Bell Fire Restoration

Shoal Lake Cree Nation Bell Fire Restoration & Forest Stewardship

In 2021, the Bell fire in the Pasquia Hills area of Saskatchewan stretched over 100, 000 hectares. The nearby communities were evacuated. Upon return they found that the land surrounding their communities no longer supported traditional hunting, trapping and berry picking. Climate change is having a profound impact on their way of llife. The boreal forests that burned in this area were left with inadequate seed supply, making the likelihood of regeneration slim. Shoal Lake Cree Nation is determined to restore the natural habitat affected by the 2021 wildfire. Trees are planted by members of the Shoal Lake community to provide improved habitat for wildlife including: elk, white tail deer, moose, bear, woodland cariboo, wolves, cougars and over 350 species of birds. The forests will sequester carbon, improve watershed function and decrease soil erosion. Providing forest resiliency for future generations of Shoal Lake Cree First Nation and Canadians alike. The aim is to foster long-term community benefits by providing equitable access and increased inclusion of indigenous people in forest work and green jobs. This project extends from 2024-2027, and includes 3.31 million native white and black spruce. Partners on this project include the expert forestry work, verification and monitoring surveys, provided by Dunkley Lumber Limited in Edgewood Saskatchewan. Summit Reforestation is the tree planting partner, providing training to new employees and ensuring high quality outcomes for the project.