Land Monitor Program Exceeds Expectations and Builds on Collaborative Research

Posted by Qalipu on
The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

As interest in the utilization of environmental resources has increased, the need for land monitorship became evident. Qalipu First Nation’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources launched a Land Monitor Program in the fall of 2023. The Department has a long history with their Fishery Guardian Program working to protect local waterways, so it was a natural progression to ensure natural resource protection was the focus of any land development, particularly in the Central region of the province that has seen a rapid expansion of wind energy development and mining. The goal of guardianship is to protect the environment that holds reverence in our ancestral traditions. Land monitors use a combination of traditional and modern scientific exploration to not only protect the environment but also to participate in vital preservation research undertaken by the Department.

Land Monitors Dean Gillingham (L) and Justin Hodge (R) patrolling the area around Charlie's Place. Qalipu First Nation has been working to turn the location into an Indigenous Protected Area.
Land Monitors Dean Gillingham (L) and Justin Hodge (R) patrolling the area around Charlie’s Place. Qalipu First Nation has been working to turn the location into an Indigenous Protected Area.

The site of the inaugural Land Monitor Program undertaken by Qalipu was Charlie’s Place, nestled between the Southwest and Northwest Gander Rivers, it has been a cultural beacon in its neighboring communities for generations. Qalipu First Nation Council has been working to establish the area as an Indigenous protected area for several months, bolstered by support from band member and Land monitor, Justin Hodge. Justin was joined by Dean Gillingham to maintain guardianship of Charlie’s Place during the Fall of 2023.

In addition to patrolling the land, Land Monitors also observe species and environmental conditions in the area. They compile reports based on their observations. These findings help to build on bodies of knowledge and research conducted with other organizations.
In addition to patrolling the land, Land Monitors also observe species and environmental conditions in the area. They compile reports based on their observations. These findings help to build on bodies of knowledge and research conducted with other organizations.

The 2023 Land Monitor Program was a resounding success supported by many fellow land monitors, environmental researchers, including Natural Resources Canada, and corporate partner Teck Resources Limited, which supported the program via a financial contribution. The work helps to build on Environment Canada’s knowledge base regarding the biodiversity and significance of the area. Working closely with these partners has demonstrated the value of collaboration between government entities, industry, and Indigenous peoples to share knowledge and protect sacred environmental resources. Based on the success of last year’s work, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources hopes to expand into the western region, and to make this program a permanent part of their operations.