Silko van der Vliet - Moose River Delta Cree

MOOSE RIVER DELTA CREE Rediscovering the boreal landscape and enhancing indigenous culture

Silko van der Vliet 2020

PAKOSEYIMO TO HAVE HOPE Cree are the largest native bands in Canada, with a population of over 200,000. Many of them live in very remote communities, like Moosonee, and with long and isolating winters, summer becomes a time to reconnect with one another. In the past century Canada tried to socially displace indigenous children with a residential school system. They had to assimilate into the Euro-Canadian way of life. A traumatic experience. The Canadian government apologized in 2008. In the meantime, the indigenous communities are recovering their traditions, language and knowledge. Now it is time to reconnect with the landscape. The landscape plays a key role in nature rooted Cree culture, reflected in today’s global climate crisis. For this purpose the landscape will be subject to challenges. With this project I want to expose opportunities and have hope for the future.

Silko van der Vliet master landscape architecture Academy of Architecture, Amsterdam 2020

many thanks to my committee: Jana Crepon (mentor) _ Inside Outside Lodewijk van Nieuwenhuijze _ H+N+S Sjef Jansen _ Planecologie

fieldwork by support of:

content

Introduction Location Assignment People Moose River Delta Challenge Strategy Design Large-scale Perspective Bibliography Acknowledgements

vi xiii xv 1 21 37 45 49 81 85 91

“Interesting fact of the Arctic is that heats up twice as fast as the rest of the planet.“

Global Average Temperature Change 2081-2100

© 2017 Richard J. Weller, Claire Hoch, and Chieh Huang, Atlas for the End of the World, http://atlas-for-the-end-of-the-world.com.

vi

“Like other delta regions, this coastal landscape will also be faced with climate change challenges.“

Sea Level Rise

© 2017 Richard J. Weller, Claire Hoch, and Chieh Huang, Atlas for the End of the World, http://atlas-for-the-end-of-the-world.com.

vii

H+ H2O(g)

H+

H+ CH 4

CH4

CH4

H2O(g)

snowline retreat with

decrease albedo effect

natural effects chemical in nature;

warmer global air flows by

due to less reflectivity of

increasing water vapor, acidification

temperature rise

ice and snow

oceans & methane gas

viii

“The accelerating effects of Arctic feedbacks alter the functioning of the global climate system, but manifest first in transitional zone in the boreal.“

CO CO22

CO 2 CO 2

boreal forest

tundra

arctic

warmer air flows & reduction of permafrost cause the tree line to move north replacing tundra, as sea level rises

CH CH4 4

H2O(g) H2O(g)

4 CH CH 4 CO2 CO2

CH4 CH4

CH4 CH4

H2O(g) H2O(g)

H+ H+

boreal forest

dissolved tundra

CO2 CO2 H+ H+

H+ H+

H+ H+

arctic

tundra becomes forest asmore greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, make ice mass melt and treats the coast

H+ H2O(g)

H+

H+ CH 4

CH4

CH4

H2O(g)

CO2

CO 2

CO2

melt ice sheets & sea level

increasing intensity of Arctic

effect through human activity;

rise by temperature rise

river flows and wave action

black carbon emissions by forest / agricultural fires & industry

H+ H+ H+ H+ + +

H

H2O(g)H2O(g)

H

CH4 CH4

CH 4 CH 4

H)2O(g) CHCH 4 4H2O(g

CO2 CO2

COC 2O2

ix CO CO 2 2

Occupation

land-use (housing, industry, recreation, food production, anthropology, etc.) high change speed; changes usually occur within one generation 10-40 years

Networks

hunting trails, infrastructure (rail-roads, waterways), electricity, migration routes. sig. changes take about 20-80 years

Abiotic & Biotic factors

soil, water, geology, terrain, climate and flora & fauna long history and vulnerable; important changes take more than a century.

x

INTRODUCTION Cree are an indigenous people living in the swampy boreal forest along the James Bay coast in Canada. Like other delta regions, the coastal landscape of the James Bay will also be faced with challenges influenced by climate change. These issues are related to global warming, but in the Arctic this happens twice the rate. Globally, signs of a new trend are ermerging in which complete migrations from the danger zone of rising water take place.

The present strategy of a defensive approach must alter. We must focus on changes in use of landscape features and natural processes. It is fresh perspective on the classic layer-approach within landscape architecture, where the occupation and network layer are a logical consequence of the underlaying subsurface.

In the past century the residential school system tried to socially displace indigenous children for their culture. In 2008, the Canadian government apologized on behalf of those involved. Despite the apology, this period is still affecting the lives of indigenous communities in Canada. In the meantime, they are rediscovering their traditions, language and knowledge.

However, the change from nomadic life to a 'permanent place of residence' estranged their relationship with natural landscape. On the other hand, climate change creates opportunities to revive this relationship and rediscover the boreal forest.

xi

0

xii

150

300 km

LOCATION The project area is in the Far North of Ontario, Canada and covers the territory of the municipalities Moosonee and Moose Factory. Both are located along the Moose River, 19 kilometers (12 miles) south of James Bay. James Bay is part of the largest inland sea in the world. In addition, it is the only sea at this latitude that undergoes a permanent year-cycle of complete freeze and melt. This cycle defines the functioning of the surrounding ecosystems due to the much cooler temperatures than is characteristic for this latitude. Cree communities have adapted to this, as most of the landscape is only accessible during the frozen state in winter.

