Reconnecting Water and Land: Indigenous Sovereignty and Stewardship in Water Management
The Department of Landscape Architecture is proud to host an innovative forum dedicated to exploring the transformative role of Indigenous sovereignty and stewardship in water management. This event, part of the 2024-2025 Practitioner-in-Residence initiative, brings together renowned Indigenous leaders, scholars, and practitioners to examine water as a sacred resource and a cornerstone of treaty obligations.
Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, the forum will delve into critical topics such as the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA), Section 35 rights, and Indigenous governance principles, including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Attendees will gain insights into the cultural, ecological, and legal dimensions of water stewardship, guided by Indigenous-led solutions that address pressing ecological challenges and promote community resilience.
Designed to align with the department’s commitment to ecologically responsible and culturally respectful design, this forum invites students, faculty, and treaty partners to reimagine landscape architecture practices through a treaty-informed lens. By centering Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, participants will be inspired to integrate these values into their work, fostering landscape architecture that honours treaties, respects Indigenous sovereignty, and supports sustainable, community-driven water management initiatives.
This gathering serves as both a call to action and a learning opportunity, demonstrating the potential of Indigenous-led approaches to address local and global ecological crises while advancing reconciliation through tangible, meaningful acts of collaboration and allyship.
Agenda
Thursday, March 27, 2025
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration & Welcome Reception
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Opening Keynote: "The Role of Treaties in Water Sovereignty"
Speaker: Chief Troy ‘Bossman’ Knowlton, Piikani Nation, Alberta.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Panel Discussion: The Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA) and Indigenous Water Rights
Panelists: Greg McIvor, Meskanakanik Ltd; Russ Diabo, Indigenous Policy Analyst; Chief Vernon Watchmaker, Kehewin Cree Nation, Alberta.
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Closing Reflections & Q&A
Friday, March 28, 2025
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel Discussion: Indigenous Environmental Stewardship and Knowledge
Panelists: Stephanie Thorassie, Executive Director, Seal River Watershed Alliance - Sayisi Dene First Nation; Eli Enns, Co-Founder, CEO, and Vice President of the Board of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation.
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Workshop: Mapping Water Rights in Manitoba
Facilitator: Terri Duret, Environmental Specialist and Water Resource Practitioner, Urban Systems; Greg McIvor, Meskanakanik Ltd.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Presentation: “Tracing the Changes: A Google Earth Exploration of Land and Water Transformations in Manitoba”
Facilitator: Greg McIvor, Meskanakanik Ltd.
1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Panel Discussion: Indigenous-Led Water Initiatives and Community-Driven Models
Panelists: Taylor Galvin, Anishinaabe-Kwe and scientist from Baaskaandibewiiziibiing (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation); Chief Maureen Brown, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Closing Circle
Reflections, action items, and closing prayers.
Speaker Bios
Speaker Bios
Chief Troy ‘Bossman’ Knowlton, Piikani Nation
Chief Troy Knowlton is a dedicated leader and advocate for Indigenous rights, with a strong focus on treaty enforcement, water sovereignty, and sustainable resource management. As Chief of Piikani Nation in Treaty 7 territory, he works to uphold the sacred responsibility of protecting land and water for future generations. His leadership emphasizes collaboration with government authorities, industry, and other First Nations to ensure that treaty agreements are honored and that Indigenous communities play a central role in decision-making over natural resources. Committed to self-determination and economic development, Chief Knowlton continues to advance policies that reflect the inherent rights and traditions of his people while fostering a balanced approach to environmental stewardship and prosperity.
Panelists: The Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA) and Indigenous Water Rights
Greg McIvor
Meskanakanik Ltd.
Greg McIvor is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience serving First Nations communities. Specializing in governance, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, he has advised on public utility hearings, resource projects, and waste management initiatives across Western Canada. As the former CEO of Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation and consultant with GB McIvor and Associates, Greg champions Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Russ Diabo
Indigenous Policy Analyst and Sovereignty Advocate
Russ Diabo is a highly respected policy analyst and advocate with decades of experience championing Indigenous rights and sovereignty in Canada. A member of the Kahnawake Mohawk Nation, Russ has specialized expertise in federal policies, legislation, and processes impacting First Nations, particularly in land and resource management. Through his work as a consultant, writer, and speaker, he has provided critical analysis on issues like treaty implementation, self-determination, and the Crown-Indigenous relationship. Russ’s dedication to empowering Indigenous communities is grounded in his deep understanding of governance, history, and advocacy for systemic change.
