge migration of billions, three to five billion birds,” he said.
Which, Martin said, make Hudson Bay and James Bay part of a global ecosystem -- and a stronghold in tackling climate change.
It’s unclear how much money Mushkegowuk will get to work on protecting the area, but officials said it will help build infrastructure, office space and housing, plus create hundreds of jobs.
The vision is to create an economy in the area based not on extracting resources, but preventing that from ever happening.
'BEING STEWARDS, BEING GUARDIANS'
“In terms of protecting the region, being stewards, being guardians,” said Vern Cheechoo, of Mushkegowuk council.
“Ensuring that the wetlands are still operating the way they should be.”
“We can’t let out human activities destroy the Earth, destroy all life,” Martin added.
“It’s our responsibility to look after the Earth.”
Cheechoo said having Indigenous communities take the lead on this is a reconciliation effort -- but also a message for everyone.
“We have to reconcile our relationship with Mother Earth,” he said.
“Because Mother Earth is going to take over if we don’t. And we’re not going to stand a chance, if that happens.”
Mushkegowuk officials will meet with Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault next week to talk details.
They’re also preparing to speak with world leaders at a climate change conference in February, to talk more about the Hudson Bay lowlands.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.