There are no permanent roads leading this Far North. The only access to the region is by a small airport or transfer by boat or train. The habitat of these isolated communities is the boreal forest. The boreal landscape is still in a stable and functioning state due to its resilience from the huge surface that includes it. Considered by leading scientists the impact of alterations by climate change is uncertain and unknown. It is obvious the subarctic is vulnerable to its effects in the long term. We see changes already taking place within smaller ecoregions of the boreal forest.

The reviewed section of the boreal forest is part of the Hudson Bay Lowland.

A spectacular patterned palette of coastal wetlands and interior peatlands, variably arrayed across a vast flat clay plain. Moreover, the landscape provides a globally important carbon sink: a natural reservoir that stores carboncontaining chemical compounds accumulated over an indefinite period removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

xiii

deal with climate change

strengthen identity

create self-sufficiency

prepare the community on changing

focus on almost lost traditions,

create an independant local economy

weather patterns, landscape

language and knowledge that are

and support sustainable initiatives

alterations and sea level rise

slowly finding their way back

within the community

aerial photograph of Moosonee at the Moose River

ASSIGNMENT I consider the Western world should focus on a way of life that is more balanced to its effects on the functioning of our planet. Cree people still try to life that way. We must take an example of this because our industrialized societies currently affect these systems in an irresponsible manner. One of the three main issues on community-scale is to deal with the consequences of climate change. As a result of the residential school system in the early nineties future generations of indigenous people want to focus on strengthening their identity. When I explored the area, I noticed an urge to become more self-sufficient, socio-economic but also practical value in terms of fresh food supply. An ambition to support.

In my graduation project I investigate the possibilities for making these communities more resilient to a viable transition process. And to cap it all, enhance their relationship with the natural environment. In the long term, it could contribute to a positive development of reducing climate change to maintain a habitable planet for present and future generations.

Aim:

“Rediscovering the boreal forest by strengthening the

relationship of the indigenous people with nature in a contemporary way, preserving the wilderness as it is.”

“How can a community develop in a sustainable way and what design tools are needed for Moosoonee and Moose Factory, situated where the perceptible effects of climate change are urgent?”

Main question:

xv

xvi

AYISINIWAK PEOPLE

1

2

direct access to boreal landscape independence government landscape as food source

social nomadic settlements linked to traplines traditional knowledge

Pré 1673 Cree used to live a nomadic lifestyle based on living off the land (hunting, trapping, fishing and use of edible/medicinal plants) in the boreal forest.

Spirituality and respect for natural resources provide a great value within their culture. They moved frequently within a well-defined territory as game supplies changed from season to season and from year to year.

Group size and the conduct of its annual economic cycle were strongly influenced by the availability of local resources. Summers were spent near the James Bay coast and during the winter they moved inland. A single native band rarely had exclusive access to its territory since adjacent bands frequently shared hunting resources, because it provided collective insurance against food shortages.

3

group hunting camp

group cluster camp

ceremonial circular camp

Three main teepee camp types.

4

Typical construction of a teepee.

Annual distribuation of teepee camps in moose river delta.

5

Winter-hunting groups were spread throughout about a 160 km radius of the coastal spot.

James Bay is the only inland sea at this latitude that goes through a complete freeze and melt cycle each year.

6

50

100 mm rainfall

250 sunshine hours

45 40 35 30 25°C

25 cm

snow

20 15 10 5 0 °C

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

-5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30°C

Climate Graph for Moosonee and Moose Factoy, Ontario, Canada.

fall

freeze-up

winter

spring

break-up

The freeze and melt cycle are considered additional seasons.

7

summer

The following quotations once again speaks to the wide variety of plants and animals produced and kept at Moose Factory in the past. Moreover, the photos exhibited below indicate how common it was to have household gardens and how clearings were made to permit both pasture and crop yielding lands.

“At Moose Factory, although the soil is a cold wet clay with a level undrained surface, farm and garden produce in considerable variety are raised every year. Among other crops harvested in 1874 were 1,700 bushels of good potatoes. Oats, barley, beans, peas, turnips, beets, carrots, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, etc. are grown without any more care than is required in other parts of Canada, and I was informed that some wheat which had accidently sown one year was found to ripen, but no experiments, as far as I could learn, have ever been made to ascertain whether this cereal might be regularly cultivated or not. Upwards of eighty head of cattle are kept at Moose Factory, besides horses, sheep and pigs.” (Borron, 1890, pp. 49) “Other Vegetables. – Cabbages, cauliflowers, peas, Windsor beans, kidney beans, onions, radishes and lettuce are planted or sown in the garden at Moose Factory. They are sown and planted I presume in the expectation that they will come to maturity.” (Borron, 1890, pp. 51)

Source: HBCA - “Moose Factory, looking upstream, Houses L to R, doctor’s office, RCMP, Anglican Church, Indian camp beyond church, 1945” Photographer: C.P. Wilson

