The Incalculable Weight of Small Numbers: Hunters, Land Use, and the Poplar River First Nation Proposal for a World Heritage Site

Abstract

This article outlines Poplar River First Nation's attempt to designate their traditional trapline territory as part of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's world heritage site nomination called Pimachiowin Aki. Along with other neighbouring Anishinaabeg First Nations involved in this First Nation-led project, Poplar River is using the global infrastructure to meet local needs. Their endeavour to establish permanent protection of their lands so that continuity of cultural practices ensues is a reconceptualization of the meaning of development. In spite of its small population, this Indigenous community's attempt to stand up against non-renewable resource exploitation of their lands carries great weight in Manitoba, and already their unique narrative has captured the attention of Canada and the world.