Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/747495
Challenge Preserving and communicating traditional values data is of central importance to First Nations communities because it ensures that culturally relevant information is incorporated into land use planning initiatives. This can include traditional hunting and berry-picking areas, archaeological sites, former aboriginal settlements or burial grounds. Data collection also ensures that the wisdom generated from a community's elders can be effectively passed on to future generations. Prior to leveraging GIS, Matawa First Nations would hire an external consultant to collect data and conduct mapping projects for its nine communities. The information would be gathered using Garmin devices, manually uploaded and reflected on paper maps. The process was repeated every time additional data was required which led to high costs and at times, lost documents or missed information. To foster a more sustainable approach to data collection, Matawa First Nations looked to deploy GIS tools and training across its nine communities so that mapping could become a community project. This would allow members to gain a sense of ownership over the process while developing technical expertise. It would also encourage collaborative discussion regarding cultural identity and its pivotal role in land use planning. Matawa First Nations protects its land, history & cultural values with GIS Matawa First Nations Management (FNM) is a Tribal Council that provides advisory services and capacity building for its nine member First Nations. With a commitment to building capacity and economic wealth, Matawa FNM uses GIS technology to collect and map traditional values data that will be passed on to future generations. It is also leveraged to gather land information for discussions with prospective developers. As a result, Matawa's communities are able to pursue a First Nations-based approach to natural resource management while ensuring the continuity of traditional values. 1 Esri Canada | Preserving traditional land & heritage with tomorrow's technology