Page | 16

8

cree teepee camp for trading goods HBC (fur) trade post

HBC crop fields

slipways shipyard

Fur trade era European traders settled in the region in the late 17th century. The second Hudson Bay Company (HBC) fort was initially built on Hayes Island in the Moose River in 1673. After the capture of the fort by the French, the site was burned down and rebuild in 1730 on Moose Factory Island. For trading HBC was depending on Cree people who supplied the company with furs and food. The trader, on the other hand, brought luxery goods, advanced weapons, ship building and agricultural techniques. It took until 1903 for competition to emerge between HBC and the Revillon Frères of Paris who also established a fur trading post on the riverbank at Halfway Creek. In 1905 Treaty #9 was signed with the Crown (Britain). It resulted in 2 reserves; No.1 which covers part of Moose Factory Island and No.68 which is located approximately 16 kilometers from the island on the North French River.

9

10

disconnection from boreal landscape

single family plots in an urban grid

fosil-fuels for mobility imported food sold in supermarket

traditional knowledge getting lost

dependence on government

roads as public space within future floodzone

Present The current settlements of Moosonee and Moose Factory originated from these trade post. Moosonee grew in importance with the advent of the railway system in 1932. The town became a transportation hub for the neighbouring James Bay coastal First Nation communities. Negligent in implementing Treaty No. 9. has resulted in poor housing conditions in an urban grid, disconnecting it from the landscape, and it has created an increasing dependency on food and supplies. The current population of Moosonee is approximately 3,500 with about 85% being Cree. The current population of Moose Factory is approximately 2,700, most of them are Moose Cree First Nation members. A part of about 1,200 people is MoCreebec, a small group of landless Quebec Cree living on the Ontario side of the James Bay. People also have Métis or Oji-Cree backgrounds.

11

“Excursions with Sonny on the river network“

12

“Seasonal huntng cabins and traplines“

13

“Tradional cree cooking and preserving techniques“

14

“Traditional spaces, ceremonies and techniques “

15

“Historical places of the cold war, fur trade and geology “

16

“The rise and fall of outdoor tourism “

17

ee on

of Moo wn s To

Moosonee

dwellings

community business

water treatment

(former) airfield

boat taxi roads

winter (ice) roads

ontario northland railway

indian reserve

"Moosonee is the only settlement along the James Bay coast with also non-native residents. One could argue that this mix of cultural backgrounds is something special."

18

Moose C

n

st e Fir Natio e r

MoCreebec

x 100

Moose Factory

Mother tongue

Ethnicity

Employment

79.3% English

75.7% First Nation

57.6% Employed

17.7% Cree

17.3% White

8.7%

1.8%

French

5.4%

33.7% non-labor force

1,2%

other

Métis

0

1

19

Unemployed

2,5 km

20

MOSWA SIPIY KISIPISTIKWEYAW MOOSE RIVER DELTA

21

22

0

5

10 km

The landscape The territory is characterized by a vast area of boreal forest. Short warm summers and long cold winters mark the region. The water of James Bay regulates the temperature during the seasons. It reduces the warmer temperatures in spring months and it maintains slightly warmer temperatures during fall. The average summer temperature is 14 degrees Celsius and in winter on average -12 degrees Celsius. This ecoregion is classified as a humid mid-boreal ecoclimate.

23

James Bay

Tidal estuaries Creeks Moose River

Moosonee Moose Factory

Kwetabohigan River

North French River

Abitibi River

0

5

10 km

Aerial The local boreal forest has a stunted growth and is less lush related to the northern latitude and tree line proximity. The forest is characterized by a mix of stands of black spruce, white spruce, balsam fir, birch and trembling aspen, depending on the soil moisture regime. The Moose River is the main river with surface and overland water runoffs such as flowing water from smaller rivers and creeks. Being situated so close to James Bay the place is affected by the Arctic tides which rise and fall twice a day, with a differ in height as much as 2.5 meters.

24

0

5

10 km

0

Topography The area is characterized by flat topography and poor drainage, caused by an uncommon uniform clay-dominated (impermeable) soils substrates across the entire region. The area is dominated by organic material over calcareous fine-textured mineral deposits. The soil composition is from bottom to top: bedrock, till, marine clay, alluvial gravel/sand and on top peat.

25

38 m

“Boreal Forest is a globally important carbon sink!“

Boreal Forest

Amazon Rainforest

© Claire Hoch and Matt Wiener in Scenario Journal

26

Global Forests

•

boreal forest:

19.000.000 km2

•

amazon rainforest:

•

the boreal area contains more carbon than

5.500.000 km2

in all tropical forests combined.

•

‘carbon turnover’ - the time it takes for a carbon atom fixed in a plant by photosynthesis to return into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide

27

28

0

5

10 km

Lowland bogs and fens Bogs are peat-covered plains or peat-filled depressions with a high water tables and a surface carpet of mosses dominated by Sphagnum. Bogs differ from fens in the reduced availability of nutrients to the surface vegetation, and in their extremely low species diversity. Average peat depth is 2,2 (>2.6) meter. Fens are peat-covered sloping plains or channels with very high water tables and with surface carpets of brown mosses and associated Sphagnum.

