Nameo Sipi (Ghost River) Clean-Up Project
UPDATE!!
We have successfully met our Nameo Sipi Clean-Up Project fundraising goal via the Small Change Fund!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this fundraising initiative!! The Paquataskamik Project is now in planning for the journey to Ghost River this fall... stay tuned for details on this upcoming excursion.
We have successfully met our Nameo Sipi Clean-Up Project fundraising goal via the Small Change Fund!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this fundraising initiative!! The Paquataskamik Project is now in planning for the journey to Ghost River this fall... stay tuned for details on this upcoming excursion.
Nameo Sipi (Ghost River) on Kistachowan (Albany River) receives 500 visitors annually. Many visitors over the years have left physical evidence of their stay in the form of discarded waste. This project will begin an annual "maintenance" program, with Elders and youth, to keep the environment healthy and safe.
What is the challenge you are trying to address?
The Kistachowan (Albany) river, from Hearst to Fort Albany, is 300 miles of pristine river corridor. It is untouched, except for short term visitors. Discarded waste, from exploration companies, fishermen, hunters and tourists have left unsightly and specifically, dangerous items to animals.
Plastic, small to large metal containers are the main items seen, along the shorelines or on top of river banks, carelessly hidden from view. Larger animals can begin to disturb these plastic-bag containers further spreading smaller items over a larger area. It is unfortunate that children can begin to accept this kind of behaviour.
Most stops or destinations occur at Nameo Sipi. It is an important and rich natural harvest area. Visitors need facilities to service various needs; Fire-pits, washroom structures, garbage disposal spots and docking facilities, as well as a hosting cabin.
Please explain how your project addresses the challenge.
Our project personnel will clean up the Nameo Sipi and dispose garbage at a designated waste disposal area. Next, washroom facilities will be constructed by our team and then, camp cooking-sites will be prepared. At this time, only the Nameo Sipi site will receive camp-site infrastructure.
Endorsement of local leadership and relevant agencies has been achieved. Paquataskamik staff will assist the successful mobilization of equipment and personnel to the site. Elders will be available throughout the project to give advice and support.
What would be the impact on your community if you did not receive the requested donations or your project did not go ahead?
Nameo Sipi Island (Ghost River Island) is a favourite stop for all travellers on the river. The island is one hundred sixty (160) km from the communities of Fort Albany and Kasechewan. There are also tourist type travellers from the southern urban centres. This is not surprising because the river provides safe water, picturesque clean environment and plenty of animal life.
Over the years waste had no existing place to be discarded.
Why does your project need to happen now?
The river "maintenance" project needs to happen for the animals, for the environment, for water purity and to keep the inherent beauty of the river. It needs to happen because the Elders will transmit old, neglected laws to the young to ensure continuity of Mushkegowuk belief system.
How will you use the donations?
This project will help local Elders along with the youth begin a program to clean this site. With enough usable fireplaces, waste disposal sites, outdoor washroom facilities and proper docking services, the place will draw more visitors within a comfortable setting. The youth and adults will do the construction. At least three adults will transport the youth to the site using their 24-foot freighter canoes. In addition to site preparation the youth will experience the natural environment and hear local history from their teachers.
What would you say to someone to encourage them to donate to your project?
When you see mature standing trees, clean water running through sand and hear a multitude of singing birds of various species, wouldn't you want your grandchildren to experience that? We seek anyone's assistance that values a clean environment and belives in the preservation of such.
Paquataskamik Project - Fort Albany First Nation Paquataskamik Project works with Elders and Youth to look to the land for physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being. It is the intention to recover neglected knowledge and re-trace the old trails our Elders walked on. Paquataskamik (natural environment) is our home and we invite young people on this journey.
What is the challenge you are trying to address?
The Kistachowan (Albany) river, from Hearst to Fort Albany, is 300 miles of pristine river corridor. It is untouched, except for short term visitors. Discarded waste, from exploration companies, fishermen, hunters and tourists have left unsightly and specifically, dangerous items to animals.
Plastic, small to large metal containers are the main items seen, along the shorelines or on top of river banks, carelessly hidden from view. Larger animals can begin to disturb these plastic-bag containers further spreading smaller items over a larger area. It is unfortunate that children can begin to accept this kind of behaviour.
Most stops or destinations occur at Nameo Sipi. It is an important and rich natural harvest area. Visitors need facilities to service various needs; Fire-pits, washroom structures, garbage disposal spots and docking facilities, as well as a hosting cabin.
Please explain how your project addresses the challenge.
Our project personnel will clean up the Nameo Sipi and dispose garbage at a designated waste disposal area. Next, washroom facilities will be constructed by our team and then, camp cooking-sites will be prepared. At this time, only the Nameo Sipi site will receive camp-site infrastructure.
Endorsement of local leadership and relevant agencies has been achieved. Paquataskamik staff will assist the successful mobilization of equipment and personnel to the site. Elders will be available throughout the project to give advice and support.
What would be the impact on your community if you did not receive the requested donations or your project did not go ahead?
Nameo Sipi Island (Ghost River Island) is a favourite stop for all travellers on the river. The island is one hundred sixty (160) km from the communities of Fort Albany and Kasechewan. There are also tourist type travellers from the southern urban centres. This is not surprising because the river provides safe water, picturesque clean environment and plenty of animal life.
Over the years waste had no existing place to be discarded.
Why does your project need to happen now?
The river "maintenance" project needs to happen for the animals, for the environment, for water purity and to keep the inherent beauty of the river. It needs to happen because the Elders will transmit old, neglected laws to the young to ensure continuity of Mushkegowuk belief system.
How will you use the donations?
This project will help local Elders along with the youth begin a program to clean this site. With enough usable fireplaces, waste disposal sites, outdoor washroom facilities and proper docking services, the place will draw more visitors within a comfortable setting. The youth and adults will do the construction. At least three adults will transport the youth to the site using their 24-foot freighter canoes. In addition to site preparation the youth will experience the natural environment and hear local history from their teachers.
What would you say to someone to encourage them to donate to your project?
When you see mature standing trees, clean water running through sand and hear a multitude of singing birds of various species, wouldn't you want your grandchildren to experience that? We seek anyone's assistance that values a clean environment and belives in the preservation of such.
Paquataskamik Project - Fort Albany First Nation Paquataskamik Project works with Elders and Youth to look to the land for physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being. It is the intention to recover neglected knowledge and re-trace the old trails our Elders walked on. Paquataskamik (natural environment) is our home and we invite young people on this journey.