Joloe’s project focused on the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle populations in Ontario and Michigan, which are experiencing threats that have deteriorated water quality and, subsequently, their habitat (U.S Fish and Wildlife Services 2021). These threats include intense stream modification, ongoing industrial development, insufficient agricultural practices, invasive species, and a lack of public awareness (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020). The possibility of being unable to prevent future development, hydrological modification, and further deterioration of water quality will render the species distribution and population size too small to be recovered (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020). Collaboration is an important step in most recovery measures since private landowners can agree to have wetland conservation easements on their property (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020), and they can help monitor the habitat of the water beetle. Before the species becomes extinct or extirpated, funding must go towards Environment and Climate Change Canada to understand Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle population trends, resilience, and distributions across Ontario (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2020). Although considered an uncharismatic species, there is still a responsibility to support the recovery of these beetles.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
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