Workshops: February 4-6, 2025 / Thompson, Manitoba
The purpose of each workshop was to facilitate information sharing between First Nations and federal and provincial governments on four critical environmental issues: environmental governance, waste management on reserves, environmental regulations, and climate change.
In the heart of Thompson, Manitoba, known as the Hub of the North, the Northern Braiding Environmental Knowledge (NBEK) workshop was held at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre, creating a hub of learning, collaboration, and cultural celebration. The three-day event, organized and facilitated by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), brought together forty representatives from Manitoba’s northern First Nation communities, as well as six federal departments, environmental industry experts, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders.
February 4, 2025–Day 1: Engaged participants in environmental review programs, solid waste management, waste diversion and recycling initiatives with presentations from ISC, Green Action Centre, and Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, St. Theresa Point Waste Management Department. Participants shared their environmental experiences and gained valuable insights into ISC’s environmental programs.
February 5, 2025–Day 2: Provided training, with Absolute Petroleum Ltd leading practical training sessions on contaminated sites, fuel handling, and spill response protocols. Each participating First Nation, organization, and community received their own spill kits. The training included case studies from St. Theresa Point and critical emergency management procedures.
February 6, 2025–Day 3: Discussions turned to clean energy opportunities in Manitoba, featuring inspiring success stories of community-led energy efficiency initiatives. Presentations were delivered by Indigenous Clean Energy, Efficiency Manitoba, Manitoba Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, and Manitoba Hydro. Indigenous Clean Energy shared success stories and information about funding programs, while the Manitoba Clean Energy Initiative hosted a “Conversation Café” where participants could discuss current issues and opportunities in their own home communities.
The three-day workshop attracted leadership participation from across the northern Manitoba region, including Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot of KTC, Mayor of Thompson Colleen Smook, and respected Elder Marie Ballantyne from NCN. Representatives from the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, Health Canada, and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs were also in attendance.
The success of NBEK 2025 wasn’t just measured in knowledge shared or skills gained—it was evident in the strengthened bonds between communities, the celebration of Indigenous culture, and the collective commitment to environmental stewardship. The Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre proved to be more than just a venue; it became a symbol of the workshop’s core mission: working together, sharing ideas, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Northern Manitoba.
Presentations
- Absolute-Petroleum-Limited-NBEK_February-2025.pdf
- Aski-Otutoskeo-Ethinesewin-Traditional-Knowledge-Bill.pdf
- ENV – CSMP – Contaminated Sites on Reserve, Manitoba Region – LEDSP.pdf
- Environmental Review (ER) Process_NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- First Nations Adapt_NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- GAC_NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- Indigenous Clean Energy Pathways (ICE)_NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- MB EPM Overview – NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- MB Hydro Community Energy Projects_NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- MICEI – NBEK_February 2025.pdf
- STP Waste Management_NBEK_February 2025.pdf
SOUTHERN BRAIDING ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE (SBEK)
Workshop: March 20, 2024: Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation
The initial workshop, the Southern Braiding Knowledges Workshop (SBEK), took place in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in southern Manitoba. Here are the workshop resources that include many presentations and documents.
Presentations
- Braiding Climate Knowledge
- Braiding Environmental Knowledge Proposal Writing
- ENV – EPM – EPM Unit Presentation
- EPHS CIER presentation OWMS registrations Mar 20 2024.pdf
- ECCC GHG Offsets – Braiding Knowledge Panel
- ENV – EA – IAA and ISC ERP Overview – LEDSP Workshop
- ENV – CSMP – Contaminated Sites on Reserve, Manitoba Region – LEDSP Presentation on FCSAP
- FNA – DECK – ISC-MB Regional Climate Change Workshop presentation- Brokenhead MB – MARCH 2024.pdf
- Lands Operations
- SARA Overview Day
- Solid Waste
- Tabitha Day 2
- Tanya Grove
Documents/Forms
- 83-183-instructions_1650917590054_eng.pdf
- Draft Proposal Writing Workbook_Final for Print.pdf
- ENV – Climate Change Programs and Resources Brochure.pdf
- ENV – EA Small Building Checklist.pdf
- ENV – SOLID WASTE – Operations and Maintenance of Solid Waste Assets Program (OMSWAS) – Applicant’s Guide.docx
- ENV – SOLID WASTE – Operations and Maintenance of Solid Waste Assets Program (OMSWAS) – Application Template – 2024-2025.doc
- EPHS Contact List FNIHB and Transferred 2024-03-01.pdf
- Homeowner wastewater_management_systems.pdf
- ICL – Placemat – Indigenous Climate Leadership.pdf
- ISC Climate Change Strategy Placemat_REV2 (1).pdf
- Onsite Wastewater Management Systems Regulation, M.R. 83_2003.pdf
- Onsite Wastewater Management Systems Weblinks March 2024.pdf
- OWMS Example of Registration Form with site map MAR 15 2024.pdf
- OWMS Registration Form with site map Nov 2018.pdf
- OWMS Supplementary info 2010.pdf
- OWMS supplementary information manual-clarifications 2022.pdf
For more information please contact Thomas McKay at [email protected]
