Supporting First Nations through Custom Election Code Initiatives

Supporting First Nations through Custom Election Code Initiatives Supporting First Nations through Custom Election Code Initiatives EcoPlan International is excited to share our work in helping First Nations communities run their own elections. We've been supporting several communities in their effort to  decide how they want to run their elections instead of having to follow [...]

Stewardship Technicians Training Program

Stewardship Technicians Training Program Client: Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative Date: 2019-2020   The Stewardship Technicians Training Program is a pilot project by Coastal First Nations (CFN) in partnership with Vancouver Island University. The program provides technical and leadership training to meet CFN stewardship needs throughout the North Coast, Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. [...]

Planning for Climate Change Guidebook & Toolkit

Planning for Climate Change – Guidebook and Toolkit Winner of a Planning Institute of BC 2015 Award for Planning Excellence in Research & New Directions in Planning,the guide is UN-Habitat’s principal capacity building and climate change planning resource for its Cities and Climate Change Initiative, active in over 40 cities around the world. Planning for [...]

Alberta Métis Cultural
Loss and Non-Market
Valuation Analysis

Alberta Métis Cultural Loss and Non-Market Valuation Analysis EcoPlan was commissioned by the Métis Settlements of Paddle Prairie, Peavine, Gift Lake, and Kikino to conduct value analyses in order to determine net compensatory losses resulting from surface disturbances caused by ongoing petroleum development activity. EcoPlan employed a broad range of research and analysis techniques including [...]

Musqueam
Various Projects

Musqueam – Various Projects EcoPlan has worked with Musqueam First Nation since beginning a Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) in 2008. Winner of a 2011 provincial Award of Excellence for Planning Practice, Musqueam’s CCP was an ambitious multi-year project that included over 10 additional studies and strategies over the course of the four-year project, all the [...]

Kitsumkalum First Nation Land Use Plan

Kitsumkalum First Nation Land Use Plan EcoPlan worked with Kitsumkalum First Nation to develop a Community Land Use Plan for the Nation’s three main reserve areas. Building off of a draft Comprehensive Community Plan completed in 2014, the community-based project was coordinated with Kitsumkalum’s ongoing Land Code process. Its purpose was twofold: to establish a [...]

Comprehensive Community Planning Training

Comprehensive Community Planning Guidebook and Training EcoPlan worked with the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) to develop a Comprehensive Community Planning Toolkit and supporting training program for NADF affiliated communities in Northern Ontario. The toolkit is designed as a step-by-step resource for First Nations staff and leadership who are involved in resourcing and delivering a [...]

Alberta Metis Oral History and Land Use Project

Alberta Metis Oral History and Land Use Project To help facilitate the recognition of Métis Aboriginal rights, the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC) retained EcoPlan to assist in the Métis Traditional Settlements Traditional Land Use Mapping and Oral History Project.  EcoPlan led an initial pilot project at the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, then subsequent projects [...]

Socio-cultural Impact Assessmentt

Socio-cultural Impact Assessment: Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion As part of the National Energy Board (NEB) review process of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), Matsqui First Nation commissioned EcoPlan to conduct a socio-cultural impact assessment of the proposed pipeline that would pass through their traditional territory. Our approach to this impact assessment and the techniques [...]

Giiwedaa – Comprehensive Community Plan

Giiwedaa – Comprehensive Community Plan and Update Winner of the 2013 Award for Planning Excellence in Aboriginal Planning and Development from the Canadian Institute of Planners, EcoPlan worked with the Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek First Nation to develop a Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) and Land Use Plan for a new reserve secured in 2008 by the formerly [...]

Cormorant Island
Economic Development
Plan

Tides of Change: Cormorant Island Joint Economic Development Strategy Winner of a 2016 International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Core Values Award, Tides of Change was a joint economic development strategy developed with ‘Namgis First Nation and the Village of Alert Bay on Northern Vancouver Island. One of the first such joint projects in Canada, [...]

Surrey Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS)

Surrey Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) Surrey Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy Client: City of Surrey Dates: 2016 – 2019 As part of a larger project team led by Northwest Hydraulics Consulting (NHC), EcoPlan supported the City of Surrey on a five-phase project to develop a Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) for the City’s coastal floodplain [...]

