Kieran Johnson (BScF’25) is excited for the learning she has yet to do, and feels well equipped for what’s ahead with the skills she acquired at UNB.
Kieran, who comes from the Eskasoni Mi'kmaw Nation in Unama'ki (Cape Breton), is a recipient of the Atlantic Salmon Federation Wild Salmon Grant. The grant is awarded to an undergraduate Indigenous student for a project that reflects the value of traditional Indigenous knowledge related to the preservation of rivers and natural spaces. The grant is funded through a donation from Dr. J.W. (Bud) Bird (LLD’87).
After graduating, Kieran worked as a forestry summer student in Saskatchewan. Her degree prepared her for the work in multiple ways –not only did she learn practical skills like software used on the job, but the field work component meant she was ready and able to work outdoors in all weather. She also credits the forestry program with providing opportunity to learn from her peers. “My degree has prepared me for working well with others. Working through different jobs and getting different experiences really helps me understand various points of view, which is crucial for management in my opinion.”
Kieran strives to strike a balance in her work between forestry and conservation. “Elders have told me to be observant, that you need to feel things when you’re outside. There’s a lot of ceremony and gratefulness, and a reciprocal relationship that I think about a lot when I work outside.It usually isn’t accounted for, or it isn’t given space when doing forestry, which is usually driven by a western perspective. I think the amount of gratefulness, consideration, and respect my culture has is something so beautiful, and something I want to carry with me forever.”
This awareness and perspective mean that Kieran sees where there’s room for improvement, in education and in policy. “It’s because of my culture, and the people I am surrounded by, that I realize that the forestry and environmental management programs have a long way to go. I feel like there are relationships that all natural resource managers should have when working in different territories, unceded lands, and treaties.
“Policy makers and governments should be working more with Indigenous organizations, land users, knowledge keepers and so on. It is their responsibility to carry out their duties and actions that have been laid out in the treaties, and as huge stakeholders, the longest stewards of the land, it is important that wisdom and responsibility that has been carried for generations is upheld and considered.”
Looking ahead, Kieran sees many opportunities to grow in her work. “I’m really excited about connecting people to the land, and about allowing space for culture and community to thrive. I’m very thankful to my own community and my family – it was because of their support that I was able to continue my studies. I want to learn from my elders and community. I’d like to be able to manage things better using knowledge and wisdom I’ve received from all avenues. “I think I’m really excited just to learn.”
