The Waterhen Project : the introduction of the endangered wood bison to the Interlake Region of Manitoba and its role in the economic development of the Waterhen Band of Saulteaux Indians

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to give account from a geographer's perspective, of the introduction of wood bison, Bison bison athabascae to the Waterhen area of the Interlake Region of Manitoba. The project involves the interaction of cultural, social, economic and ecological processes. The management strategy advocated is a modest refinement of accepted wildlife management practice. This dissertation will explore the developing interdependency between the Waterhen Band and the wood bison, with the objective of resolving some of the social and economic problems of the former while ensuring the survival of the latter, which has been identified by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.) as an endangered species. Critical to the potential future economic success of the Waterhen Project is the down-listing of the wood bison from endangered to threatened status. The Waterhen Project has required and continues to require the involvement of several government and other agencies as it continues to move toward attaining its objectives.