WATCH: Some of the top environmental experts from Canada and the U.S. were in Southern Alberta this week taking in a summit on the Blood Reserve. Quinn Campbell reports.
STANDOFF- The environment is intertwined into our daily lives, playing a key role in where we are and where we’re headed.
The Blood tribe is making the environment a priority – hosting a three-day summit headed by the Kainai Ecosystem Protection Agency. Named “Giving Back to the Land”, it’s fitting for the content being shared.
Mike Bruised Head is the Chairman of KEPA, and says the conference brings the best of the best to southern Alberta.
“Everybody is learning something here and they are bringing to us a wealth of information from research, studies and they have done their background and they are the experts.”
Michael Todd is a development engineer in solar energy with the University of California, Riverside. He was invited to speak at this year’s summit and says he is impressed with the interest in the environment.
“This tribe seems to be very progressive in their efforts for both farming and water resources, and now they are looking at energy resources and how to manage their energy resources, so that is very exciting.”
The summit is one of the first of its kind in Southern Alberta, and presenters like Darrel Rowledge with the University of Calgary say it’s no coincidence it’s being hosted by the Blood Tribe.
- As Canada’s tax deadline nears, what happens if you don’t file your return?
- Posters promoting ‘Steal From Loblaws Day’ are circulating. How did we get here?
- Video shows Ontario police sharing Trudeau’s location with protester, investigation launched
- Drumheller hoping to break record for ‘largest gathering of people dressed as dinosaurs’
“You can’t just look at plants, you can’t just look at animals, you have to look at the fact that everything is connected, well guess who’s been telling us that for centuries? That’s native science, all things are connected.”
KEPA hosted field tours in both Alberta and Montana, along with guest speakers and presentations open to all southern Albertans.
“It’s bringing together Blood Tribe members as well as our neighbors of the Blood Tribe, leading researchers, scientists together where they can discuss new ideas and protocols in protecting our ecosystem,” added KEPA member Vernon Chiefmoon.
The group is also taking its message to schools, landowners and elders, encouraging everyone to take an interest in the future of the environment and its roll in native culture.
Comments