Our Projects

The conservation and management of the Bistcho Lake region cannot wait until it is formally protected. Through ongoing monitoring, restoration and collaboration, the Dene Tha’ First Nation are committed to the stewardship of the land and water.  

Environmental Monitoring

Community environmental monitoring creates a foundation of knowledge that will inform decisions – today and into the future.

Our innovative environmental monitoring program collects, manages and documents traditional and western scientific knowledge through a mobile app.

Guardians and technicians can contribute by adding and evaluating field data, no matter where they are. The app was developed by the Dene Tha’ First Nation to streamline the collection of data from fieldwork and traditional land use studies.

Caribou Monitoring

We monitor caribou and other wildlife in the Bistcho region with a network of remote cameras and evaluate their movements based on traditional knowledge of historical caribou movements in the region.

In March 2020, 30 cameras were deployed along the eastern side of Bistcho Lake. The locations were selected based on traditional knowledge of caribou’s historical behaviour and movements. More cameras will be added to the western side and beyond through collaboration with the provincial and territorial governments.

Recovery and management plans for the Bistcho herd should be informed by ongoing community-led monitoring and traditional knowledge of caribou movements and habitat use.

Guardians Program

Guardians are the eyes and ears on the ground that monitor, protect and foster connections between the lands and people within and beyond the community.

Through monitoring and research, Guardians collect information on ecological health. The traditional and western scientific data that Dene Tha’ Guardians collect is integral to the management plans and actions at individual sites or across the region.

Guardians manage ancestral lands according to traditional laws and values. Alongside maintaining cultural sites, they patrol and protect sensitive areas and species.

An Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area can formally conserve and protect Bistcho Lake. See how.