In Alberta’s Blackfoot territory, Alvin First Rider, an environmental scientist and manager for Blood Tribe Land Management, recognizes the impact of frequent droughts on the region, making water a scarce commodity. To address this issue, First Rider advocates for the construction of beaver dam analogs, artificial dams made from natural materials like mud and branches. These structures mimic beavers’ water retention methods, aiding in managing the community’s water supply during droughts.
By implementing Indigenous land management techniques that merge traditional knowledge with modern science, First Rider emphasizes a holistic approach to landscape treatment and interaction. Over the past two years, he has overseen the construction of four beaver dam analogs on the Blood Reserve, resulting in improved water retention and ecosystem restoration. The positive outcomes include sustained water sources for livestock and agriculture, as well as the enhancement of traditional plant species crucial to the Blackfoot way of life.
In Anishinaabe culture, beavers hold significance due to their connection to wild rice, known as manoomin. Mickki Garrity, conducting research at the Fairfax Beaver Lab, explores the impact of beavers on wild rice habitats. She aims to determine whether beavers contribute to creating suitable environments for wild rice growth, acknowledging the historical relationship between Anishinaabe people and manoomin, despite changes brought by colonization.
Breanne Lavallée-Heckert, a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, highlights the historical exploitation of beavers during the fur trade era, emphasizing the need to acknowledge past mistreatment and transition towards reciprocal relationships. As the executive director of the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Lavallée-Heckert educates the public on the fur trade’s impact on beavers, urging a shift towards mutual respect and sustainability in human-animal relationships for the future.
The story of beavers and their cultural significance is part of the Sacred Seven series by Unreserved, shedding light on Indigenous teachings and practices in action.