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 2013- orders
were taken and the
stratification process begun
for propagation in 2014
• January 2014- 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 2014- 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:
• SPECIALIZED PROPAGATION
• CONTRACT SEED COLLECTION
• COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION
PROJECTS
• CUSTOM PLANTING IN THE
WORKS
Wolf Willow sprouting!
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!
OUR LAST PLUG
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
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.