Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Source Water Protection Plan 2009
Donna Rae Paquette North Saskatchewan River Basin Council Saskatchewan’s 29 Watersheds
Table of Contents
Page
What is Source Water 2 The Ice Age: Source of the North Saskatchewan River 3 Home of the dinosaur fish – Lake Sturgeon 6 Background of the Source Water Protection Plan 7 Purpose of a Source Water Protection Plan 7 Muskeg Lake Land Use 8 Planning a Water Protection Strategy 8 Water Conservation 9 Water Quality 11 Water Supply 13 Surface Water Quality 14 Groundwater Quality 16 Natural Habitat 18 Notes For Additional Key Actions 20 Muskeg Lake Source Water Implementation Plan 21 List of Objectives 22 List of Key Actions 23 Table of Key Actions, Costs & Personnel 25 Costs of Key Actions 31 Table of Costs to Meet Objectives 32 Conclusion 33 References and Photo Credits 34
1 What is Source Water
Source water is defined as water contained in all creeks, rivers, lakes and smaller water bodies which drain into larger, main water bodies. All waters from all locations that contribute their flow to the North Saskatchewan are considered source waters.
.
At 1,287 km the North Saskatchewan is the longest east-west river in Canada
There are 72 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Reserve lands throughout the province account for 2.1 million acres of the 161.1 million acre provincial land base. Too many have current and on-going failures in their drinking water supply and safety. These failures are due to poorly-constructed and poorly-planned water delivery and sewage and waste handling facilities and sub-standard equipment to handle the raw material entering the system.
The consequences of unprotected source water became evident in 2001 in the City of North Battleford whose drinking water source is the North Saskatchewan River. Between 5,000 to 7,000 people up and downstream drinking the river water were stricken with various symptoms of gastroenteritis. Studies found the water had been tainted by a micro- organism called ‘cryptosporidiosis’ found in both animal and human fecal matter. The deadly bacteria came to the city via raw sewage from an upstream source. Protecting source water is the first barrier to preventing water-borne diseases and toxins.
2 The Ice Age: Source of the North Saskatchewan River
The North Saskatchewan River originates from the Saskatchewan Glacier located in Alberta’s Columbia Icefield in western Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Situated in Banff National Park, the icefield is a remnant of a vast ice sheet that stretched from the foothills of the Rockies to the Pacific Coast 15,000 years ago. The Saskatchewan glacier is continually melting and shrinking in length, known as ‘retreating’. Currently 10 km long, it has retreated 2 km since 1980.
Saskatchewan Glacier in 1964. Note the peak at top left and long strip of glacier flowing past
3 A 2005 close-up photo shows the same peak but much of the glacier strip has melted and receded leaving the rocky channel exposed
Glacial melt water forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River. Flowing east across Alberta it absorbs the Clearwater River before flowing into Saskatchewan. Crossing the border the river rolls past North Battleford. Along this journey, it is joined by the Battle River near the Battlefords. The Battle River is the largest tributary to the North Saskatchewan River in Saskatchewan but adds less than 5% of the total flow.
The South Saskatchewan River flows into our province from southeastern Alberta. It flows east and then north to Saskatoon. Going through the city it flows northeast and ends just past Prince Albert. The North and South Saskatchewan Rivers join at “The Forks” east of Prince Albert and become simply the Saskatchewan River. From there it flows into the Nelson River system and Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba. It ultimately empties into Hudson Bay which eventually drains east to the Atlantic Ocean.
.
4
Approximately 80,000 km2 of land contributes runoff to the North Saskatchewan and Battle Rivers before these rivers flow into Saskatchewan. Alberta contributes over 7 m2 of the water flow from Alberta into Saskatchewan. The yearly discharge at the Alberta/Saskatchewan border is more than 7 m3. Starting from a height of 2,080 m above sea level (ASL), it steadily drops as it winds its way east to 380 m ASL.
The North Saskatchewan River at dusk looking west from North Battleford.
5 Home of the Dinosaur Fish – Lake Sturgeon
The North and South Saskatchewan Rivers are home to an ancient fish species that goes back 100 million years to the dinosaur age. Lake sturgeon are normally associated with the Great Lakes regions as well as in major eastern rivers like the St. Lawrence. North America's westernmost population of lake sturgeon can be found in two populations divided between the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers.
