Community Based Initiatives - Educating the community about the environment

Recycling

Objectives:

The objectives of this initiative are to reduce the volume of solid wastes being generated on the Island. It is also seen as an opportunity to involve the community in an environmental initiative.

Description:

Recycling is not something new to First Nations people. During their hunting and gathering period and even into their agricultural experience, they would use everything from the plants and animals that they harvested. This was due to their respect for the Creator for the things that he provided and also the need to maintain harmony in their surroundings. The advent of technological advances in prepackaging and ready-to-use products has created the same problems in waste management for native people as other members of society. Lots of garbage!

During the early 1990's, a survey was conducted on the Walpole First Nation showing 100% of the respondents were in favour of a recycling program. In the following years, an educational campaign was carried out including community displays and a series of articles in the local newsletters. The main focus was on an office recycling program but also made provision for the general community to participate. The office recycling program gave way as the newly opened Bkejwanong supermarket has established a recycle area on their property for the community.

Outcome:

Interest in the recycling program is building and WIFN counts it as a success. There is, however, a remaining issue of permanent responsibility for the program and maintenance of the recycling depot. Considerable time and some resources are needed to properly manage the program, and the responsibility is not clearly within the mandate of any existing institution. Options include assigning it permanently to Public Works (who currently shoulders much of the responsibility) and forming a community association with the mandate and resources to manage a recycling program.

Support:

Environmental Youth Corps research component, Bkejwanong Supermarket