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Standing in Solidarity with the First Peoples of Turtle Island
Reconciliation in Action = ReconciliACTION
We are striving to move forward in a good way with the First Peoples of Turtle Island (the unceded land that we
now call Canada). This begins with learning the truth about our history, acknowledging past and ongoing harms,
creating a new path forward together in the spirit of transformative reconciliation,
and honoring our promises as Treaty Partners.
Each person is responsible for their own learning and unlearning journey.
We are working with Cultural Advisors to guide us in Indigenizing Envirothon.
Since 2024, we have welcomed several Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Traditional Knowledge Holders, and Land Guardians to our provincial event to provide cultural teachings and experiences as well as to observe and provide feedback throughout the event that we can incorporate to make our event better in the future.
Our intention is to embrace a two-eyed seeing approach in a safe and caring space that is welcoming to all.
Vivian McDonald
​Traditional Knowledge Holder • Land-Based Practitioner •
Cultural Advisor • Artist
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Vivian McDonald is a Traditional Knowledge Holder and land-based practitioner from the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Grande Cache, Alberta. Of Cree and Iroquois ancestry, Vivian carries generations of knowledge shaped by a history of displacement from the Jasper region and strengthened through a lifetime lived on the land. Fluent in Cree, she was raised on her family’s trapline where she learned to live with the land in ways that are central to her
way of life. Her art practice is an extension of the land-based knowledge and reflects longstanding Aseniwuche Winewak relationships with the land.
In addition to being a respected land-based practitioner, artist and knowledge holder, Vivian plays an active role in supporting land users, organizations, and community partners in understanding the territory through a nehiyew lens. She has provided cultural advising, translation, and hands-on
teaching for land-based camps, hide tanning workshops, and community programs. Her teachings connect people to the land in meaningful ways grounded in respect, responsibility, and place-based relationships. Her guidance ensures that processes, policies, and learning materials reflect culturally relevant approaches rooted in Aseniwuche Winewak worldview. She helps bridge professional practice with on-the-land knowledge that respects traditional use areas, seasonal patterns, cultural
harvesting, and the interconnectedness of the territory.
By centering Indigenous knowledge, Vivian helps create pathways to work responsibly and relationally with the land and with the Indigenous communities who continue to live within it.
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Alison Struth
Alison is a reconnector to her Mi’kmaw ancestry, who holds great responsibility for reconciliation through her settler heritage. Alison holds a diploma in Forest Technology, a degree in Environmental Forest Conservation, and a degree in Education (Science). She is an advocate of bringing Indigenous Knowledge Systems to the forefront of environmental practices. For over 8 years she has taught Indigenous Studies at the high school level in Alberta, ensuring the premise of ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’ is followed. She now coaches teachers, through her company INOQOM Education, in following this premise and practice, through the creation of community connections with Indigenous voices and guidance. With the guidance of Elders, Land Stewards, Language Protectors, and Culture Carriers, Alison strives to create relationships that bring live experiences to youth. Before her role as an educator, Alison worked for a Tribal Council of 11 First Nation communities in NWO in forest resource management. Although she is proud to be a volunteer for cultural and nature-based events,
her greatest pride is being that of a helper.
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“Being blessed to guide others, is a gift I do not take lightly. Advocacy through awareness & appreciation is my goal for those I guide. I am honoured to have Elders and Knowledge Keepers steering me in this learning journey”
Envirothon will benefit immensely from Ali's experiences, and we are delighted to have her
working with us.
Working with Indigenous Partners
Alberta Envirothon is striving to work with more Indigenous Partners.
We are excited to grow this list! Please check back for updates.
