In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the College of New Caledonia Research Forest Society (CNCRFS) has named the Young Rainbow Warrior Society in Burns Lake and the District of Mackenzie
recipients of its Legacy Fund.
In 2019, the CNCRFS put a call out for the submission of legacy projects with a focus on environmental improvement, renewable natural resource education and/or outreach programs,
outdoor recreation improvement, or social/environmental commitment to the local communities.
After reviewing the submitted proposals, the CNCRFS decided to split the $90,000 Legacy Fund into two $45,000 grants.
“The Young Rainbow Warrior Society and District of Mackenzie both submitted strong proposals that fit with the spirit of the legacy fund,” said CNC Research Forest Manager Carl Pollard. “Since both
projects were not fully dependent on the entire Legacy Fund, the CNCRFS directors agreed that funding two proposals was the fair approach to ensure benefits were maximized across the CNC region.”
The Young Rainbow Warrior Society was created to provide jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, outreach programs, recreation, and culture camps for First Nations, especially for the younger
generation who still suffer from the effects of transgenerational residential school abuse and trauma.
With the CNCRFS Legacy Fund, the Young Rainbow Warrior Society intends to expand the permaculture forest area of a food forest park project scheduled to open to the general public in the
spring-summer season of 2022.
Located about 20 kilometres outside Burns Lake, the food forest park project will now feature a cordwood construction year-round greenhouse that will improve the amount and variety of produce
grown for local consumption.
“Our society is so very pleased to receive funding from CNCRFS Legacy Fund and would like to extend our tremendous gratitude and appreciation,” said Young Rainbow Warrior Society Treasurer
Dawn Belcourt. “We hope our project continues to expand and serve as an inspiration for other northern communities to grow local organic food year-round, educate, create sustainable jobs, and
provide a beautiful place for both the local community and tourists alike.”
The District of Mackenzie is putting the CNCRFS Legacy Fund towards the development of a 10-kilometre community trail connecting on-route recreation amenities within Mackenzie. This project also proposes to complete a number of new installations and upgrades and will connect with existing trails in the community.
The trail project is in partnership with the Mackenzie Outdoor Route & Trail Association, the McLeod Lake Mackenzie Community Forest, the Mackenzie Golf & Country Club, and CNC’s Mackenzie campus.
“We greatly appreciate the support we’ve received from the CNC Research Forest Society’s Legacy Fund,” said District of Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson. “This funding will help make year-round low
impact recreation opportunities a reality to both residents and visitors to Mackenzie. The development of the connector trail will also provide temporary employment opportunities and help
support economic development in our community.”