Metis teens take to the forests

Page 4

Seeking to help develop youth spirit and knowledge, the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) entered into a new partnership with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development to provide a summer work experience program with the Aboriginal Junior Forest Rangers.

The Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger program gives high school-aged students the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities that focus on forest protection and natural resource management. In addition to hands-on work, the program also provides opportunities to build an understanding of a number of traditional activities, like medicine harvesting.

"The program is a highly successful program that gives our youth an opportunity to get some experience in the forestry industry," said Trevor Gladue, vice-president of the MNA. President Audrey Poitras did not make herself available to Sweetgrass to answer questions about MNA's involvement.

Gladue said the program gives youth hands-on exposure to forestry and that he is very excited about the program because it builds self-esteem while it provides paid job training.

The MNA provided funding for the start of two Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger groups, one in Fort Vermilion and one in Lac La Biche.

The Junior Forest Ranger program has been in existence since 1965, and the Aboriginal groups first started about five years ago with interest from the Blood and Blackfoot and the MNA.

The first program in Lac La Biche and Fort Chipewyan was so successful that the MNA decided to provide funding again.

The Aboriginal Junior Forest Ranger program has grown to include seven crews in 2005 and will employ 55 Aboriginal youth from across the province. Crews range in size from five members to 10. Crews also include at least two instructors.

Activities of the day program focuses on projects such as completing FireSmart projects work around communities to reduce risk of wildfires. It also includes trail building, tree planting and traditional Aboriginal activities that enhance cultural awareness.

"We are building on these program successes," said James Atkinson, field co-ordinator for the Aboriginal Junior Forest Rangers.

Atkinson also said the program provides credits that can be applied to Career Technology Services for high school job training programs.

The program also gives youth the chance to learn what it would be like to train to become an actual forest ranger, said Atkinson. Demand for forest rangers are increasing with the most opportunity in northern Alberta, said Atkinson.

At the end of the year, all the Junior Forest Rangers get to compete in a ranger skills competition called the 'Bull of the Woods' at the Cold Creek ranger station.

"I am pleased that these Metis youth will have an opportunity to be involved in a program that helps build cultural heritage, local communities and natural resource stewardship," said David Coutts, minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, in a press release after the July 7 signing of the partnership in Edmonton.