Chief Vernon Watchmaker
Kehewin Cree Nation
Chief Vernon Watchmaker, from Kehewin Cree Nation, is a respected leader and advocate for Indigenous rights. He has served as both a council member and Chief of Kehewin Cree Nation, as well as Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. With experience in lands and resources, economic development, education, and the energy sector, he works to ensure Indigenous voices are heard in resource development and governance. Committed to protecting traditional lands and creating opportunities for future generations, his leadership continues to strengthen Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.
Panellists: Indigenous Environmental Stewardship and Knowledge
Stephanie Thorassie
Executive Director, Seal River Watershed Alliance
Stephanie Thorassie is the Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance, an Indigenous-led initiative dedicated to preserving one of the world’s last remaining pristine watersheds. A proud member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation, she is a strong advocate for Indigenous stewardship, environmental protection, and cultural revitalization. Through her leadership, she works alongside First Nations, government, and conservation partners to ensure the Seal River Watershed remains permanently protected for future generations. Passionate about Indigenous sovereignty and land-based knowledge, Stephanie is committed to creating opportunities for youth and communities to reconnect with their traditional territories while shaping the future of conservation in Canada.
Eli Enns
Co-Founder & President, IISAAK OLAM Foundation
Eli Enns is an Indigenous conservation leader and political scientist dedicated to advancing Indigenous-led protected areas and ecological governance. As Co-Founder, CEO, and Vice President of the Board of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, he works to support sustainable land and water stewardship through Indigenous knowledge and governance systems. A Nuu-chah-nulth Canadian from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Eli co-founded the Ha’uukmin Tribal Park and co-chaired the Indigenous Circle of Experts for the Pathway to Canada Target 1, contributing to the landmark “We Rise Together” report. His work focuses on creating innovative solutions that bridge Indigenous laws with contemporary conservation efforts, ensuring that environmental protection and Indigenous self-determination go hand in hand.
Workshop Facilitator
Terri Duret
Environmental Specialist and Water Resource Practitioner, Urban Systems
Terri Duret is an Environmental Specialist and Water Resource Practitioner with Urban Systems, specializing in Indigenous-led water mapping and governance. She works closely with First Nations and communities to develop collaborative water management strategies, integrating traditional knowledge with technical tools to support sustainable decision-making. Through interactive workshops and engagement initiatives, Terri helps bridge the gap between Western science and Indigenous water stewardship practices, fostering meaningful partnerships that empower communities in protecting and managing their water resources for future generations.
Panelists: Indigenous-Led Water Initiatives and Community-Driven Models
Chief Maureen Brown,
Chief, OCN
Chief Maureen Brown is a trailblazing leader of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), making history as the first female Chief elected in the community. She leads with a strong commitment to community well-being and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the pursuit of Mino Pimâtisiwin, or the good life. Under her leadership, OCN’s Lands and Natural Resources Branch works to protect traditional territory, oversee land use, and manage natural resources. She is dedicated to sustainable development and ensuring Indigenous voices are central in governance and resource management. Chief Brown also serves on the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Women's Council, advocating for the well-being of Indigenous women, children, and families. Her leadership continues to drive positive change within OCN and beyond.
Taylor Galvin
Anishinaabe-Kwe and scientist from Baaskaandibewiiziibiing (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation)
Taylor Galvin, an Anishinaabe-Kwe and scientist from Baaskaandibewiiziibiing (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation), is a graduate student at the University of Manitoba. Her research centers on protecting Lake Sturgeon in Manitoba through the use of Indigenous science. She has made significant contributions across various fields, notably as a knowledge keeper in the Lake Winnipeg Personhood case in partnership with the Southern Chief’s Organization. On the international stage, she has worked with Maya youth in Belize to advance planetary wellness and food sovereignty initiatives. Additionally, she has provided counsel to the Canadian Ambassador in the Netherlands on the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge into sustainability projects. As a guest lecturer, she teaches First Nations ecology, Indigenous medicinal plants, and land-based healing practices. Taylor is currently the Host & Creator of the TeaPee Podcast, Director of the Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve and holds positions on several boards that advocate for Indigenous perspectives.