🌿 Indigenous Knowledge Contributor for Self Guided Forest Stories🌿

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (FSAA) are seeking an individual who can bring an Indigenous perspective to interpreting the heritage & ecology of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA) & George Genereux Urban Regional Park (GGURP). This role involves editing existing stories or adding new ones to support the creation of a self-guided GPS interpretive app aimed at providing educational and cultural context for park users. The app will be used by families, health and wellness enthusiasts, classrooms, & nature lovers, enhancing the visitor experience by sharing the Indigenous & Métis history and traditional knowledge of the lands. 

The goal of this project is to offer an opportunity for cross-cultural learning &reconciliation between Indigenous & non-Indigenous people regarding perspectives on the land. The app will include virtual markers at significant locations through the 426 acres of the two afforestation areas. The interpretive stories will explore Indigenous connections to the land, & traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). This work will be an important step toward supporting reconciliation & furthering the understanding of Indigenous worldviews & traditions. 


Responsibilities:

 • Edit and/or contribute stories from an Indigenous or Métis perspective, focusing on the cultural, ecological, and historical aspects of the afforestation areas.

 • Ensure content reflects an accurate, respectful approach to Indigenous cultural traditions, which may include for instance seasonal movements & the circle of life.

 • Focus on connecting Indigenous ecological practices with contemporary conservation methods and health and wellness. 

• Provide written documentation of stories and interpretations in a clear, respectful, and engaging format. 

Categories of Stories: The stories that are to be shared in the app will be drawn from several key categories, which may include the following concepts, for example: 

• History & Heritage: Stories that reflect the deep and longstanding connections between Indigenous people & the land, sharing significant cultural & historical events in this specific area. 

• Traditional Occupations: These stories will highlight occupations rooted in an intimate knowledge of the land, environment, & natural resources. 

• Flora and Fauna: This includes stories about plants, trees, mushrooms, &animals that are significant to the local Indigenous cultures & ecological stewardship. 

• Birdwatching and Insects: Indigenous perspectives on local wildlife, including birds and insects, will be explored, including their cultural significance, role in ecosystems, & relationships with the land. 

• Geology & Natural Resources: Stories about the geology of the land, including Indigenous perspectives on how the land & its resources were used and cared for. 

• Arts & Creativity: Stories that highlight Indigenous art, crafts, & creativity as expressions of the relationship with the land, utilizing natural materials & connecting to traditions of visual storytelling shared in a self guided tour setting.

 • Environmental Protection & Stewardship: Indigenous philosophies of land care, sustainability, & environmental protection, including how natural resources were traditionally managed & how these practices can inspire modern conservation efforts. 

• Biophilia & a Love of Nature: The Indigenous connection to the land and nature, fostering a deep respect & love for the environment as fundamental to community well-being and cultural identity. 

We are looking for a collaborator who can share Indigenous perspectives &cultural insights to help shape the stories for our self-guided tour experience.

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of any of the Indigenous (Nehiyawak Cree, Nakawē Saulteaux, Yankton and Yanktonai Nakota peoples), or Métis cultures, communities, and history, particularly as they relate to the Saskatoon area & Treaty 6 territory. 

• Knowledge of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and its applications in environmental conservation. 

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with both Indigenous & non-Indigenous communities. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 • Familiarity with local Indigenous languages, such as Michif, Cree, Saulteaux, or Nakota, is an asset. 

Preferred:

• Experience in environmental education or outdoor education. 

• Familiarity with the cultural and spiritual significance of nature, land & water to Indigenous peoples. 

Project Parameters: 

• This is a short-term contract position that will end once the stories and documentation are completed.
• This volunteer position has capacity for an honourarium.
• The final deliverables are due on or before the agreed-upon contract end date. 
• The work can be done remotely, with coordination through email, Zoom, and phone.