This is Nuhenéné, and we are the stewards who protect it.
There’s nothing minor about keeping our land safe for future generations. Ya’ thi Néné takes care to help the Athabasca Denesųłiné make sure that their traditional territories are used sustainably, and that the land will be kept healthy for all future generations.
Monitoring: Land Issues
Ya' thi Néné's purpose is to protect the land, water, and air of Nuhenéné and to promote the people of the Denesųłiné First Nations and Athabasca communities that reside there. That's why we're always on the lookout for issues and observations from residents of the Basin. If you or someone you know has an observation, notices something, or hears a concern related to the land and water, we ask that you report it to one of our Community Land Technicians (CLTs).
When you make a report to your CLT, they will take the time to listen to your concerns and ask you questions. After collecting as much information as possible they will refer the issue to our head office, where research and analysis will be done and actions to resolve the issue will be determined. Updates will be provided to the person(s) who reported the issue on a regular basis. Issues that are successfully resolved will be communicated to the communities. Some examples of issues that could be reported include:
Seeing an outfitter abandoning an out-post camp, leaving debris and garbage
Finding an abandoned exploration camp with waste left behind
A sick or diseased animal (e.g. fish with unknown cysts)
Observations on changes to the environment (animal behaviour, habitat, etc.)
Issues that impact your Treaty and Inherent Rights to hunt, fish, trap and gather.
Monitoring: Mining Operations
In 2016, the seven Athabasca Basin communities and mining companies Cameco and Orano signed the Ya’Thi Néné Collaboration Agreement. At the same time, Ya’thi Néné Land and Resources was formed. The agreement includes the four key pillars of sustainable development and is implemented through the collective effort of the mining companies and four committees including the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC), Athabasca Joint Engagement and Environment Sub-Committee (AJES) and the Athabasca Community Trust (ACT).
Joint Implementation Committee (JIC)
The JIC oversees and reports on the implementation of the Ya’Thi Néné Collaboration Agreement with mining companies Cameco and Orano. The committee discusses how the agreement is being implemented, what is working and what challenges exist. The JIC reports on targets, metrics and objectives. The committee can also recommend sub-committees be created to identify issues, and challenges in implementing key aspects of the agreement. The JIC oversees the four pillars within the Ya’Thi Néné Collaboration Agreement including Workforce Development, Business Development, Community Engagement & Environmental Stewardship, and Community Investment. This committee meets four times per year.
Business Advisory Committee (BAC)
The seven Basin communities as well as Cameco and Orano see great value in strengthening relationships through business opportunities. Reporting to the Joint Implementation Committee, the BAC was created to support implementation of the business development pillar of the Ya’Thi Néné Collaboration Agreement. The companies are monitored for their efforts to use, to the extent possible, Athabasca Basin-owned businesses. The BAC discusses current activities of Athabasca businesses working for Cameco and Orano, identifying what is working and challenges to future success. The committee also works on plans to implement the “evergreen” contracting opportunities outlined within the Ya’Thi Néné Collaboration Agreement. This committee meets twice per year.
Athabasca Joint Engagement and Environment Sub-committee (AJES)
As its name suggests, the Athabasca Joint Engagement and Environment Sub-committee (AJES) is focused solely on the environment. It is responsible for reviewing information from environmental monitoring programs such as the Community Based Environmental Monitoring Program (CBEMP), information updates from all Cameco and Orano mine site and exploration programs and providing feedback on behalf of community members. The committee also shares this information with communities and their members. This committee meets four times per year.
Research
In order to provide maximum, effective monitoring and protection of our lands, water and resources, YNLR will conduct and participate in research within Nuhenéné.
Ya’thi Néné is currently interested in pursuing opportunities to build on the following research topics. If you are currently working in this field and would like to partner with Ya’thi Néné, please contact our office.
fish and fish habitat research
woodland caribou critical habitat
water quality monitoring
biodiversity
boreal forest monitoring
impacts of climate change
indigenous food security
Traditional Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy
Ya’thi Néné have become experts in collecting valuable Traditional Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy (TKLUO) data using proven methodologies that respect the sensitive nature of the information. TKLUO is the foundation of our research and guides all of our monitoring efforts.
By combining a strong TKLUO foundation with Western Science methodologies, we can enhance research projects.
Western Science Partners
Ya’thi Néné is always looking for opportunities to partner with experts in scientific and monitoring research. These could include:
Universities (e.g. U. of S.)
Federal Government (e.g. ECCC)
Provincial Government (e.g. Ministry of Environment)
NGO’s (e.g. CPAWS)
Industry Partners (e.g. exploration companies)
Successful Research Projects:
Bird Atlas Study
Ya’thi Néné partnered with Birds Canada to assist in the deployment of Acoustic Recording Units (ARU) in the Athabasca Region. This study was of interest to Ya’thi Néné as a proven way to record and quantify bird diversity in the area. The Community Land Technicians were able to successfully access predetermined locations identified by the experts at Birds Canada. A total of 36 ARUs were deployed and have been retrieved. This data will assist Birds Canada in adding additional biodiversity data within their Bird Atlas from the region.
Woodland Caribou Study
This project aimed to gather new information on Traditional Knowledge regarding the Woodland Caribou of the Athabasca Denesųłiné First Nations . This information will help to support future knowledge sharing, monitoring, and species recovery within the Athabasca Basin.
Barrenground Caribou Harvest Data
The Athabasca Denesųłiné are interested in collecting barrenground caribou harvest information in order to understand how many caribou they need in order to sustain healthy, vibrant communities that can participate fully in harvesting traditions. In partnership with our sister organization, Denesųłiné Ne Ne Land Corporation, our Community Land Technicians conducted a survey of known hunters and gather harvesting data.
Community Land Technicians
Ya’thi Nene’s vision with hiring Community Land Technicians (CLT) is to continue the proud Denesųłiné tradition of being stewards of the land. By "watching" the land, we will ensure that there is always a Denesųłiné presence within Nuhenéné. Nuhenéné will be protected by being proactive about potential impacts.
The First Nations CLTs are all fluent in English and Denesųłiné. Margaret from Uranium City is fluent in Cree. This assists them in communicating effectively with partner organizations but also all community members, specifically Elders. Language is tied to culture and the land.
Some of the work the CLTs will be doing on the land includes:
monitoring of land and water, to gain data on culturally important species, critical habitat, numbers and potential impacts
data/observations on impacts of forest fires
monitoring of sacred areas for impacts/encroachment
monitoring of developments
documentation and follow-up regarding industry or other issues that may impact land/water
collection and documentation of Traditional Knowledge Land Use and Occupancy data
ground-truthing protected areas
participating in scientific studies and research within Nuhenéné.
Building operational use cabins
Community-Based Environmental Monitoring Program (CBEMP)
Some of the work the CLTs will be doing within the communities:
Communication and engagement with the 7 Athabasca Basin communities on the activities of YNLR
Work with youth. Our CLTs will be working with youth, as mentors, to promote careers in science and resource management
Bringing youth out on the land to learn firsthand what the CLTs do and learn important skills/protocols.
Engage Elders. Regular Elders gatherings will be held by YNLR where specific questions and topics are discussed for feedback and approval. These gatherings are critical for the direction of activities by YNLR. CLTs will play a significant role in organizing and facilitating these gatherings.