2021 MVRMA - Well-Being
April 30, 2021
This year’s Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA) Resource Co-management Workshop was held March 9, 10, and 11, with the theme of ‘Well-being’. This tied into a larger theme being discussed currently about what this means, how it plays into the way we manage resources, and the importance of general well-being as a larger narrative. The topic was particularly timely given the current COVID-19 pandemic and the impact this has had not only on how we live and work, but how we structure our organization, projects, and the outcomes we aim for now and going forward. What is well-being and why is it important? How do we measure it? These are just some of the questions that informed the discussion.
Despite the MVRMA being virtual this year, participants were able to experience some exceptional interactive activities, presentations, and more, including a feeding the fire ceremony, the Dene drummers, yoga, and digital storytelling by illustrator Corrina Keeling. There were many presentations, breakout group discussions, panels, and activities, including Mark Podlasly from the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, Bob Gibson from the University of Waterloo’s School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability, Justin Stoyko, Executive Director for the Sahtu Land Use Planning Board, and Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment, among many others.
Overall, the content was outstanding, and the discussions deeply meaningful. A report with greater detail on the topics discussed, and the excellent content provided will be forthcoming. Keep an eye on either the WLWB or MVEIRB’s website for the report to be posted in the coming weeks.