Iakwatonhontsanónhnha Tsi Iehiatónhkwa

Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO)

www.kahnawakeenvironment.com

KEPO was established in the 1980’s to address environmental concerns with an energy project proposed in the river and to stop the indiscriminate dumping of waste being brought in by outside companies. In its early days, KEPO started a recycling program and developed guidelines for the movement of soil fill. Throughout the years, the knowledge and expertise of the Environment Protection Office has grown significantly. KEPO has designed and carried out scientific studies in Kahnawà:ke and Tioweró:ton such as species inventories, habitat characterizations, habitat mapping, management plans, protection plans and restoration initiatives. In 2005, the Environment Protection Office started using GIS (a geographical information system) to map species, habitats and issues of concern. These layers of data are used on a daily basis to understand the environmental features of a given location and to assist with decision-making.  

The  environmental challenges continue to grow globally, and in the community, as we experience the impacts of Climate Change in our own backyards. Environmental education plays an important role at KEPO to raise awareness about environmental issues and sustainable practices. Sometimes, our environmental patrols and inspections reveal practices by community members that are contaminating or damaging our natural environment. Occasionally these issues can be resolved with education, but sometimes the use of laws and policies is required to stop damaging practices and remediate a contaminated or damaged site.

We recognize that the erosion of our culture plays a role in these damaging practices so we strive to use our worldview as a guide in our efforts to protect the environment of our community. The Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen provides an important reminder of the responsibilities we all share to ensure that the cycles of life continue. We are all challenged to find ways to live these values in the modern world and KEPO will continue to support these efforts.

Below is a list of our programs and services, which apply to Kahnawà:ke and Tioweró:ton. Follow this link to our website to learn more about the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office:  www.kahnawakeenvironment.com

Services Programs and Projects:

• Office resources:
• Collection of past environmental studies carried out in Kahnawà:ke
• Newsletters & brochures
• Geographical Information System (GIS) for data management, analysis, mapping and decision-making
• Environmental education and awareness:
• Presentations for schools, youth groups, organizations on environmental issues, species & habitats in our community, results of environmental studies, etc.
• Development of educational brochures, posters and newsletters
• Species identifications
• Recommendations and support for invasive plant control and invasive insect impacts
• Presence in the local media for awareness-raising on environmental issues
• Planning and hosting of events:
• Annual Tree Give Away
• Creek & Shoreline Clean-up initiative
• Open houses, presentations, kiosks and presence at local events
• Project reviews:
• Reviews and recommendations for proposed projects in the community that may have an impact on the environment
• Environmental projects and studies:
• Contaminated site studies
• Ground water monitoring program on former dumpsites
• Species at risk studies
• Species inventories (fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants)
• Habitat characterizations (wetland mapping, shoreline characterization, fish habitat study)
• Studies and restoration of the recreational bay
• Surface water quality monitoring program
• Emerald Ash Borer Management Program
• Invasive plants removal and control initiatives
• Environmental protection & restoration initiatives:
• Environmental patrols, inspections and follow-up remedial actions
• Development of “Best Practices” for working in and around water habitats
• Working towards the establishment of “protected areas” in the community
• Working towards the restoration of degraded habitats
• Environmental laws, policies, guidelines and best practices:
• Participation in the development of laws, policies and best practices to protect our natural environment
  

Environment Protection Office