Fens are wetter than bogs and are more variable in water nutrients, peat types, and species composition. The peat depth is on average 1.8 (> 2.2) meters.

29

30

0

5

10 km

James Bay, rivers and creeks The Moose River basin has a size of 108,500 km2, with a mean discharge rate of 1,370 m3/s on a length 104 km (or 547 km in full length). The major marine processes, extending from flow-through rivers and coastal tide zones, are high-energy, high-flow hydrological systems, unlike to the low-energy, lowflow hydrological systems of the dominant clay-plain peatland. Islands in the river are moving causing erosion of the riverbanks. Coastal marshlands are important bird areas and sanctuaries.

31

32

0

5

10 km

Riverbanks and island forests River islands and shores consist of stratified sand and gravel, occasionally include silt, minor clay (layer thickness 2-4 meter). Better drained areas, such as river banks, support coniferous forests and mixed forests. The stable soils suited to housing, agriculture, forestry, hunting and trapping all year round.

Postglacial sea/beach deposits consist of stratified sand and gravel, minor silt (layer thickness 1-3 meter). River and creek banks consist of massive/ stratified silt and clay, minor sand (layer thickness 5-10 meter, decreasing southward up to the marine limit).

33

34

Seasonal cycle of activities The Lowland Cree understood the seasonal rhythm of the natural world around them and patterned their activities according to the changing abundance and decline in resources. The quest for food and shelter was a circular journey, leading them to traditional places associated with the availability of seasonal resources that had sustained ancestors for countless generations.

35

36

MAWINEHIKEWIN CHALLENGE

37

Moose River

Moose River Delta

James Bay

0-4000 mg/L

25-30.000 mg/L

0 mg/L

extend high tide

brackish water extend extreme tide

fresh water

38

salt water

current water level / +0,25m

SLR

+0,90 m SLR

+2,40 m SLR

+5,00 m SLR

+7,00 m SLR

0

5

10 km

Relative Sea-Level Rise and Isostatic rebound Isostatic rebound - the rise of land masses that were depressed by the huge weight of ice sheets during the last ice age - in this area is about 0,008 mm/y, which represents a rise of 65 cm in 2100. The average sea level rise scenario is estimated 0.003 mm/y and the high scenario is 90 cm rise in 2100.

These numbers are roughly in balance with each other in order not to pose an immediate threat. The danger is in the extreme scenario of 2.4 m sea level rise or higher in combination with higher peak discharge of the river.

Being situated in the delta of the Moose River and James Bay, the water has nowhere to go if both river and sea push. In recent years this has already led to an additional 6 meters rise on top of high tide level, lasting for more than a week. With the terrain along the river being a flat plain, both communities would be flooded varying between 1 and 3 meters of water depth.

39

+8.65

+8.00

© Crustal motion and deformation monitoring of the canadian landmass (2006) Geomatica, 60:179

Figur e 6: Contour map of observed CBN vertical rates. Preliminary results from the combination of CBN regional solutions in Canada 40 post-glacial rebound (PGR) signal. Black dots represent the exhibit a spatially coherent patter n of uplift consistent with the expected locations of CBN sites.

SLR

current

+0.25

+0.90

+2.40

+6.00 +14.00

+10.40

+8.90 +8.00

+8.20

+8.25

+6.70 +4.60

+3.10

+3.10

+2.45

+2.20 +0.70

+1.60

+0.95

The salinity of the James Bay shallow tidal estuaries is between 0-4000 mg/L, which means forest will die with spring floods lasting more than 1 day. This indicates that, under the influence of spring flooding, brackish-salt water will transform the boreal forest to more open coastal salt marshes with partially wooded creek ridges.

41

0 1

42

2,5

5

10 km

0 1

43

2,5

5

10 km

44

PIHTOKWEPAYIW STRATEGY

45

existing settlements stable clay/sand soils dynamic forest edge (sea level rise) distance to james bay coast tactical use existing infrastructure fresh water supply creeks indian reserve #68 option 1. indian reserve #68 dificulty crossing moose river option 2. galeton flag stop water barrier rapids water barrier bogs option 3. maidsman creek potential research/eco-tourism

do nothing, evacuate & rebuild every flooding

defence by dikes around the community

adaption by community on stilts

relocation to creeks outside the floodzone

▪ yearly evacuation costs ▪ yearly rebuilding costs ▪ fear of the people ▪ salination of soils ▪ limited mobility during flood ▪ living in an open marsh landscape _doesn’t match culture

▪ dike building costs ▪ unrealistic length of dikes ▪ limited expansion options ▪ dikes vunerable to ice ▪ relation landscape not better ▪ not inviting to visitors ▪ living in an open marsh landscape _doesn’t match culture

▪ high housing adaptation costs ▪ unrealistic height of stilts ▪ stilts vunerable to ice ▪ salination of food production soils ▪ limited mobility during flood ▪ living in an open marsh landscape _doesn’t match culture

▪ phased relocation costs ▪ water safety guarantee ▪ clean slate for urban communities setting ▪ improved relation to the original landscape type ▪ soils for local food production

46

0

5

10 km

!

