"The Lake Superior First Nations Development Trust's GIS department uses GIS technology to help First Nations collect, manage, and analyze traditional ecological knowledge that is used to create geographic based information management projects," said Mr. Houweling. "I am pleased to be presenting them with the Award of Excellence for their dedication to the application and promotion of GIS technology as well as the positive impact they are making on the community."

Lake Superior First Nations Development Trust (LSFNDT) is a not-for-profit organization working with First Nations from across Ontario. LSFNDT manages three separate programs including a GIS; an online Boreal Forestry newsletter ( Megwekob); and an Aboriginal Forest Fire Training and Employment program . The LSFNDT has p artnered with First Nations for the past twelve years to collect, protect, and promote traditional ecological knowledge. This decade-long partnership that has been built through friendships and respect, has established a process for collecting traditional knowledge and other important community values with GIS technology.

Accumulated by First Nations over many generations from living and dying as part of the landscape, traditional knowledge helps them appreciate how to live in harmony with the land, water, plants, and creatures. From the identification and protection of sensitive areas to the promotion and preservation of traditional language, the value and importance that traditional knowledge provides is enormous. GIS and web-based mapping technology provides First Nations with the tools to utilize this knowledge and build communication for closer relationships, effective and sound planning for a healthier landscape and enhanced economic and educational opportunities.

"First Nations have a record of their cultural values and other land information which forms a vital planning component that contributes to biodiversity and sustainable management," said David Mackett, Traditional Ecological Knowledge Coordinator, Lake Superior First Nations Development Trust. "By understanding and integrating traditional and scientific knowledge into planning will help us recognize how integral traditional knowledge is to understanding how ecosystems function."

ESRI Canada presents Awards of Excellence annually to organizations and individuals across the country for their outstanding achievement in the application of GIS technology.

About ESRI Canada:
Established in 1984, ESRI Canada is a Canadian owned company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS) solutions. We distribute the world's leading GIS software solutions from ESRI Inc., NovaLIS Technologies, Miner and Miner, Telcordia, and Azteca. In order to provide organizations with complete industry-specific solutions we have established an extensive business partner program that includes more than 100 Canadian organizations. ESRI Canada also provides professional services including consulting, training, technical support, and enterprise GIS implementation. We are leaders in providing world-class enterprise GIS solutions for many industries including local government, utilities, public safety and defence, business demographics, education, natural resources, and transportation. ESRI Canada has twelve regional offices across the country, with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.esricanada.com or call 1-800-447-9778.

Media Contacts:
Heather Adams
Communications Specialist
ESRI Canada
T: 416-386-6463
E: hadams@esricanada.com
 
David Macket
Traditional Ecological Knowledge Coordinator Lake Superior First Nations Development Trust
T: 807-628-8330
E : dmackett@tbaytel.net
W: www.lsfndt.org