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“ It ’ s critical that we protect that source water and that everyone works together to address the challenges that we are facing . From climate change to flushing the toilet , everything has an impact .”
“ Before we were put on reserves , this was all traditional Blackfoot territory . Prior to the settlers coming around 150 years ago , the water helped us survive ,” Mike says . “ As Blackfoot plains people , we ’ re nomadic and so survival near water was of essence . We were very careful to never contaminate the water , but now through farming practices and industry , all kinds of chemicals are going into the water systems in Southern Alberta .”
For many years , environmental management has been an important topic for local First Nations , as they have witnessed the direct effects of global climate change on their own lands without being blinded by an urban environment . Over the past two decades , Mike and others observed the landscape changing around them , but realized there was no forum where genuine concerns could be addressed . This led to the formation of KEPA , the first official environmental body on the Kainai reserve . The committee now includes almost 40 members from middle-school children , to elders and academics , both indigenous and non-indigenous community members working together to create awareness and find solutions .
“ We have focused on creating partnerships with parks officials , surrounding communities , agencies , and educational institutions with respect to environment ,” Mike says . “ Even though KEPA is based on a First Nations reserve , it ’ s important that we create knowledge and understanding about the environment for native and nonnative people alike . Water ’ s not just a [ First Nations ] issue today . We all have a stake in this and a duty to protect our water , both now and 100 years from now .”
Our boats continue to drift downstream in the fast-moving spring runoff waters . The serenity of nature is soon interrupted by the first sign of development along the river banks within Lethbridge city limits , the neighbourhood of Paradise Canyon . The golf course along the river banks draws water for irrigation to keep things green for the summer season . But what the river gives , it can also take away , as Paradise Canyon is the most at-risk area for flooding each year and has been evacuated on a number of occasions in the past due to high waters in the spring .
Cliff swallows flit in and out of their sheltered homes along the large cut banks on the east edge of the river across from the golf course . These sandy banks tower overhead , reminding us how this valley was carved out as the last ice age ended thousands of years ago . It also reinforces the concept of how small actions over time create change , and the importance of having the vision to see further than the ends of our noses .
20 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM JUL-AUG 2017