Finding the right spot for relocation Stable riverbanks of clay and gravel provide the basis for the relocation. In order not to be exposed to the elements in the open salt marsh landscape, the proposal is to find a location in the dynamic forest edge determined by flooding. The edge of the forest as a link between life in the boreal forest and the tidal area with a wealth of shorebirds, ducks and geese. It covers the two types of landscape that play an important role in Cree culture. Smart use of existing infrastructure could start phased displacement of the communities in the short term. The human scale of spaces along the tributaries of the Moose River provides a convenient location and ensure water transport to the coast. Finally, the local economy can be boosted by setting up eco-tourism and profiling the area as a fundamental research area for the important function of the landscape as a ‘carbon sink’ in the global climate crisis.

47

48

MASINIWIN DESIGN

49

1+1=3

>

conventional design

>

integral design

creating added value

Creeks as starting point

+

landscape qualities creeks

=

settlement structure & social life

50

community integrated in nature

current situation 0

5

10 km

Masterplan The relocation strategy is based on an integrated design of landscape and community. The added value can be created by linking nature value, knowledge, economy and experience. Landscape qualities of creeks is the starting point for a settlement structure and social life, to form a community integrated in its natural surroundings. To secure it for the coming centuries this will be on a location adapted to a 7-meter sea level rise. From there further expansion and growth of the community can take place. Big facilities as an airfield, harbor and regional hospital will be moved and aligned in a utility axis, connecting the heart with the Moose River. The old settlement sites will be cleared.

51

52

boreal forest

wooded creek ridges

coastal marshland

tidal area

sea level rise lines

james bay sea

rivers and creeks

maidmans creek

clay soils

gravel/sand soils

bog wetlands rapids

water treatment lagoon

communal heart

community dwelling zone

indian reserve

airfield

(former) airfield harbour

regional hospital

research/tourist posts

routes and roads

boat taxi

winter (ice) roads

ontario northland railway

0 53

5

10 km

Picea mariana

Populus tremuloides

Larix laricina

Black Spruce

Trembling Aspen

Tamarack or Larch

10-15

.3-.5

20-30

.6-1.0

15-20

Abies balsamea

.3-.6

Balsam Fir 12-20

.3-.6

construction lumber, paper

crates, veneer, plywood, various

snowshoes, utility poles, posts,

construction lumber, pulpwood,

(pulpwood), millwork, crates.

utility purposes.

rough lumber, crates, pulpwood.

plywood, var. utility purposes.

54

0

5

10 km

The building material For a new community construction material is needed. Since big part of the Moose River Delta will flood due to sea level rise, the timber of otherwise dying tree can be harvested. In the surrounding boreal forest are 4 main types of trees: Black Spruce, Trembling Aspen, Tamarack and Balsam Fir. All wood types can be used for interior. Untreated larch wood can be applied for the exterior, the other types of wood possibly also if they are treated by a charring process. Because of the harsh climate most of the trees have small trunk diameters around 30-60 cm at heights of up to 20 meters. Timber harvesting from the marshes provides less sturdy wood, so that probably only panels can be made from it. The trees on the creek banks are larger, they can be useful for beam structures.

55

Availability construction wood

>

5

>

1 tree (Ø 0.3 x 12m) / 25m2

400 trees / hec = 340 m3 / hec

50 m3 standing timber

= ca. 0.85 m3 / hec

realistic amount = 200 m3 / hec

= 1 dwelling

Main principles relocation of the community

Ø min. 30

60m

underlying landscape

self-reliant forest grid 602 m

development axes

stable soil versus swamp

preservation at least 50% forest

guiding urban expansion

Interventions infrastructure and routes

no hierarchy in infrastructure

main road & attractive routes for slow transport

56

0

5

200 m3/hec

+0,25m SLR +0,90 m SLR +2,40 m SLR +5,00 m SLR +7,00 m SLR m3 standing timber current 1200 dwellings

6-10 m3/hec

10 km

Timber harvesting & phasing For a dwelling 50 m3 standing timber is needed. Availability of construction wood in the area is approximately 200 m3/hectare. The map above shows the amount of standing timber need for the current 1.200 dwellings. Stable soils offer accessible routes for timber extraction for further processing in workshops in the new settlement center or newly build harbor. Relocation of the community is based on 3 principles. Previous noted, construction work can only be performed on the stable soils. To preserve forest quality, preserving a grid of 60m2 is leading. This is twice the amount that is the minimum for a patch of forest to be self reliant: 1 tree (12 m) x 2.5 = 30 m in diameter. For every cleared patch of forest to build, one patch remains to preserve at least 50 percent of forest. The lines of water and infrastructure will guide expansion. The next 4 diagrams indicate the phasing of relocation.