The primitive ancestry of these fish can be seen in a shark-like tail, a skeleton that is made of cartilage rather than bone, and five rows of bony plates that protect the body. Sturgeon have no natural predators apart from sports fishers.
Lake sturgeon are the geriatric giants of the freshwater world. Although their average adult size is 10 -14 kg, and their average length is 130 cm, (with a tendency to smaller sizes in colder rivers, such as the North Saskatchewan), they can grow as large as 100 kg and live as long as 150 years.
S Sturgeon spend almost two decades growing before reproducing.
With a total population of less than 2,000 fish, of which only about 200 are mature and capable of spawning, about 100 are female and only about 25 of these are actually reproducing in any given year. The survival of an entire species is dependent on the reproductive efforts of this small number of fish.
Water diversion and pollution can also cause a reduction in other fish eaten by sturgeon. This reduction in the food chain therefore limits sturgeon growth. Hydroelectric dams, storage reservoirs for irrigation and discharge of industrial, municipal and domestic effluents all have a negative impact on aquatic populations. Juvenile sturgeon are very sensitive to chemical pollution, and the extreme long life of sturgeon raises concerns about accumulation of toxic contaminants in their bodies.
6 Background of the Source Water Protection Plan
In 2004, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) identified water quantity and quality as major concerns on First Nations in Canada. From this the department developed the “Plan of Action for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities” in 2006 and set in motion the delivery of the plan. In 2000 INAC contracted Environment Canada (EC), who contracted the First Nations Agricultural Council of Saskatchewan (FNACS to administer the project.
Contract agreements were signed in March 2007 between FNACS and Environment Canada and between FNACS and the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA). The SWA provided funding for FNACS to develop source water protection plans on three First Nations in Saskatchewan – Muskeg Lake, Witchekan Lake and Sweetgrass. These communities were chosen because of their proximity to major tributaries and feeder streams into the North Saskatchewan River. If the projects are successful, EC and INAC will consider extending the project into other reserves in Saskatchewan.
Purpose of a Source Water Protection Plan
There are many concerns about water quality on First Nations in Saskatchewan. Water is a very important aspect of First Nations tradition. It is considered the lifeblood of the Earth. With changes in the lifestyles and culture of First Nations individuals since the introduction and incorporation of Western European culture, views and treatment of water have subsequently been affected.
The purpose of this Source Water Protection Plan is to provide stakeholders in Muskeg Lake with relevant information to enable them to make decisions and carry out specific actions to protect both surface and ground waters that exist on and around the community. It also requires the identification of water resources and possible sources of contamination that may negatively affect these water resources.
The people of Muskeg Lake are dependant on groundwater resources specifically for their drinking water. The municipal water treatment plant currently gets its water from a groundwater well, and supplies treated water to most of the residential units.
There are also currently twelve active individual wells on the Reserve. Surface water is only used for some livestock watering; however, because there is a close linkage between groundwater and surface water, the band members feel it is important to take actions to protect surface water in addition to groundwater.
7 Muskeg Lake Land Use
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is located approximately 130 km north of Saskatoon, near Blaine Lake. It is situated in the North Saskatchewan River watershed in the North Saskatchewan River Basin. The almost 300 residents occupy almost 90 square kilometers of mostly cultivated land. About one third is prairie grass and a slightly smaller percentage is marshland.
