Pheasant Rump (Nakota) First Nation, Saskatchewan Green Infrastructure Workshop

In early 2019, Pheasant Rump (Nakota) First Nation (PRFN) Saskatchewan community (Assiniboine, Saulteaux, and Cree Nations) was interested in the sustainable design focus of the Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag program. Indigenous Services Canada ‘Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program for First Nations South of 60°’ program provided funding for PRFN to visit Toronto in fall, 2019 to participate in a week-long ‘green infrastructure workshop’. Activities included a Waterfront Toronto tour of the construction underway at the new mouth of the Don River, a visit to Six Nations First Nation to meet Two Row Architect and tour Kayanase nursery (Indigenous owned and operated), and participate in a design workshop to develop ideas and next steps for their community.

(Sheila met with Indigenous Services Canada and PRFN over many months to organize the event, and invited Ryerson Urban Water as a partner to host the event., which took place while she was with Emmons and Olivier Resources Inc. Other participants included Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services, Health Canada, and Ryerson University (renaming underway) engineering and geography professors).