Our Mandate:
The Sakitawak Conservation Area Project

The Sakitawak Conservation Area Project is mandated to protect habitats of vulnerable species by promoting sustainable development practices, advance Indigenous ways of life, identify knowledge systems, and implement stewardship activities.

This project is an agreement between the A La Baie Métis Local 21 and Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is managed by the Sakitawak Conservation Area Management Team made up of members from the ICS4, a group of self governance and civic representatives with two members from the Village of Île-à-la-Crosse, two members from the A La Baie Métis Local 21, and one member each from the Big Island Fisherman’s Cooperative, and the N-14 Trapper’s Association. 

Project Outline

With funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Sakitawak Conservation Area Project is tasked to outline a conservation plan to protect habitats of vulnerable species.  These include the Woodland Caribou, Moose, Old Growth Pine, migratory birds, and various fish species.  It must also promote sustainable development practices, advance Indigenous ways of life, identify knowledge systems, and implement stewardship activities.  

Sakitawak Conservation Area Management Team

The Métis Local has designed the project to ensure community-based governance and has implemented the project under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2015 between the Métis Local, the Northern Village, the Big Island Fishermen’s Cooperative, and the N-14 Trapper’s Association. This agreement sets out to advance sustainable development, respect for culture and the environment, and to preserve and protect the lands and resources in N-14 Fur Block for future generations. 

The current Management Team is made up of the following individuals:  Duane Favel, Mayor, Île-à-la-Crosse; Vince Ahenakew, Principal, Rossignol High School and Village Councilor; Jim Durocher, President, and Robert Malboeuf, Vice President, A la Baie Métis Local 21; Larry Gardiner, President, Big Island Fisherman’s Cooperative; and Vawn Desjarlais, Chairperson, N-14 Fur Block Trapper’s Association.

Latest News

Saskatchewan Hosts One of Only Four Métis Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in Canada

https://wordpress.com/page/sakitawakconservation.org/766

Protection Through Partnership: Forging a New Relationship With Indigenous-Led Conservation in Canada

https://www.borealconservation.org/stories-1/newstudyborealforestintact