Wasauksing First Nation

Land Use Plan

Wasauksing First Nation retained SVS in 2018 to prepare a strategic Land Use Plan that asserts their rights and culture and provides an opportunity to engage their citizens on the future use of their lands. This Land Use Plan is a requirement of Wasauksing First Nation because the community approved and ratified their Land Code in 2017, under the First Nation Land Management Act. We worked directly with Wasauksing First Nation leadership and staff to develop a robust engagement strategy to promote the sharing of knowledge, opinions and perspectives from elders, youth, land-users and members on the future use of Wasauksing’s lands. We also incorporated innovative approaches to collecting traditional knowledge and land use information to inform traditionally, culturally and environmentally significant areas of Parry Island. The Land Use Plan will assist Wasauksing First Nation in decision-making processes regarding land use, protections and development in their community. We anticipate the Land Use Plan will be ready for Wasauksing First Nation to approve and ratify through a community vote in Spring 2019.

Value for the Client Group

Overall the process resulted in value for the community in terms of knowledge documented, capacity building, increased community understanding and participation, and tools for clear, fair decision-making by the Band.