Planning a Water Protection Strategy
In the spring of 2008 Muskeg Lake members met for a “Future Search Conference” held on the Reserve. The purpose was to create a vision and set goals to nurture the community’s water and their environment, thereby protecting source water of the North Saskatchewan River. Their vision included eliminating sources of water contamination, such as old wells, substandard sewage handling facilities and an unregulated landfill. Residents wanted to address drinking water supplies and alternate sources of water delivery. The community agreed on the following issues:
Abandoned wells o improperly sealed or decommissioned (at least 11 on Reserve)
Active wells o Improperly sealed or maintained
Sources of contamination o Pollutants around wells
Agriculture o Pesticide use (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) o Improper disposal of agriculture chemical containers o Excessive/improper application of fertilizers and chemicals o Surface runoff of nutrients and chemicals o Livestock with direct access to wells and surface water
Sewage treatment o Sewage lagoon discharge o Septic tank/infiltration system discharge or leaks
Waste disposal grounds o Objects not monitored o Burns frequently o Hazardous materials and chemicals possibly going into soil and groundwater
8 Water Conservation
The World Commission on Water for the 21st Century, a consortium of global water experts has issued a serious warning. "More than one-half of the world’s major rivers are being seriously depleted and polluted, degrading and poisoning the surrounding ecosystems, thus threatening the health and livelihood of people who depend upon them for irrigation, drinking and industrial water. "
In the early 1900’s a Dene elder of the North West Territories, known as the Prophet Ayah, told of a coming time when there would be no fresh water left in the world except water in Great Bear Lake. Nations from around the world would come to the North because of a global water shortage. Fighting and war over the last fresh water on Earth would come to Dene country.
Canadians are the second highest users of water in the world. Industrialization, irrigated agriculture, massive urbanization and rising standards of living are pushing the demand for freshwater to new heights; undermining already fragile water security for many nations.
The residents of Muskeg Lake understand the value of conserving water for non-drinking uses and have researched innovative ways to capture and store this natural resource.
Objective 1: Increase awareness among residents of the need for water conservation and the benefits of using water more efficiently.
Recommendation: The Chief and Council, in consultation with health and environment agencies, should develop conservation strategies and promote efficient water use using existing facilities.
9 Key Actions:
Key Action 1: Educate residents on benefits of conserving rainwater for watering gardens.
Key Action 2: Inspect eaves troughing and repair or replace faulty eaves troughs.
Key Action 3: Investigate potential of providing rain barrels with base spigots for garden hose attachment.
10 Water Quality
Maintaining a steady supply of safe drinking water is a priority for all communities. The quality of potable water is affected by many sources in the environment, especially from populated areas. Pollution can emanate from many sources and points of origin. If left unchecked or allowed to continue unabated the potential for a water- related human disaster is very real. First Nations face many freshwater safety issues including:
• Untreated sewage flowing on land and into static/flowing water bodies • Livestock close to water bodies • Unregulated and unmanaged landfills and resultant pests • Groundwater contamination by surface agents • Abandoned well hazards and pollution potential • Inordinate number of boil water advisories • Continual health concerns related to water quality • Inadequate funding levels to address/implement solution • Off-reserve pollution impacting reserve land (agricultural spraying)
Objective 2: Ensure that all residents of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have continued long-term access to safe, clean drinking water.
Recommendation:
That all delivery systems, facilities and equipment be of high quality and manufacture, and that it be maintained in optimum working condition and conform to all health and environmental regulations; that all personnel employed in water delivery systems have appropriate, up to date certification, training and accountability mechanisms. Ensure that residents have confidence in the safety of and continued service from the reserve water system.
11 Key Actions:
Key Action 4: Ensure that all Water Treatment Plant operators are certified.
Key Action 5: Send four residents for training as Water Treatment Plant operators
Key Action 6: Ensure Water Treatment Plant always has adequate supplies of chemicals to treat the water.
Key Action 7: Ensure the sewage lagoon is safe by regular inspections.
Key Action 8: Fence off perimeter of sewage lagoon.
Key Action 9: Improve pumping system in sewage treatment plant.
12 Water Supply
The world’s supply of fresh, clean drinking water is dwindling. The world faces an unprecedented crisis in water resources management, with profound implications for global food security, protection of human health, and maintenance of aquatic ecosystems. Water shortages threaten to reduce global food supply, while the world’s population grows by 80 million people each year. With current trends, by 2025, one-third of all humans will face severe and chronic water shortages.
Objective 3:
To ensure a steady, reliable and safe supply of drinking water for all residents.
Recommendation:
That all residences of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation be connected to the community water and sewage lines.
Key Actions:
Key Action 10: Educate well users on the benefits of being included in the community water and sewage system.
Key Action 11: Complete installation of water lines throughout the community.
Key Action 12: Investigate the potential installation of a reverse osmosis water dispenser to be installed in the band office.
