 |
Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP)
Preserving Our Way of Life – Conserving Biodiversity
The Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program (AIHP) is a program supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to assist First Nation communities in Alberta with the protection, recovery, and management of Fish Habitat. This objective is pursued through the identification of regional and local issues related to fish habitat management, technical and administrative capacity building initiatives, fish habitat assessment projects at the community level, and youth engagement initiatives.
Fish Habitat is defined as: "Spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes." Fish habitat
|
|
|
management in the community can range from source water protection, to assessing riparian health, creating a community chemical management plan, or conducting a biophysical inventory to create a habitat management plan. Fish habitat management also includes incorporating Best Management Agricultural Practices to reduce the impacts of agriculture and livestock on watersheds. Collaboration and networking between Alberta First Nations, DFO, other levels of government and NGOs is essential for the sustainable management of Alberta’s fish habitat.
 Protecting fish habitat means healthy fish populations will be available for the use and enjoyment by future generations. Fish habitat management includes taking actions to prevent habitat damage by managing negative impacts to wetlands and water environments as well as the enhancement and recovery of fish habitat by improving or mitigating impacts.
Youth Engagement Initiatives
Environmental Youth Camp
 TSAG’s Youth Environmental Stewardship Camp is held each summer for First Nations Students Grades 9-12 from across the province.
The camp focuses on Environmental Stewardship and Conservation leadership. With a primary goal to encourage youth to continue in Science and Math Post-Secondary education, a variety of topics and careers are discussed throughout the week such as Water, Fish Habitat Conservation and Protection, and Species at Risk.
Classroom Presentations
AIHP staff provide a variety of classroom presentations or field day exercises for grades 5-12. Some topics include:
- Wetlands and Fish Habitat awareness
- Source water protection
- Waste management and composting
For more information about the Aboriginal Inland Habitat Program please contact Amy Cairns at 780-483-8601 or acairns@tsag.net.
|
|