Coastal Guardian Watchmen Business Case

Coastal Guardian Watchmen Business Case EcoPlan carried out a unique business case to help clarify the total value generated by the Coastal Guardian Watchmen programs. The business case differed from more conventional approaches in that it included both market and non-market costs and benefits in the analysis. This meant that in addition to identifying and [...]

Swinomish Coastal Climate Impacts: Community Health Impact Assessment

Date: 2016 -2017 As part of the Swinomish project on The Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Climate Change Impacts: Coastal Climate Impacts to First Foods, Cultural Sites, and Tribal Community Health and Well-being, Swinomish wanted to get community input on coastal climate impacts to community health and well-being, and to assess and prioritize […]

Driftpile First Nation Tourism Opportunities Study

EcoPlan conducted a detailed regional tourism market assessment, opportunity analysis and community-based structured decision-making process to help identify, and prioritize tourism development opportunities for an Aboriginal community located in northern Alberta. The project included an evaluation of three opportunities that had already been identified by the community and involved the creation of an advisory committee […]

Land Use Mapping and Interview Guide

Land Use Mapping and Interview Guide Client: Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation EPI supported KHFN with training and development of a TUS mapping framework and an interview guide. KHFN then conducted their own TUS study.

Yukusam Cultural Ecotourism Feasibility Analysis

Yukusam Cultural Ecotourism Feasibility Analysis Date: 2005 EcoPlan assessed the feasibility of a multi-phase eco-tourism and cultural education project for Yukusam (Hanson Island) near Alert Bay off the northeast end of Vancouver Island. The study tested the financial viability and sustainability of a cultural interpretative facility and trail network to be developed by the N’amgis […]

Yale First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan and Land Use Plan

Yale First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan and Land Use Plan Date: 2012-2014 EcoPlan worked with Colliers International and Yale First Nation, BC’s newest Treaty First Nation, to develop a Comprehensive Community Plan and supporting Land Use Plan for the Nation’s Treaty Settlement Lands and former reserve areas. Due to funding and Treaty implementation obligations, the […]

Xwísten Website

Xwísten Website Date: 2014 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to completely redesign (in form and function) their website in order to better meet communications needs with members, funders, and other stakeholders. The need for improved communications, especially with members (on and off-reserve), was identified in their 2014 Comprehensive Community Plan, and this plan is guiding the […]

Xwísten Traditional Use Lands Study

Xwísten Traditional Use Lands Study Date: 2014-2015 Land tenure on First Nation reserves can be complicated. Without clarity of tenure, it can create community conflict and stall community development. EcoPlan worked with Xwísten (Bridge River Indian Band) to tackle this challenging issue. Through research and interviews, EcoPlan and Xwísten developed a greater understanding of family […]

Xwísten Human Resources Policy

Xwísten Human Resources Policy Date: 2015 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to write their human resources policy, ensuring that it was compliant with federal and provincial laws, met best practices for First Nations human resources management, and met the needs of members, staff and Council.The project sought to formalize and standardize the existing human resources practices in […]

Xwisten Highest and Best Use Study

Xwisten Highest and Best Use Study Date: 2017 EcoPlan worked with Lillooet Salish Enterprises to conduct a Highest and Best Use (HBU) study for three properties that they own in Lillooet BC, including two commercial and one multi-purpose industrial site. The study included an economic base analysis of the Lillooet area, site analysis for each of the […]

Xwísten Experiences Site Plan and Improvements

Xwísten Experiences Site Plan and Improvements Date: 2014 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to develop a master plan and promotional brochure for the Xwisten Experiences cultural tourism program.  This included site plans and phased improvements for a visitor’s centre, viewing areas, and trails.

Xwísten Comprehensive Community Plan

Xwísten Comprehensive Community Plan Date: 2012-2014 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to develop their first Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP). With extensive participation, this project was an opportunity to bring the community together through multiple Community Gatherings, youth workshops, dinners, and other activities.  Two surveys were also used to make sure on- and off-reserve members had a chance […]

Tri-Nations Environmental Initiative – Feasibility Study and Business Model

Tri-Nations Environmental Initiative – Feasibility Study and Business Model Date: 2016 EcoPlan worked with the Tri-Nations of Kitselas, Haisla and Kitsumkalum to identify the economic opportunities available to the Tri-Nations in land reclamation, restoration, and environmental monitoring, as well as the human resource skills and assets of Tri-Nation citizens required to take advantage of those opportunities […]