57

Current: infrastructure lines to the communities of Moose Factory and Moosonee

Phase 1: when the time is right; realizing the new community heart and main facilities

58

Phase 2: first dwellings in the creek district and the clearing of the old settlements

Phase 3: future expantions of the creek district and building ‘research and tourism’ trails

59

Picea mariana black spruce

Populus tremuloides trembling aspen

Acer rubrum red maple

Larix laricina tamarack

timber manufacturing

businesses and warehouses timber transport / storage station + parking

café

post office

municipality

B&B housing

community hall 602 m grid

0

10

25

50 m

60

Communal heart The new center of the community will have a railway station with, in contrast to the current situation, an inviting space into the boreal forest surrounded by trees. Around this central perimeter communal facilities such as the community hall, bank, café, municipal buildings, post office and tourist accommodations will find a place. This location is suited for more multi-level apartment buildings with higher capacity in living space. The school campus will be situated at the bank of Maidmans Creek. This way children will be able to enjoy both the water and the forest of the surrounding landscape in the breaks. Besides, the children can be taken to school by boat. Warehouses and various businesses will be situated on the north side of the station and at the newly built harbor at Kwetabohigan River. The road connecting the station and harbor gives also access to a new airport and regional hospital.

61

secondary access

grid min. 602 m surrounding forest

barn vehicle storage

variation in housing types fire safety zone min. 3m

greenhouse meeting space

backyard teepee for traditional cooking

boathouse

discovery trail moose river delta

direct access boreal forest 0

5

10

25 m

62

Creek district Community growth occurs along the stable gravel and clay soil banks of the various interconnected river branches of Maidmans Creek. New residential clusters in a social setting that is not too big and where people know each other, will find its place where the terrain levels out. Sight lines will visually connect the clusters. The main infrastructure will be the water, with an additional access road parallel to the creek when the water is inaccessible.

Also the discovery trail (p.73) will run along the creek and through residential clusters. Collection trails run from the diffirent community clusters to venture into the landscape, for example to hunt or collect firewood or berries in the tradition of the traditional Cree seasonal calendar. Backyard teepees for traditional cooking will be part of a collective meeting space of the clusters.

63

Upscaling production hydro-power

biomass, nutrients, co2

light / warmth crops plant containers / trays returns

o2 aerator

insulation layer energy storage

heteroytrophic units phototrophic units nutrients / water bio-fuel

light / warmth

local fish species irrigation pump

harvesting and oil recovery

glycerol

air pump

aquaponics food

hydro-power

bio-fuel

64

hydro-fuel hydro-power

hydroelectric-fuel

Sustainable food- and fuel production In the current community there are already sustainable initiatives in the context of own food cultivation. A farmer's market (although still much is imported) sells fresh fruit and vegetables, due to the growing need for affordable fresh food. On the initiative of some teachers, school children are also made acquainted with the cultivation of fruit and vegetables whenever possible. In the future, it is preferred to scale up this food production to a size that works for the entire community. Parallelly setting up a local sustainable energy supply, would take a major step towards self-sufficiency.

65

min. 602 m surrounding forest

bio-fuel tank dock eco-hydropower whirl turbine under bridge

bio-fuel tank station and barn

greenhouse bio-fuel private greenhosue dwelling energy farmer

boathouse main road to communal heart

0

5

10

25 m

66

Production clusters at creek crossings Food is produced locally in each cluster. Energy production clusters are located at bridges across the creek. Eco-friendly hydropower whirl turbines will be installed under the bridge deck to supply the greenhouses for their production. On one hand fruit and vegetables will be cultivated, on the other hand some form of biofuel can be produced. The energy greenhouses are dimensioned for approximately 400,000 liters, or 8,000 tanks of 50 liters of biofuel. If this turns out not to be feasible, they could also be converted into large batteries for electric vehicles in the future. Food greenhouses are dimensioned 210 m2 for the supply of 3-4 households year-round.

67

min. 602 m surrounding forest

boathouse private greenhouse solitary dwelling

0

5

10

25 m

68

direct access to boreal landscape landscape as food source cluster greenhouse facing south barn vehicle storage boathouse along creek min. 602 m surrounding forest social clustering of dwellings teepee for traditional cooking secondary access road to barn

Elements To create coherence between all built elements of a community cluster, they comply with 3 common principles. They all refer to the vertical alignment of the trees in the forest. The diversity in dimensions of the construction wood from the forest gives a playful image to the pattern of wooden slats. And all elements will have a one-side sloping roof profile. This angle is around 30 degrees, which has the practical value that snow remains on site for natural insulation, solar panels can be mounted on a house or height differences at the creeks can be solved. The family of elements consists of a barn, boathouse, bridges and 2 types of accommodation units. Bridges have two dimensions, to make certain area only accessible to pedestrians. They may also serve as a social space which connect two clusters opposed to one other.

The exceptions are the central greenhouses and traditional teepees.

69

communal 210m2 greenhouse & teepee

barn vehicle storage

family dwelling

couple dwelling 70

vertical allignment wood

multiple sizes wood slats

3 principles for a family of elements

boathouse along creek

bridge pedestrian 1,00m width

bridge ski-doo 1,50m width 71

one-side sloping roof

ca. 7 day trip / 100 km

research & tourism posts

72

multiple transport modes

0

5

30

40

bear trail

squirrel trail

rabbit trail

50

60

fox trail

20

goose trail

10

moose trail

otter trail

0

10 km

Discovery trail Fur trading attracted first pioneers into the region. Nowadays it is the abundance of wildlife and the expansive open spaces that lure travelers. It is therefore not surprising that tourism is developing at a steady rate. Visitors can take guided (boat) tours to photograph wildlife and tidal marine wildlife.

