Kennedy Siding Caribou Feeding Program
The Kennedy Siding Caribou Feeding Program is a joint initiative co-led by Tithonus Wildlife Research and McLeod Lake Indian Band with funding from the Province of British Columbia and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Through collaboration, the program combines traditional ecological knowledge and western science to restore caribou for ecological and cultural purposes. The program began in 2014 and continues to grow in success and recognition.
McLeod Lake Indian Band
McLeod Lake Indian Band is part of the Tse’Khene group of Aboriginal peoples that also includes bands at Fort Ware (Kwadacha) and Ingenika (Tseh Kay Dene).
The main community of McLeod Lake Band is located on McLeod Lake Indian Band Indian Reserves #1 and #5 near the unincorporated village of McLeod Lake, approximately 150 kilometers north of Prince George on Highway 97. McLeod Lake Band Membership totals about 515 members (as defined under the Indian Act) with approximately 100 members living in McLeod Lake, 200 members living in Mackenzie, Chetwynd and Prince George, and the rest throughout North America.
McLeod Lake Indian Band Vision
We, the Tse’Khene Nation (People of the Rocks) are a proud people. We believe the Creator put us here as stewards of the land. We will regain our Traditions to cultivate a respected, united, self-sufficient community. We recognize all people as equal regardless of name and ancestry. Our governing body is elected based upon integrity, honour, accountability and transparency to all members. Together we will provide health, educated, self-sufficient and prosperous lifestyles for our future generations.
McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Management Vision and Mission
To develop and implement policies and guidelines for the preservation and management of McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) lands and resources to ensure and enhance the long-term sustainability of these resources for the future of the Tse’Khene of MLIB.
Staff
Christy Smith
Advisor, Indigenized Consulting Services
Christy is a member of K’ómoks First Nation, living in her traditional territory on Vancouver Island and supports McLeod Lake Indian Band on their Caribou Tripartite Table. Christy has authentically navigated both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds while working in the resource sector for over 25 years. Her work is deeply rooted in reconciliation and decolonizing the approach to ways of doing business and the weaving of Indigenous knowledge in Western Science. Christy has a BA in Native Studies from the University of Alberta and an MBA from the University of Northern British Columbia and is a wife and mother.
Doug Heard
Wildlife Biologist, Tithonus Wildlife Research
Doug started studying predator-prey relationships during his Master of Science research 50 years ago while studying Vancouver Island marmots trying to avoid predation by cougars and eagles. Since then, his research has focused on the relationships between wolves, caribou, and moose. During his work with these animals, he worked for the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Province of British Columbia as an adjunct professor at the University of Northern British Columbia and as a private consultant with Tithonus Wildlife Research. Doug has worked with the McLeod Lake Indian Band for over 20 years to promote conservation and recovery of the Kennedy Siding caribou herd, first on signage requesting hunters to not harvest caribou and now by establishing the feeding program to promote population growth.