Sustainability à United States

Ongoing

Editing/adding interpretive 5 self-guided tour stories about 300 words long that reflect Indigenous / Métis perspectives, cultural history, ecology & traditional knowledge. The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (FSAA) are seeking an individual who can bring an Indigenous perspective to interpreting the heritage and ecology of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA) and George Genereux Urban Regional Park (GGURP). This role involves editing existing stories or adding new ones to support the creation of a self-guided GPS interpretive app aimed at providing educational and cultural context for park users. The app will be used by families, health and wellness enthusiasts, classrooms, and nature lovers, enhancing the visitor experience by sharing the Indigenous and Métis history and traditional knowledge of the lands. The goal of this project is to offer an opportunity for cross-cultural learning and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people regarding perspectives on the land. The app will include virtual markers at significant locations through the 426 acres of the two afforestation areas. The interpretive stories will explore Indigenous connections to the land and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). This work will be an important step toward supporting reconciliation and furthering the understanding of Indigenous worldviews and traditions.

Responsibilities:

1. Edit 5 existing and/or contribute 5 stories of about 300 words from an Indigenous or Métis perspective, focusing on the cultural, ecological, and historical aspects of the afforestation areas.
2. Ensure content reflects an accurate, respectful approach to Indigenous cultural traditions, which may include, for instance, seasonal movements and the circle of life.
3. Focus on connecting Indigenous ecological practices with contemporary conservation methods and health and wellness.
4. Provide written documentation of stories and interpretations in a clear, respectful, and engaging format.

Categories of Stories:

1. History & Heritage: Stories that reflect the deep and longstanding connections between Indigenous people and the land, sharing significant cultural and historical events pertinent to the two afforestation areas, and their location.
2. Traditional Occupations: These stories will highlight occupations rooted in an intimate knowledge of the land, environment, and natural resources.
3. Flora and Fauna: This includes stories about plants, trees, mushrooms, and animals of these particular areas that are significant to the local Indigenous cultures and ecological stewardship.
4. Birdwatching and Insects: Indigenous perspectives on local wildlife, including birds and insects, will be explored, including their cultural significance, role in ecosystems, and relationships with the land.
5. Geology & Natural Resources: Stories about the geology of the land, including Indigenous perspectives on how the land and its resources were used and cared for.
6. Arts & Creativity: Stories that highlight Indigenous art, crafts, and creativity as expressions of the relationship with the land, utilizing natural materials and connecting to traditions of visual storytelling shared in a self-guided tour setting.
7. Environmental Protection & Stewardship: Indigenous philosophies of land care, sustainability, and environmental protection, including how natural resources were traditionally managed and how these practices can inspire modern conservation efforts.
8. Biophilia & a Love of Nature: The Indigenous connection to the land and nature, fostering a deep respect and love for the environment as fundamental to community well-being and cultural identity.

We are looking for a collaborator who can share Indigenous perspectives and cultural insights to help shape the stories for our self-guided tour experience.

Qualifications:

1. Strong knowledge of any of the Indigenous (Nehiyawak Cree, Nakawē Saulteaux, Yankton and Yanktonai Nakota peoples), or Métis cultures, communities, and history, particularly as they relate to the Saskatoon area and Treaty 6 territory.
2. Knowledge of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and its applications in environmental conservation.
3. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Familiarity with local Indigenous languages, such as Michif, Cree, Saulteaux, or Nakota, is an asset.
6. Experience in environmental education or outdoor education.
7. Familiarity with the cultural and spiritual significance of nature, land, and water to Indigenous peoples.
8. This is a short-term contract position that will end once the stories and documentation are completed.

Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?

By volunteering for this important project, you will play a key role in contributing to reconciliation and cultural education. You'll have the opportunity to work with Indigenous knowledge keepers and community members to develop interpretive stories that share deep cultural, historical, and ecological perspectives on the land, educating and engaging visitors of all ages, helping them better understand and appreciate the rich Indigenous heritage and natural resources of two afforestation areas.