Environmental Stewardship

Environmental Stewardship
First Nation’s people have long been regarded as the stewards of the earth, working with nature and not against it. To that end, the BCAAFC is actively working to reduce its Green house Gas emissions (GhG). The BCAAFC shall strive to be the leaders in Environmental Stewardship for Aboriginal people in British Columbia. The BCAAFC will seek to reduce GhG emissions by monitoring and reducing Friendship Center Emissions on continuing basis.

Background
In the summer and fall of 2008 the BCAAFC hired consultants to conduct an ecological footprint snapshot and analysis of the Friendship Centers located in British Columbia. These visits ascertained a snapshot of each centers ecological footprint. The data from these visits will allow the BCAAFC to determine and improve their ecological footprint, and assist the BCAAFC in making strides to become local stewards of their area of the earth.

Ecological footprint: what is it?
Our ecological footprint is a representation of our consumption of the earth’s resources compared to the ability of the planet to replenish these resources. The higher the rate of consumption, the larger the footprint. Each one of us has an individual ecological footprint which is derived from just about everything we do on a daily basis. Including; the type of car we drive and kilometers driven, the food we eat, the homes we live in and how we heat and cool those homes, and our spending habits as consumers.

Global warming and GhG Emission Reduction
Global warming is occurring from our GhG emissions that we are contributing to the atmosphere. The emissions that we are creating are released into the atmosphere, which in turn act as an insulating blanket reflecting back the sun’s rays and warming the planet. The reduction of GhG emissions is the key to fighting global warming. Our actions and choices as a society are leading to leading to global warming. Therefore it stands if we reduce our GhG emissions; we can help combat global warming.

Quick Tips

• Drive less.
  • The less time your vehicle is running equals fewer emissions contributed to the atmosphere. Public transit, bicycling, roller blading/skating, and walking are all environmentally friendly choices.

• Buy Local.
  • Purchasing products that are grown or made close to home reduces the amount of emissions from shipping the products to you. Buying local also supports your neighbors and helps strengthen local communities.

• Unplug unnecessary appliances.
  • Cell phone chargers, computers, and printers all draw power even when they are not being used. Why not unplug them and save your money while reducing GhG emissions.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
  • It is good to recycle, but it is better to reduce and reuse. If we reduce and reuse the amount of products we draw on, there is less material being shipped to recycling centers.

Goals
The BCAAFC is actively working to reduce GhG emission and become carbon neutral. Our goal at the BCAAFC is to become carbon neutral within five years. While striving towards this goal the BCAAFC will also increase environmental awareness in Aboriginal communities and act as a resource for Aboriginal people seeking assistance in reducing their GhG emissions.

Mission Statement
The British Columbia Aboriginal Association of Friendship Centers shall strive to be the leaders in Environmental Stewardship for Aboriginal people in British Columbia. The British Columbia Aboriginal Association of Friendship Centers will inspire, educate and assist the Aboriginal people of British Columbia to reduce Green house Gas emissions and combat global warming.

Weblinks
The David Suzuki website. This sits offers environmental information from Canada’s top environmental activist.
www.davidsuzuki.org

This provincial government website helps British Columbians make green choices that save money at home, at work and on the road.
www.livesmartbc.ca

The Certified Organic Associations of BC website provides information regarding organic food production throughout British Columbia and Canada.
www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca

The Story of Stuff provides a video that gives a fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.
www.storyofstuff.com

The British Columbia Hydro site offers information on energy savings programs, environment issues, as well as guides and tips for efficient hydro use.
www.bchydro.com


Success stories
An article in the Tyee.ca talking about the T'Sou-ke First Nation and their solar power project.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2009/07/24/FirstNationSolarPower/


Contact
Shane Hartman
Environmental Coordinator
British Columbia Aboriginal Association of Friendship Centers
#200 - 506 Fort Street
Victoria, BC
V8W 1E6
Phone: 250 388-5522
Fax: 250 388-5502
shartman@bcaafc.com