Presented by Susan Davis (Manager, Twin Sisters Native Plant Nursery) Naomi Owens (Treaty and Lands Department Director, Saulteau First Nations) 2014 Northeast British Columbia, Community Coal & Energy Forum, Chetwynd, October 10, 2014

Background West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations realizeed a need for meaningful ecological restoration The mining sector in particular had reclamation plans that supported agronomic growth First Nations recognized the need for planting back vegetation that was genetically designed to be there. So discussion, design and implementation of TSNPN was initiated in 2010

Two Greenhouses were constructed in 2012 followed by rigorous training with local first nations and community members in 2013

2013 Growing Our Futures Pilot Program curriculum development

Once 2013 training completed Operations began! August 2013 – The Manager was hired November orders were taken and the stratification process begun for propagation in 2014 January Our Head Grower was hired March 2014 – Planting began All in a day’s work

Grand Opening-May 28, 2014

April 2014-West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations became 100% owners of TSNPN May Seed collection season began to flourish and bear fruit; TSNPN Grand Opening June 2014-Ethnobotany trip with SFN Elders, Community members and TSNPN staff (photo below)

OUR FIRST SHIPMENTS OF 2014 SEPTEMBER 9, 2O14 : 90,111 Plugs to Walter Energy SEPTEMBER 19, 2014: 18,134 plugs to TECK Coal OCTOBER 2, 2014: Second shipment of 19,789 plug to Walter Energy NOVEMBER 15, 2014: 30,000 plugs sent to cold storage for Peace River Coal

TWIN SISTERS NATIVE PLANTS NURSERY SERVICES INLCUDE: Wolf Willow sprouting! SPECIALIZED PROPAGATION CONTRACT SEED COLLECTION COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS CUSTOM PLANTING IN THE WORKS

SPECIALIZING IN NATIVE PLANTS Twin Sisters Native Plants Nursery is dedicated to restoring the Earth’s ecological balance for the benefit of all creation, one plant at a time! The only native plant nursery operating in Northeast BC, the greenhouse staff are focused on propagating indigenous plants. Seeds collected from the landscapes of our northern environment; ensure that the product is a high quality of native species. Restoring the natural habitat will contribute to the success of wildlife conservation efforts in the region as well as contributing to the biodiversity of disturbed sites. The Nursery sells native plants, shrubs and grasses for restoration projects. The helpful and qualified staff will provide valuable information on reclamation planting plans and species selection to ensure successful ecosystem rehabilitation.

TSNPN Customers Walter Energy TECK Coal Peace River Coal/AngloAmerican Glencore/Xstrata Looking forward to growing our future!

Twin Sisters Native Plants Nursery is a partnership between Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations and is 100% owned by these two Nations. Our vision is to provide world class ecological restoration services while ensuring a valuable return for the First Nations. Twin Sisters Native Plants Nursery provides a venue for on-going skills training, long- term employment and community development opportunities. Staff learn and experience the exciting world of horticulture, ethnobotany, environmental stewardship, plant identification, seed collection, and seed stratification protocols OUR LAST PLUG

Acknowledgements Training Program Development and Delivery: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), delivered in British Columbia by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAP). Additional Funding for the Training Program Delivery at Twin Sisters Native Plant Nursery: Walter Energy, North East Native Advancing Society (NENAS), Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), and Teck Resources. TSNPN would also like to thank Walter Energy for helping us get started and for all your major contributions!! We would not be where are today without your support.