Treaty 7 Protected Areas Sustainable Tourism Situation Assessment

Treaty 7 Protected Areas Sustainable Tourism Situation Assessment Date: 2009-2010 EcoPlan identified sustainable and pro-poor economic opportunities within the region’s tourism sector. Beginning with a site analysis of the Nation’s Timber Limit Reserve, opportunities for forest-based nature tourism were identified and assessed according to their potential impacts on the livelihoods of local community stakeholders. With the […]

Training Strategy for Ta’an Kwäch’än Local Economic Development

Training Strategy for Ta’an Kwäch’än Local Economic Development Date: 2006-2007 EcoPlan collaborated with Beringia Planning to develop a twenty-five year strategic plan and local economic development training program for the Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nation in Whitehorse, Yukon. The project included an extensive labour market/human resources SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and an integrated community capacity […]

Training in Comprehensive Community Planning

Training in Comprehensive Community Planning Date: 2016-2017 EcoPlan led a 2-day training for Nokiiwin Tribal Council’s six communities in the Thunder Bay / Lake Nipigon area. This included an overview of values- based decision making, project planning, strategic planning, and community engagement in the context of developing Comprehensive Community Plans for First Nations. The training included […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project- Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement (Update 2010 & 2011)

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project- Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement (Update 2010 & 2011) Date: 2010-2011 To help facilitate the recognition of Métis Aboriginal rights, the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC) retained EcoPlan to assist in the Métis Traditional Settlements Traditional Land Use Mapping and Oral History Project. EcoPlan led an initial pilot project […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project (Implementation Phase) – Paddle Prairie, Kikino and East Prairie Métis Settlements

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project (Implementation Phase) – Paddle Prairie, Kikino and East Prairie Métis Settlements Date: 2009-2011 EcoPlan conducted three concurrent Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping projects in the Paddle Prairie, Kikino, and East Prairie Métis Settlements. This was the first phase of work that moved beyond ‘pilot’ status and […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 3) – Fishing Lake and Elizabeth Métis Settlements

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 3) – Fishing Lake and Elizabeth Métis Settlements Date: 2008-2009 EcoPlan conducted a third round of pilot projects at the Fishing Lake and Elizabeth Métis settlements, refining the processes and tools used in previous pilot phases. These projects began with training and capacity building exercises, a needs assessment and […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 2) – Gift Lake and Peavine Métis Settlements

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 2) – Gift Lake and Peavine Métis Settlements Date: 2007-2009 EcoPlan conducted a second pilot phase of the Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping project that focused on the Gift Lake and Peavine Métis Settlements. Information was recorded on interview forms and maps that were […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 1) – Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 1) – Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Date: 2004-2005 To help facilitate the recognition of Métis Aboriginal rights, the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC) retained EcoPlan to assist in the Métis Traditional Settlements Traditional Land Use Mapping and Oral History Project. EcoPlan led a an initial pilot project […]

Traditional Land Use and Environmental Impacts of Proposed CNRL Development

Traditional Land Use and Environmental Impacts of Proposed CNRL Development Date: 2016 EcoPlan was retained by Elizabeth Lake Métis Settlement (EMS) to provide a review of the community’s issues, concerns, and suggested mitigation regarding potential impacts to their traditional use areas from the developments proposed for the Cold Lake Oil Sands Area. The review built on […]

Traditional Land Use and Environmental Impacts of Proposed CNRL Development

Traditional Land Use and Environmental Impacts of Proposed CNRL Development Date: 2016 EcoPlan was retained by Elizabeth Lake Métis Settlement (EMS) to provide a review of the community’s issues, concerns, and suggested mitigation regarding potential impacts to their traditional use areas from the developments proposed for the Cold Lake Oil Sands Area. The review built on […]

Tourism Economic Opportunity and Investment Strategy Analysis

Tourism Economic Opportunity and Investment Strategy Analysis Date: 2004 EcoPlan conducted a community-based participatory analysis of economic development potentials and impacts on traditional and cultural integrity for eight indigenous communities in Northern Alberta. The project included an analysis of tourism development opportunities, forestry, oil, and gas development.