Especially the coastal area has high ecological values and offers a place for migratory bird sanctuaries. Visitors have a chance to see many species of wildlife including moose, black bear, deer, woodland caribou, marten, fox and beaver. A toolbox for building bridges along the trail makes it possible to cross the many creek branches. Bridges are constructed from modules of 1 meter. For distances over 8 meter of length supporting poles are needed. The timber is also be used for route markers along the trail. The wooden signs have various engraved animal logos to indicate the different routes.

73

Forest posts This will be the place to practice traditional hunting and trapping techniques. Surrounded by forest in a far distance, far enough from the built-up community for peace and nature. Close enough to a creek for fresh water supply and possibly provisioning by a boat. It also serves as a base for scientific research into forest nature and the changes taking place there.The gradients present at the forest edge post are sources of diversity, they are areas with a special spatial quality. Often, they are not stable but dynamic in character. The edge of the forest is a link between life in the boreal forest and the tidal area; an area with a wealth on shorebirds, ducks and geese. They are two types of landscape that play an important role in Cree culture.

74

Delta bird watching post The tidal area of the coastal marshlands is a source of a wealth on many different species of shorebirds, ducks and geese. Particularly the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), which is integrated into the Cree culture. All municipalities within the community have the bird in their logo. The decoy geese made of tamarack tree branches are also sold as souvenirs and can be found on many cabinets in the houses. Indigenous people are often asked to join birdwatchers, either privately or in a small group of researchers. It produces work. Bird watchers make an important contribution to local tourist industry.

75

Delta experiment post The most dynamic tidal section of the delta provides opportunities for experiment. Now it is safe to live further away from the marine limit, the cultivation of special salty vegetables can be launched. Also, amphibious buildings on stilts (to cope with spring flooding) could serve as a test case to examine whether sedimentation takes place and whether opporunities arise for future settlement in the delta. It can also be reasons for tourists, constructors and specialists to come and see these techniques and the final outcome. In case of high tide, the test fields can be flooded depending on whether they have a dike. During high water, the various units are connected to each other via a raised platform.

76

Salicornia

0

5

10

Aster tripolium

Ulva lactuca

25 m

77

Crambe maritima

Calidris canutus Red Knot

Calidris alpina Dunlin

Calidris pusilla Semipalmated Sandpiper

Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit

Calidris fuscicollis White-rumped Sandpiper

Branta canadensis Canada Goose

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard

Branta hutchinsii Cackling Goose

78

Chen caerulescens Lesser Snow Goose (blue phase)

Cold War lookout post The area has a rich history, from the fur trade to geological mineral resources with fossils. Moosonee had its own military base during the Cold War as part of the Pinetree Line radar base (also known as ‘Sasakipao’). The base (from 1961-1975) was part of a series of radar stations located across the northern United States and this part of Canada. Remains of that period now often stand as ruins in the landscape. The same goes for the radar station, which, due to its elevated position. However, after a small renovation, the station can serve as a hiker's cabin along the trail, to experience the Northern Lights in a unique way… if you're lucky.

79

80

SAKEWE PERSPECTIVE

81

0

300

600

1200 km

82

Synthesis map on the scale of Canada The site is a climatologically important carbon sink on a global scale within the boreal, which must be cherished. It’s a coastal area where sea level rise will play a decisive role in the future. There has been little fundamental research on the area; it is recommended to find links with existing scientific institutions. The community is linked to sustainable modes of transport (train) and supplies, other communities up north depend on transport by boat. The new landscape could become a national park and act as a long-term ecological research territory, which provides opportunities for an eco-tourism economy. Solutions found for the project area can also be deployed in James Bay communities that will face similar challenges in times ahead. Construction timber out of the flood zone of the James Bay can be distributed between these communities or be exported. Hopefully it will become a sustainable community that supports fundamental research on a carbon sink of global importance.

83

84

PASKE-CAKASIS APPENDIX

85

Abraham, K.F., McKinnon, L.M. (2011). Hudson Plains Ecozone+ evidence for key findings summary. Ottawa: Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers.

Banks, K., Snortland, J. (1995). Every Picture Tells a Story: Historic Images, Tipi Camp and Archaeology. Plains Anthropologist. 40 (152): 125-144.

Berkes, F., George, P., Preston, R., Hughes, A., Turner, J., Cummins, B. (1994).

Wildlife Harvesting and Sustainable Regional Native Economy in the Hudson and James Bay Lowland, Ontario. Arctic, 47(4): 350-360.

Berkes, F., Hughes, A., George, P., Preston, R., Cummins, B., Turner, J. (1995).

The Persistence of Aboriginal Land Use: Fish and Wildlife Harvest Areas in the Hudson and James Bay Lowland, Ontario. Arctic, 48(1): 81-93.

Bone, R.M. (2016). The Canadian North: Issues and Challenges (5th edition).

Don Mills: Oxford University Press.

Borron, E. B. (1890). Report on the Basin of Moose River and adjacent country belonging to the Province of Ontario. Toronto: Warwick & Sons.

Brandt, J.P., et al. (2013). An introduction to Canada’s boreal zone: ecosystem processes, health, sustainability, and environmental issues. Ottowa: Environmental Reviews 21(4):207-226.

