Stewards in Motion is more than just a series of events. It is a rally call to connect all stewards at a local level, regardless of focus, affiliation or discipline. It is the philosophy that enables the stewardship community and other stakeholders such as municipal government, ENGOs and industry, to think collectively and act locally to protect our valuable, common natural assets.
The Backstory
Since 2003, Alberta’s volunteer stewards, and the agencies and organizations that support stewards, have gathered at an annual Stewards in Motion workshop to network, learn and celebrate their successes. This event has been instrumental in not only bringing people and organizations with common goals together, but in motivating stewards to continue working collaboratively to conserve Alberta’s landscapes.
Building on the framework, history and success of the original platform, an enhanced effort was launched in 2012–2013. Since then, more than a dozen new Stewards in Motion events have been hosted in communities across Alberta and virtually. These gatherings give people a chance to connect in relevant and meaningful ways and help build a greater sense of community. They support an ongoing dialogue and learning among diverse stewards from community-based watershed stewardship groups (WSGs) and Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs), to industry, various levels of government, other groups and organizations.
Coming Events
November 5, 2024
Indigenous Engagement and Learning From Indigenous Stewards
12 PM - 1 PM
Join us at this FREE Stewards in Motion webinar and learn about the valuable contributions and unique perspectives that Indigenous peoples provide towards conservation and stewardship of the land.
Our first speaker, Glinis Buffalo (photo L), a proud member of Samson Cree Nation, Maskwacis, Treaty 6 Territory and owner of Glinis Buffalo Consulting, will talk about her work with the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association to assist them to align traditional Indigenous knowledge and ceremony with their aquatics monitoring project.
Glinis Buffalo is a proud member of Samson Cree Nation, Maskwacis, Treaty 6 Territory and owner of Glinis Buffalo Consulting (GBC). Glinis started GBC to elevate the professional planning industry standards for Indigenous Peoples. The protection of Inherent and Treaty Rights guides Glinis’s values.
GBC designs, facilitates effective planning and engagement, and prepares policy for Indigenous Peoples, industry and stakeholders. GBC services include traditional knowledge and livelihood development and implementation, comprehensive community planning, consultation and stakeholder engagement, indigenous inclusion in municipal and urban planning, strategic planning and executive leadership support.
Glinis has over 21 years of professional experience in the planning industry. Prior to starting her company, she has worked for non-profit Treaty organizations, provincial government, municipal government and the private sector. Throughout her career, Glinis has worked extensively with all Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First Nations in Alberta. Glinis supports the inclusion of cultural protocol in all aspects of her work.
Glinis is the first First Nations Woman to attain her Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and is a registered Member with the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP).
Our second speaker, Bob Montgomery (photo R), Indigenous Engagement Coordinator with Land Stewardship Centre and Beaver Hills Biosphere, will speak on his experiences of building ethical relationships with Indigenous partners, Nations and community members. His presentation will include stories of mistakes, embarrassment and restitution along this journey.
Bob Montgomery is a Scottish/Irish/Métis nâpêw (man), member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and a registered harvester. He was raised as a settler on Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) territory, divorced from Métis cultural teachings. In his teens and early 20’s he began exploring his Métis cultural connection by talking to family members and involving himself in community events.
He is dedicated to living out the responsibilities of all of his cultural identities including honestly reflecting and healing the hurts caused by and visited upon his ancestors. Through time on the land, advocacy, service, learning Nêhiyâwêwin (Cree language) and supporting Indigenous communities he is living out the prayers of his ancestors as best as he can.
Bob is the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator for the Beaver Hills Biosphere and Land Stewardship Centre. He works closely with Nations to help uncover, restore and implement Indigenous land management practices, stewardship and harmony based on their traditional ways of knowing.
Following the presentations we'll have a Q&A with the presenters.
Suggest a Topic
We have hosted Stewards in Motion events for community stewards with a variety of interesting subjects, including:
- Environmental stewardship planning
- Indigenous engagement and relationship building
- Social media 101
- Grant writing
- Harnessing the power of stewardship stories
- Policy 101
Tell us what you would like to learn more about and we'll make it happen.
Get Involved
Stay tuned. More Stewards in Motion events are coming. We invite you to be part of this community.