Tourism and Economic Opportunities Plan

Tourism and Economic Opportunities Plan Date: 2014-2015 This study helped Ditidaht First Nation better understand what kind of opportunities they could pursue, and what kind of tourism projects members would like to see, as the Vancouver Island First Nation works to better manage newly acquired Interim Treaty Agreement lands and explore new economic development opportunities. The project reviewed the tourism […]

TCK FN

TCK FN Date: 2007 EPI, working with Beringia Planning, undertook this planning initiative to engage TKC Citizens in the design and implementation of a local economic development (LED) strategy and system that serves the community in ways that meet the cultural, social, economic and environmental values and practices of TKC, including helping to fulfill their economic […]

The Business Case for the Coastal Guardian Watchmen (Program Evaluation)

The Business Case for the Coastal Guardian Watchmen (Program Evaluation) Date: 2016 For many years, the Coastal First Nations have been working to establish and grow on-the-land environmental stewardship programs known as Guardian Watchmen programs. These programs generate a wide range of tangible benefits for the Coastal First Nations, as they provide them with a physical […]

Comprehensive Community Planning Toolkit for Northern Ontario Communities

Comprehensive Community Planning Toolkit for Northern Ontario Communities Client: Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Date: 2007 EcoPlan developed a Comprehensive Community Planning Toolkit and training program for NADF and its 89 First Nation communities. The toolkit is designed as a step-by-step resource for First Nations staff and leadership who are involved in resourcing and delivering a CCP project. […]

St’át’imc Tribal Council Comprehensive Community Planning Review

St’át’imc Tribal Council Comprehensive Community Planning Review Date: 2012 An association of ten communities located in southwestern BC close in and around Lillooet, BC, the St’át’imc Nation recently negotiated a settlement for the impacts of hydroelectric development on their traditional territories. EcoPlan was hired by the St’át’imc Trust Board through their trustee, Deloitte, to review the […]

St. Mungo Site Management Plan

St. Mungo Site Management Plan Date: 2011-2014 Having assisted Musqueam First Nation in developing a concept plan for St. Mungo interpretive centre – an important archaeological site located on the banks of the Fraser River in Delta, B.C. – EcoPlan was retained to help the Musqueam people and the Province of British Columbia describe how the […]

St. Mungo Interpretive Site Conceptual Plan

St. Mungo Interpretive Site Conceptual Plan Date: 2010-2011 EcoPlan assisted Musqueam with the development of a conceptual plan for the St. Mungo interpretive site, located on the banks of the Fraser River in Delta, BC. Positioned as the waterfront terminus of an extensive trail system that extends north from Burns bog, the site will have a […]

SEAS Program Evaluation

SEAS Program Evaluation Date: 2017+ EPI is currently working with TNC Canada and several Coastal First Nations (Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais and Nuxalk) to evaluate the impact of a youth program known as the SEAS program – Supporting Emerging Aboriginal Stewards. This program operates in several communities and is specifically tailored to meet each community’s priorities, needs and […]

Regional Planning Toolkit for Treaty First Nations & Local Governments

Regional Planning Toolkit for Treaty First Nations & Local Governments Date: 2012 In 2012, EcoPlan helped support two new Treaty First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty — Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government — join the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) on Vancouver Island’s west coast. An undertaking with no precedents, EcoPlan worked with the parties through […]

Regional Economic Partnership Initiative

Regional Economic Partnership Initiative Date: 2016+ EcoPlan is currently working with the SLRD, District of Lillooet, SLRD Area A and B, and the six Northern St’at’imc communities on the development of a regional economic collaboration model. This project will bring together the stakeholder governments at the leadership level to find ways to align their work on […]

Proposal and Grant Writing Support

Proposal and Grant Writing Support Date: 2000-present EcoPlan has helped a large number of different organizations, First Nations, and foundations with writing proposals and grants. Where appropriate, we focus on capacity building so that internal staff can gain the skills required to write proposals themselves over time. The groups with which we’ve worked have had high […]

Powell River Regional District/Tla’amin First Nation Regional Land Use Harmonization

Powell River Regional District/Tla’amin First Nation Regional Land Use Harmonization Date: 2008 EcoPlan worked with the Tla’amin First Nation and the Powell River Regional District (PRRD) to identify opportunities for coordinating land use planning between the two governments, for potential Treaty Settlement Lands Tla’amin had identified as part of their treaty negotiations. The project resulted […]