Key Action 13: Supply water filtration units to residents not connected to community water lines.
13 Surface Water Quality
Agricultural activities contribute pollutants to the surrounding land and water bodies close by. Examples are run-off from cropped fields sprayed with weed and insect control chemicals and fertilizer. Run-off damage includes nutrient-loading of water bodies resulting in algae blooms and the introduction of toxic chemicals detrimental to vegetation. This is especially harmful to creek banks and edges of water bodies and to aquatic and riparian wildlife.
Objective 4:
Reduce or minimize surface water contamination and groundwater pollution from animal fecal bacteria.
Recommendation:
That steps are taken to ensure crop and livestock operations and practices do not contribute to degradation of water quality and safety.
Key Actions:
Key Action 14: Establish a land use code and land use policy regarding agriculture.
Key Action 15: Raise awareness among cattle owners of the potential of animal feces-borne bacteria and the health risks associated with their proximity to water.
Key Action 16: Develop rapport with R.M. for dialog on aerial spraying risks and responsibilities;
14 Key Action 17: Investigate types of chemicals used by local producers as fertilizer and pesticide to ensure harmful agents, like Atrazine, are prohibited.
Key Action 18: Investigate cost of fencing cattle away from riparian areas.
Key Action 19: Investigate potential of watering cattle using wind or solar-powered pumps.
Notes ______
15 Groundwater Quality
Muskeg Lake has many natural springs occurring all throughout their land. Flowing artesian wells fed by groundwater are numerous also on the island in the midst of the lake. Groundwater is water that occurs beneath the ground surface in the cracks and empty spaces in soil, sand and rock.
Groundwater starts off as surface water or precipitation and enters the ground through areas generally referred to as recharge areas. It accounts for most of the world’s useable freshwater. It’s an important source of water for many municipalities and industries, for irrigation, home and farms. However, the supply is not unlimited. Groundwater must be managed and protected against exploitation and contaminants.
Objective 5:
To ensure that the above-ground activities of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation do not contribute to contamination or pollution of the groundwater. To ensure that Muskeg Lake residents have continued confidence in the safety of the source of their drinking water.
Recommendation:
That all point sources of groundwater pollution are identified and action be taken to remove the source or prohibit its continuance.
16
Key Actions:
Key Action 20: Locate and identify all existing wells and flag those to be decommissioned.
Key Action 21: Decommission 28 wells at a rate of three wells per year.
Key Action 22: Identify natural springs feeding the community well.
Key Action 23: Identify and GPS the natural springs on the island.
17 Natural Habitat
Saskatchewan’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and the extraction of natural resources which requires clearing natural ecosystems. Therefore, songbirds are fewer, predators are many, waterfowl have lost their nesting ponds, and muskrat and beaver populations are down. Nature is unbalanced, with large mammals like whitetail deer in an overpopulated state while mallard ducks are decreasing.
Objective 6:
To preserve the island as an important environmental and cultural site by minimizing human presence.
To preserve the natural beauty of the land by minimizing the community’s ecological footprint.
To maintain a healthy and safe landscape for the human and animal inhabitants of Muskeg Lake.
Recommendations:
That all activities associated with the Muskeg Lake island be regulated and policies developed to preserve it in its natural state.
That the island be recognized as an important breeding and nesting site for golden and bald eagles, as well as other wildlife significant to aboriginal people.
That the community members undertake a clean-up of the entire reserve to remove all hazards, waste material and debris.
18
Key Actions:
Key Action 24: Establish the island as an ecologically sensitive area.
Key Action 25: Seek official designation of the island as a wildlife habitat area.
Key Action 26: Erect signs prohibiting hunting on the island.
Key Action 27: Prohibit motorized watercraft, including all size of motorized boats and motorized recreational craft from entering Muskeg Lake.
19 Notes ______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
Additional Key Actions
Key Action Person Cost Target Date Actual Date
20 Muskeg lake CREE NATION
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
Implementation Plan
2009
21 List of Objectives
Objective 1: Increase awareness among residents of the need for water conservation and the benefits of using water more efficiently.
