Darcy Wastesticoot – KSNC Chair
Born in Thompson, Manitoba, I spent most of my life in living in York Landing. My parents showed me subsistence and the Cree language. They also told me to go to school.
During my childhood, mom and dad taught the lessons of life, Cree views and traditions, and how to survive off what the land and water has to offer. Hunting and fishing are my favorite outdoor activities. Eventually, I had to leave home to further my education. Took a few years of my life to accomplish high school some other little diplomas and trainings.
My life experiences on the land and education got me more interested in the environmental field. Went through much work activities on the Environmental Field Studies for Keeyask and Conawapa. Afterward, I was appointed to be our First Nation’s representative on the Wapusk National Park Management Board and later asked to be part of the Kischi Sipi Namao Committee.
Now, I’m involved with Parks Canada and the Sturgeon Stewardship committee to promote education and awareness to the people for protection of the endangered species such as lake sturgeon and the polar bear.
James Lockhart – KSNC Vice-Chair
Born and raised in Gillam, I am a proud member of the Fox Lake Cree Nation. I grew up on the land and water and share my knowledge with my children and others willing to learn, so they too can enjoy traditional activities and learn to respect the environment.
Most of my life has been spent outdoors on or near the lower Nelson River system. I began trapping, hunting, and fishing as a child and still take every opportunity to be on the land. I have worked seasonally as a professional fishing and hunting guide (11 years), commercial fisherman (15 years), and trapper (20+ years, ongoing). I have also participated in scientific studies of the lower Nelson River (16 years) that assessed the aquatic environmental impacts of existing hydroelectric developments and potential impacts of the Keeyask Hydroelectric project. This work involved field studies of a broad range of parameters, from water quality and invertebrates to brook trout and lake sturgeon. I am currently employed by the Fox Lake Impact Assessment Unit as an Environmental Monitor, monitoring environmental effects related to hydroelectric developments in the region, and have worked in the past on their studies to collect traditional knowledge of brook trout and sturgeon.
I am participating in this stewardship initiative to ensure that lake sturgeon are present for my children and future generations.