CAFF International Secretariat. (2010). Arctic Biodiversity Trends 2010 – Selected indicators of change. Akureyri: Ásprent Stell.

Cho, L. & Jull, M. (2019). Mediating Environments. San Francisco: AR+D. 86

BIBLIOGRAPHY Crins, W., et al. (2009). The ecosystems of Ontario, part 1: ecozones and ecoregions. Peterborough: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Crins, W., et al. (2009). The ecosystems of Ontario, part 2: ecoecodistricts.

Peterborough: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Flannery, R., Chambers, M. (1986). John M. Cooper’s Investigation of James Bay Family Hunting Grounds, 1927-1934. Anthropologica, 28(1-2):108-144.

Henton, J.A. et al. (2006). Crustal Motion and Deformation Monitoring of the Canadian Landmass. Ottawa: Canadian Institute of Geomatics, 60(2):179-191.

Hughes, A. et al. (1993). TASO 10 report: Mapping wildlife harvest areas in the mushkegowuk region. Hamilton: McMaster University.

Khalafzai, MAK., et al. (2019). Flooding in the James Bay region of Northern Ontario, Canada: Learning from traditional knowledge of Kashechewan First Nation. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 36:101100.

Legasy, K. (1995). Forest Plants of Northeastern Ontario. Edmonton: Lone Pine Publishing.

Lytwyn , V.P. (2002). Muskekowuck Athinuwick: Original People of the Great Swampy Land. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press.

Ohmagari, K., Berkes, F. (1997). Transmission of Indigenous Knowledge and Bush Skills among the Western James Bay Cree Women of Subarctic Canada.

Human Ecology, 25(2): 197-222.

87

Olsson, R. (2009). Boreal Forest and Climate Change. Göteborg: Air Pollution & Climate Secretariat & Taiga Rescue Network.

Oppenheimer, M., B.C. Glavovic, et al. (2019). IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. In press.

Preston, R. (1986). Twentieth- Century Transformations of the West Coast Cree. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press Preston, R., Berkes, F., George, P. (1995). Perspectives on Sustainable Development in the Moose River Basin. Hamilton: McMaster University, 29:379-393.

Preston, S. (2000). Exploring the Eastern Cree Landscape: Oral Tradition as Cognitive Map. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba, 31: 310-332.

Preston, R. (2002). Cree Narrative: Expressing the Personal Meaning of Events.

Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press Price, S., Woo M. (1987). Origin of salt in coastal marshes of Hudson and James bays. Hamilton: McMaster University.

Riley, J.L. (2011). Wetlands of the Ontario Hudson Bay Lowland: A Regional Overview. Toronto: Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Royer, ML. (2016). Climate, Environment and Cree Observations: James Bay Territory, Canada. Springer International Publishing

88

Sheppard, L., & White, M. (2017). Many norths: spatial practice in a polar territory. Barcelona: Actar.

Smith, N. (1998). Stories Told at Breakup, Moose Factory 1983. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba, 29: 301-310.

Steegmann, A. (1983). Boreal Forest Adaptations: The Northern Algonkians.

New York: Plenum Press.

Stewart, D.B., Lockhart, W.L. (2005). An Overview of the Hudson Bay Marine Ecosystem. Winnipeg: Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. (2018). Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. Ottowa: Canadian Geographic.

United Nations Environment Programme. (2007). Tourism in the Polar Regions: The Sustainability Challenge. Paris: United Nations Publications.

Wadhams, P. (2016). Farewell to Ice: A Report from the Arctic. Bungay: Allen Lane.

Wells, J., Stralberg, D., Childs, D. (2018). Boreal Forest Refuge: Conserving North America’s Bird Nursery in the Face of Climate Change. Seattle: Boreal Songbird Initiative.

Wilson, H. (1998). Missinaibi - Journey to the Northern Sky: From Lake Superior to James Bay by Canoe (Vintage Edition). Merrickville: CRCA

89

◄ cover image North Pole Tree Cover © Atlas of Places 90

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sonny Art Morrison Jean Pierre Chabot

let me experience the Cree spirit, landscape and his lovely family listening ear, positive and knowledgeable critic with MoCreebec Eeyoud

Mayor Wayne Taipale Carol Hennessy

introducing me to the Town of Moosonee and local history

great stories of wildlife and tourism with their company Two Bay Limited

Candice, Trudy, and Tony Tourville for an amazing stay at the Moose River Guesthouse Kim Cheechoo

hosting me at the Hudson Bay Staffhouse and Moose Cree First Nation

Lola Sheppard

having inspirational conversations at Lateral Office in Toronto

Laura Headley great tips, walks and talks during an unforgettable time in Toronto Hap Wilson Michael

a beautiful letter and book about canoeing on the Missinaibi

providing me with great topographical maps at YellowMaps Canada

Timothy Wray sending me historical documents and maps from the McMaster University Library Andy F. Bajc

guiding me through the amazing soils maps of Ontario Geological Survey

Jeroen Boon

for taking notes with committees and to exchange ideas

Family, friends, colleagues and studio mates of course

91

© 2020 all rights reserved