Objective 2: Ensure that all residents of Muskeg Lake have continued, long-term access to safe, clean drinking water
Objective 3: To ensure a steady, reliable and safe supply of drinking and cooking water for all residents
Objective 4: Reduce or minimize surface water contamination and groundwater pollution from animal fecal bacteria . Objective 5: To ensure that the above-ground activities of Muskeg Lake do not contribute to contamination or pollution of the groundwater; to ensure that Muskeg Lake residents have continued confidence in the safety of the source of their drinking water.
Objective 6: To preserve the natural beauty of the land by minimizing the community’s ecological footprint; to maintain a healthy and safe landscape for the human and animal inhabitants of Muskeg Lake.
22 List of Key Actions
1. Educate residents on benefits of conserving rainwater.
2. Inspect eaves troughs for repair or replacement.
3. Investigate potential of providing rain barrels.
4. Ensure that all Water Treatment Plant operators are certified.
5. Certify four more residents as operators.
6. Ensure water treatment plant has adequate supplies.
7. Ensure regular inspections of sewage lagoon.
8. Fence off perimeter of sewage lagoon.
9. Improve pumping system in sewage treatment plant.
10. Educate well users on benefits of community water installation.
11. Complete installation of community water lines.
12. Investigate installation of water dispenser in band office.
13. Supply water filtration units to residents not connected to community water lines.
14. Establish a land code and policy regarding agriculture.
15. Raise awareness among producers on water-borne bacteria in animal feces.
16. Develop rapport with R.M. regarding aerial spraying.
17. Investigate types of agri-chemicals used by producers nearby.
18. Investigate cost of fencing off riparian area to cattle.
19. Investigate wind a solar-powered pumps to water cattle.
20. Locate and I.D all wells; flag those for decommissioning.
21. Decommission 28 wells at rate of 3 wells per year.
22. Identify natural springs feeding community well.
23
23. Identify and GPS all island springs.
24. Establish the island as an ecologically sensitive area.
25. Seek designation of the island as protected under Ducks Unlimited or Fish & Wildlife.
26. Erect signs prohibiting island hunting.
27. Prohibit all motorized craft of any type or size on Muskeg Lake.
24 TABLE OF KEY ACTIONS, COSTS & PERSONNEL
KEY ACTION 1
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Educate residents on benefits of conserving rainwater Dennis Greyeyes No Cost On-going
Key Action 2
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date
Inspect eaves troughs for To be designated No Cost December repair or replacement 2009
Key Action 3
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Investigate potential of December providing rain barrels Anne Venne No Cost 2009
KEY ACTION 4
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Ensure that all Water No Cost On-going Treatment Plant Operators Anne Venne are certified
25 KEY ACTION 5
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Certify four more residents Anne Venne $ 4,000. March 31, 2012
KEY ACTION 6
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Ensure Water Treatment Milton Greyeyes No Cost On-going Plant has adequate supplies
KEY ACTION 7
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Ensure regular inspections of Pat Lafond No Cost On-going sewage lagoon
KEY ACTION 8
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Fence off perimeter of Pat Lafond $1,500/km December 31 sewage lagoon 2012
KEY ACTION 9
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Improve pumping system in Pat Lafond $ 10,000. October 31, sewage treatment plant 2009
26
KEY ACTION 10
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Educate well users on Pat Lafond No Cost On-going benefits of community water installation
KEY ACTION 11
Complete installation of Pat Lafond No Cost October 31, community water lines 2012
KEY ACTION 12
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Investigate installing a water Carol Lafond $ 20,000 December 31 dispenser in band office 2009
KEY ACTION 13
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Supply water filtration units Chief and Council $ 2,200. March 31 to residents not connected to 2009 community water lines
Key Action 14
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Establish a land code and Chief and Council No Cost December policy regarding agriculture 2009
27 Key Action 15
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Raise awareness among Dennis Greyeyes No Cost On-going producers on water-borne bacteria in animal feces
Key Action 16
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Develop rapport with R.M. Dennis Greyeyes No Cost December regarding aerial spraying 2009
Key Action 17
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Investigate types of Dennis Greyeyes No Cost December agriculture chemicals used 2009 by producers
Key Action 18
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Investigate cost of fencing off Dennis Greyeyes $ 1,500/km December riparian areas to cattle 2009
Key Action 19
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Investigate wind and solar- Dennis Greyeyes No Cost December powered pumps for cattle 2009
28
Key Action 20
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Locate and ID all wells; flag Dennis Greyeyes No Cost December those for decommissioning 2009
Key Action 21
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Decommission 28 wells at Land Manager $ 1,200./well 2018 rate of 3 wells/year $ 33,600.
