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Peguis, Lake Manitoba environmental projects receive provincial funds
December 16th, 2009Source: Interlake Spectator
By Heather Robbins
Groups supporting environmental projects on two Interlake reserves are receiving money through the provincial Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, according to Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie’s announcement last Wednesday.
The Ways of Our People program in Peguis will receive $10,000 to teach youth traditional First Nation hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering methods, while the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, a national non-profit First Nation-directed group, will receive $20,000 for research and developing awareness of the existence and needs of at-risk species on Lake Manitoba First Nation traditional lands.
“Manitobans are doing their part to protect the environment and improve the quality of life within their communities,” said Blaikie.
The province selected 36 projects to receive a combined total of more than $567,000, including an Invasive Species Council of Manitoba project to establish an early detection and rapid response network for new invaders and infestations, University of Manitoba projects studying mosquito’s natural enemies to control the insect’s population and the effects of cattle grazing on prairie bird community areas and a University of Winnipeg program to increase the endangered burrowing owl population.
“The 36 approved projects are part of the overall goal to incorporate sustainable development practices into unique and innovative activities that will protect, enhance, conserve and rehabilitate Manitoba’s environment for today and the future,” said Blaikie.
The SDIF funds projects ranging from research studies and new technology demonstrations to community enhancement and environmental awareness through education, non-government and government organizations. Included in the SDIF are the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund, Environmental Youth Corps, Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund and the Water Stewardship Fund.
