Our First Nations Liaison

“We are only here for a short time on earth. During that time, we need to ensure that our children and our great-grandchildren have and can enjoy what we have been able to enjoy.”

Glenn Auger, First Nations Liaison

Meet Our First Nations Liaison 

Glenn Auger is our Wetlands Workforce First Nations Liaison. He is a Cree member from Tallcree First Nations in Northern Alberta. He is a signatory to Treaty 8. Previously, Glenn worked in the sawmill industry for over 25 years where he became certified as a Red Seal Electrician. He then worked for 15 years in the oil and gas industry. While in these fields, he held varying positions as a First Nations Liaison. 

In addition, he has been involved in treaty processes, treaty agreements, land use planning, and project consultation for over 25 years. Glenn has a diverse background of skills and experiences, but it is his work as a First Nations Liaison that has given him the most joy in his career.   

“I’m proud to be able to apply for a position like this. I am looking forward to being able to work with Indigenous communities throughout the province for the B.C. Wildlife Federation and our Wetlands Workforce initiative moving forward.” 

The Importance of Education

In addition, one of Glenn’s passions is education and training. He notes that no one is ever too old to learn something new. A major component of the Wetlands Workforce is providing training opportunities to those  employed through the program. Some of the training provided includes Wilderness First Aid, Wetland Plant ID, Marsh Bird Monitoring, Invasive Species Monitoring, and Indigenous Relations – understanding cultural differences.  

Glenn is eager to lend his knowledge through his role as the Wetlands Workforce First Nations Liaison. He is encouraged by the emphasis the Wetlands Workforce project is putting on education. He hopes that others will see it as an opportunity for continual growth.

“I have always had a passion for education and training. I think it is so important for our youth, our children and even our elders. You are never too late to start learning; go to school, pursue your dreams. Be proud of who you are, and do not be afraid to go after and challenge what you want to become. If you want to be courageous and adventurous, there are opportunities out there that can help you and support you.” 

The Importance of the Wetlands Workforce

For Glenn, it is not just the engagement with Indigenous communities that he is looking forward to in his role. He is equally excited about the good work the project is doing for British Columbia’s wetlands and watersheds. Because the significance and importance of wetlands link directly back to his and many other Indigenous cultures. It all ties into the circle of life; the water, the air we breathe, the animals. All these things are connected.   

“Without water, we cannot survive. As an Indigenous person, we have been tasked to be guardians of Mother Earth throughout many generations. In our culture, some of our medicines are in the water. We must look after those places where our traditional medicines grow.” 

Glenn notes that this project is important because it allows for shared learning experiences. It provides an opportunity to educate people on the importance of wetlands and watersheds and their significance in traditional Indigenous cultures.  

“It is important for initiatives like these to continue. They create a legacy. A legacy of sustainability.” 

What does Signatory to Treaty 8 mean?

Treaty 8 was signed on June 21, 1899 between the First nations of Northern Alberta, Northwestern Saskatchewan, the Southwest portion of the Northwest Territories and the Queen of England. The treaty encompasses a land mass that is home to 39 First Nations communities (23 Alberta First Nations, 3 Saskatchewan First Nations, 6 Northwestern Territories First Nations, and 8 British Columbia First Nations). As a signatory of this Treaty, one has the rights to areas used for cultural activities, hunting, fishing and burial grounds within all of Treaty 8, a landmass of approximately 840,000 kilometers. Their rights are within the whole territory, not just their own traditional land, allowing members a bigger area to live their way of life.