Lori - Rights and Lands Manager,
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s Dene Lands & Resource Management (DLRM)

Do you have a favourite part of the park?

As an ACFN member, I do not have a lot of experience in Wood Buffalo National Park, however the Peace Athabasca Delta is amazing! Growing up in Fort Chipewyan has taught me to always respect the delta. Knowing that water is life, and that the delta helps filter the water for all that depend on it.

Best experience you’ve had in the park?

In high school, I was a summer student for Wood Buffalo National Park. I remember going out with an Elder, a local park warden. We saw buffalo crossing the river and I will never forget how wonderful and beautiful these animals were. It was the first time I had seen them that close. The Elder stopped the boat and gave the buffalo their space. We watched in silence until they were safely across. This moment sparked my love for this animal, I will forever cherish this memory.

Favourite part of your job?

My favourite part is that I am working for my people. Working towards sustaining our traditional land use, our rights, is so fulfilling. I enjoy the challenge of bringing my western science training and incorporating it into our traditional knowledge on various projects and programs. I enjoy working with the members and I learn something new every time I see them.

What do you love about science and being involved in Community Based Monitoring within Wood Buffalo NP?

I have always had a love for the land. I wanted to know the ins and outs of how a plant grows, I wanted to learn what makes the water clean, I wanted to know how nature interacted. I was always keen on research, figuring out the unknown.

Although my ancestors were scientists of the land, I wanted to speak the language of the western world. I continued to go to school, until I received my Masters of Science in Environment and Management.

My favourite thing about managing the nation’s community based monitoring team is that the people—the members of the nation—are seeing, documenting and monitoring environmental changes. It brings me pride that we collect our own Indigenous Knowledge and scientific data to support our claims.

Is there anything you want to share that you think would help inspire others to pursue science or community based monitoring work?

Community Based Monitoring work is so important. The communities are the ones that see the changes first-hand, and I believe that they should be the ones reporting on it.