BRANCH INVOLVEMENT
Co-Management
Co-management is a tool that helps address resource management issues
and opportunities between government and users by negotiating shared
roles and responsibilities, such as involvement in decision-making and
monitoring. The parties recognize the value of cooperation rather than
confrontation and, through these initiatives, have developed strong
working relationships stemming from achievements, insight and trust.
The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (1991) made several recommendations
for co-management of natural resources. It recommended that, "The
provincial government develop a policy that respects the desire of
Aboriginal people to retain a role in the management and conservation of
their traditional territory". The AJI report recommendations and
other studies, have resulted in increased demands for greater
involvement of Aboriginal people in the management of natural resources upon
which their traditional way of life depends.
Manitoba Conservation has initiated three new prototype co-management
agreements with the West Region Tribal Council (WRTC), Opaskwayak Cree
Nation (OCN) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).
Crown Lands Classification Committee (CLCC)
The Crown Land Classification Committee is an interdepartmental
committee comprising representatives from the departments of:
- Conservation (Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection, Forestry, Crown
Lands, Environment, Sustainable Resource Management, Aboriginal
Relations)
- Agriculture and Food (Agriculture, Crown Lands, Soils and Crops)
- Industry, Trade and Mines (Mines)
- Aboriginal and Northern Affairs (Community Support Services)
- Intergovernmental Affairs (Community Economic Development)
The overall objective of the CLCC is to develop Crown land use
planning and resolution of land and resource use conflict between
departments of government. The committee is to provide a systematic and
integrated approach to the planning and development of Crown land, its
allocation to use, integration of uses, and the protection, conservation
and sustainability of provincial resources. The committee is responsible
for agricultural Crown land sales, Crown land exchanges, Crown land
planning of candidate heritage marshes and the evaluation of candidate
sites for inclusion under the Endangered Spaces Campaign.
The Aboriginal Relations Branch ensures that First Nations’ Treaty
and Aboriginal Rights are addressed and considered in Crown land use
planning.
First Nation Working Group on Protected Areas
The
Protected Areas Initiative (PAI),
contributes to long-term sustainable development by assembling a network
of core protected areas designed to conserve ecosystems and maintain
biodiversity across the province. The program’s goal is to achieve
adequate representation of Manitoba’s natural diversity through a
protected area network.
On March 5, 1998 Manitoba signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
ensuring the involvement of affected First Nations in the
identification, establishment and management of new protected areas. The
signing of this MOU has established a First Nation Working Group on
Protected Areas.
This working group has representation from the Parks and Natural
Areas Branch and Aboriginal Relations Branch of Manitoba Conservation,
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. The
Canadian Nature Federation - Manitoba Wildlands Campaign participate as
observers to this process. In addition, the Southern Chiefs Organization
has been invited to participate in this province wide initiative.
The working group is mandated to develop frameworks to consult First
Nations regarding the establishment and management of protected areas
and factors needed to conduct meaningful consultation.
Manitoba’s Water Strategy
In October 2001, Manitoba Conservation released a discussion paper
entitled " Water:
A Proposed Strategic Plan for Manitoba".
A Water Strategy Steering Committee was established and tasked with
consulting with all Manitobans and making recommendations on the plan
and its implementation. This steering committee recommended numerous
actions which included that three Task Teams be created: 1) Legislative
Framework, 2) Financial Underpinnings, and 3) Integrated Water Planning
and Management System with the goal to develop a discussion paper on a
watershed-based system for water planning and management.
The Aboriginal Relations Branch is participating in the Legislative
Framework Task Team.
In addition, the Branch facilitated a meeting between the department
and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to provide an opportunity to respond
to the proposed provincial Water Strategy.
As a means of receiving feedback on the Water Strategy, the
department has contracted the services of an Aboriginal consulting firm
to conduct information sessions with northern Manitoba First Nations and
Northern Affairs Communities.
Succession Planning Initiative
The purpose of the Succession Planning Initiative is to develop a
pool of competent candidates to facilitate transition in key leadership
and staff roles. It will ensure human resources are available to fill
vacant positions brought about through attrition. The plan is expected
to assist the department in the transition of approximately 40% of it's
employees through processes such as secondments, job rotation, acting
status and mentoring and staff participating in development programs.
The Aboriginal Relations Branch participates in this initiative.
The Branch is proposing a process under the Succession Planning
Initiative to increase the representation of Aboriginal employees within
the department to reflect Manitoba's Aboriginal population.
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