Whitefeather receives MNR PRIDE award

As Ontario’s first community-based land-use strategy, Whitefeather Forest Initiative in Pikangikum was recently honoured by Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

June 14, 2007: Volume 34 #12

In a ceremony held May 15 in Dryden, Ont., representatives of the joint planning team working on the initiative were handed the top award of the MNR’s People Recognizing Innovation Dedication and Enthusiasm (PRIDE) initiative.

“It’s a really exciting project,” Roy Sidders, Far North planning manager for the northwest region of MNR, said of the Whitefeather Forest Initiative.

The award was determined based on the collaborative effort and innovation of the team, which is comprised of Elders and community leaders of Pikangikum along with staff from MNR in Red Lake and Thunder Bay, who came together to develop the land-use strategy for Pikangikum.

The entire team was presented with awards from Gail Beggs, deputy minister of MNR, and Charlie Lauer, assistant deputy minister of MNR.

Jointly endorsed in 2006 by the community and MNR, the land-use strategy combines Indigenous knowledge and western-based science.

Entirely driven by the community, especially local Elders, the strategy is based on balancing business opportunities and protection of the land, Whitefeather officials said.

“What’s been most impressive is the commitment and guidance provided by the Elders,” Sidders said.

The PRIDE awards are a staff recognition program that allows the ministry to reflect on its achievements and to recognize staff, partners and volunteers who demonstrate excellence.