Mnisinoog Guardians - Warriors for the Bay
Wasagaam ezhaazaan
To the other side of these waters do I travel.
Bmaashkaa bmaashkaa
The waves go along, the waves go along,
Ondaasgaam ge-giiweyaan
To the side of the lake will I return.
— Waabishki-makwa, Dr. Brian D McInnes of Wasauksing First Nation
Shawanaga’s Guardians
Shawanaga First Nation’s Indigenous Guardians program began in 2020 as an expansion of the Species-at-Risk program, aiming to empower community members to take an active role in the stewardship of their lands, water, and wildlife.
Guardians assist with a variety of land-based projects including educational events, surveys, and monitoring. The Land Guardians help to integrate culture into this work, weaving together western science and traditional knowledge for a more holistic approach to conservation.
Ultimately, the Guardians program aims to drive the work done in the Lands Department and Species-at-Risk team more community-oriented to support members of Shawanaga First Nation as the stewards of these species and their habitats as they have been since time immemorial.
The program provided a range of training opportunities, hands-on experience, and essential equipment—including a snowmobile, boat, and side-by-side—to increase access to Shawanaga’s traditional territory.
A key focus of the program was the weaving of knowledge systems, blending Indigenous knowledge with Western science to enhance conservation efforts in a way that respects and prioritizes First Nations’ perspectives.
Introducing Mnisinoog:
Warriors for the Bay
Now in its second phase, the program has been renamed Mnisinoog: Warriors for the Bay, reflecting its mission to protect and steward the lands and waters of eastern Georgian Bay. With capacity built, the Guardians are now leading key conservation projects vital to Shawanaga, including:
Expanding the walleye hatchery program, incorporating GLATOS tracking technology and floy tags to better understand fish movement and health.
Conducting a fish consumption study to assess environmental and health impacts.
Establishing the Shawanaga Island Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA), where Guardians will patrol, manage, and serve as interactive guides for the island’s protection.
Leading projects for culturally important species such as our Eastern Wolf research project to better understand and protect this culturally important and at risk species.
A central goal of Mnisinoog is strengthening relationships with other First Nations, fostering knowledge-sharing, and collectively working toward the conservation of important species and landscapes. By incorporating a holistic approach—which includes not just species at risk but also culturally significant wildlife—Shawanaga First Nation continues to assert its stewardship role, ensuring future generations can uphold their responsibility to the land and waters of their territory.
