Alvin First Rider, an environmental scientist and manager for Blood Tribe Land Management, has been witnessing frequent droughts on Blackfoot territory in Alberta, leading to water scarcity. To address this issue, he is implementing a strategy involving the construction of beaver dam analogs using natural materials like mud, stones, and willow branches. These man-made dams mimic the work of beavers and help manage the community’s water supply during dry periods.
By slowing down water flow, these structures aid in restoring the natural ecosystem, reducing the risk of environmental problems such as flooding and wildfires. Beavers, considered a keystone species in many Indigenous cultures, offer valuable teachings on reciprocity and family connections. First Rider emphasizes the importance of combining Indigenous wisdom with modern science to address environmental challenges effectively.
Over the past two years, First Rider has overseen the construction of four beaver dam analogs on the Blood Reserve, resulting in positive outcomes. One previously arid area now retains water for months, benefiting livestock, agriculture, and traditional plant species like willows and sweet grass. This initiative aligns with the Blackfoot way of life by enhancing the local ecosystem.
In Anishinaabe culture, beavers hold significance due to their association with wild rice, known as manoomin. Mickki Garrity, conducting research on this relationship at the Fairfax Beaver Lab, aims to understand if beavers impact wild rice habitats positively or negatively. Despite changes post-colonization, the ancestral connection between Anishinaabe people and manoomin signifies a deep understanding of the ecological balance created by beavers in wetland ecosystems.
Breanne Lavallée-Heckert, an executive director at the Festival du Voyageur in Manitoba, highlights the historical exploitation of beavers during the fur trade era. She emphasizes the need to acknowledge past mistreatment of animals and transition towards a reciprocal relationship with beavers for their conservation. Lavallée-Heckert stresses the importance of honoring the lives lost during the fur trade and fostering mutual respect between humans and beavers for a sustainable future.