Key Action 22
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Identify natural springs Dennis Greyeyes No Cost December feeding community well 2009
Key Action 23
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Identify/GPS all island Dennis Greyeyes No Cost October 2010 springs Land Manager
Key Action 24
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Establish the island as an Chief and No Cost May 15 2009 ecologically sensitive area Council
29
Key Action 25
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Seek designation of the Land Manager No Cost May 15 2010 island as a protected area Dennis Greyeyes
Key Action 26
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Erect signs prohibiting Dennis Greyeyes No Cost May 15 2009 island hunting Land Manager
Key Action 27
Action Item Person Cost Target date Completion Responsible date Prohibit motorized Chief and No Cost April 30 watercraft of all types on Council 2009 Muskeg Lake
30 Cost of Key Actions
KEY ACTION ESTIMATED COST FINAL COST
Key Action 1 No Cost
Key Acton 2 No Cost
Key Action 3 No Cost
Key Action 4 No Cost
Key Action 5 $ 4,000.
Key Action 6 No Cost
Key Action 7 No Cost
Key Action 8 $ 1,500/km
Key Action 9 $ 10,000.
Key Action 10 No Cost
Key Action 11 No Cost
Key Action 12 $ 20,000
Key Action 13 $ 2,200
Key Action 14 No Cost
Key Action 15 No Cost
Key Action 16 No Cost
Key Action 17 No Cost
31 Key Action 18 $ 1,500./km
Key Action 19 No Cost
Key Action 20 No Cost
Key Action 21 $ 33,600.
Key Action 22 No Cost
Key Action 23 No Cost
Key Action 24 No Cost
Key Action 25 No Cost
Key Action 26 No Cost
Key Action 27 No Cost
TABLE OF COSTS TO MEET OBJECTIVES
Subject Key Actions Est. Cost Final Cost
Water Conservation 1, 2, 3, No Cost
Water Quality 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 $ 5,500.
Water Supply 10, 11, 12, 13 $ 10,000.
Surface Water Quality 14 to 19 $ 1,500./km
Groundwater Quality 20, 21, 22, 23 $ 33,600.
Natural Habitat 24 to 27 No Cost
TOTAL $ 50,600.
32 Conclusion
The waters that flow through the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation are protected by the people because of their mandate as Keepers of the Earth, and their responsibility to enhance the lives of their citizens and their environment.
They understand the ancient origins of the North Saskatchewan River, and know its importance as water that touches a thousand communities and impacts millions of people before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of all this, the responsibility to ensure that local hazards to the natural water system are managed, and the removal of contaminants, is both an individual and collective one.
As individuals the Muskeg Lake residents voiced their opinions and concerns, offered solutions and volunteered for action. Collectively they agreed to a plan to protect their land and their water.
These decisions will have far-reaching positive impacts for generations to come, and will continue the legacy left by their venerable ancestors.
33 References
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, “Potable Groundwater Quality on Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Sweetgrass First Nation and Witchekan First Nation,” April 2008.
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, “North Saskatchewan River Watershed: Preliminary Background Report.” Fall 2005.
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority “State of the Watershed Reporting Framework,” January 2006.
North Saskatchewan River Basin Council, “Source Water Protection Plan”, September 2008.
Indian & Northern Affairs Canada, “Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities – Progress Report,” March 2007.
Denise Benfield, “Report to First Nations Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan Inc. ‘Nurturing the Earth and Water – Future Search Conference, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation,” May 2008.
Denise Benfield, “Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Source Water Protection Pilot Project Background Report,” March 2008. www.greatcanadianrivers. “Great Canadian Rivers - The North Saskatchewan River Ecosystems”
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society “Saskatchewan Glacier”.
Photo Credits
Denise Benfield, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Wild Prairie Man, Sean Goodson, Katherine Finn.
34
35