How the Matawa First Nations is Developing Impact Assessment Capacity
Indigenous communities are shaping impact assessments on their lands and territories, grounded in their own laws, values, and priorities. To achieve long-term sustainability in these efforts, solid community structures must be in place.
Guided by Indigenous Knowledge, Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM)’s five-year capacity-building initiative aims to prepare their member communities for participation in impact and regional assessments.
To accomplish this goal, they are:
- Fostering community-based assessment leadership and regional strategy development by supporting the creation and operations of focused groups, such as the Regional Assessment Working Group and the Onigam Ashookaasata (formerly the Kenogami Environmental Technical Table);
- Delivering impact assessment resources in multiple Indigenous languages and conducting community workshops to promote understanding of impact assessments;
- Strengthening technical capacity by maintaining secure data portals for all Matawa-member First Nations to store sensitive information and providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training, toolkits and Geohubs;
- Hosting expert-led sessions and developing learning platforms to enhance awareness of Indigenous co-led assessment and sustainability goals;
- Assisting regional authorities on long-term stewardship and informed decision-making; and
- Facilitating environmental gatherings to share learning, build momentum across Matawa communities and celebrate progress.
Did you know?
The MFNM received funding from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s Indigenous Capacity Support Program (ICSP) to help strengthen the capacity of First Nations in impact assessment. The ICSP helps to enhance the meaningful engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in current and future assessments. Find out more about the program, including how to apply.
About
Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) is a non-profit Tribal Council established in 1988. MFNM represents over 11,000 Matawa citizens, and provides a variety of advisory services and program delivery to nine member Ojibway and Cree First Nations. MFNM membership includes five remote and four road-access First Nations (eight First Nations in James Bay Treaty No. 9, and one First Nation in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area - though they are not a signatory to this Treaty).