#indigenous ranger group

[intlforestday]

Promote the conservation, protection and restoration of forests by Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs).

This week, UNFFS Director Ms. Juliette Biao attended the first Conference of the Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI) in Monaco. The FCI is the result of a partnership between the Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation, IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law, International Ranger Federation, Global Forest Coalition and International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity to promote the conservation, protection and restoration of forests by Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs).

The conference brought together roughly 100 participants from all over the world, including strong representation of IPs and LCs, with the aim of connecting actors, fostering discussions, sharing lessons learned and supporting communities of practice around forest conservation. The event consisted of a series of panels and fireside chats on relevant themes, including the use of Rights-based and Gender-Just approaches, the role of environmental law, as well as national and international funding and governance frameworks.

Ms. Biao was invited by Dr. Christina Voigt, Chair of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law, to comment on the UN’s policy and legal frameworks pertaining to IPs, and the engagement of IPs and LCs in the UNFF’s work and deliberations, including though participation in the Indigenous Peoples Major Group. The discussion further addressed the need for inclusive legislation as it relates to forest conservation, and highlighted good practices and lessons learned from around the world.

Ms. Biao took the opportunity of meeting His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to extend an invitation to UNFF19 in May 2024, which was accepted.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Smithsonian Magazine:

The night parrot—a brilliantly colored, nocturnal bird—once thrived in Australia’s outback. The arrival of colonists and feral predators, however, brought about an almost catastrophic decline in the species’s population in the late 19th century. In fact, the vibrant, green parrots were believed to be extinct for roughly a century, until one of them was found in western Queensland in 1990.

While that was heartening for scientists, there was one problem: The specimen was dead. Then, another dead night parrot was identified 16 years later. It wasn’t until 2013 that a naturalist found a small, living population in southwestern Queensland. Since then, the species’s known population has been in the tens of birds, and the night parrot remains one of the most elusive—and most endangered—birds on Earth.

Now, however, a team of Indigenous rangers and scientists has discovered as many as 50 night parrots on land managed by the Ngururrpa people in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. The new results from their project, which is supported by the Indigenous Desert Alliance with funding from the Australian National Environmental Science Program’s Resilient Landscapes Hub, were published in the journal Wildlife Researchon Monday.

“We the Ngururrpa Rangers have been looking for night parrots since 2019. First, we thought they were only living in one area, on our neighbor’s country, but then we started checking in our area and ended up finding evidence that they are here,” Clifford Sunfly, a Ngururrpa ranger and co-author of the study, says in a statement. “We are still looking for them, to make sure they are safe, and we are still finding them.”

Night parrots are generally difficult to detect—a fact that has been long recordedin Indigenous culture. The elusive species creates tunnels and nestsin dense spinifex bushes and emerges at night to forage for seeds. Spotting such a creature has been called the “Holy Grail of birdwatching.”

During their work, the rangers found physical evidence of night parrots, including feathers and nests with eggs, and they “knew it was a good sign,” Rudi Maxwell writes for NITV. One even landed in their camp one night, an encounter that put the witnesses among the special group of fewer than 30 people who had seen a live night parrot in the last 100 years.

[bookclub4m]

Episode 201 - Weird West

 It’s episode 201 and time for us to discuss the genre of Weird West! (Just in time for Halloween!). We talk about the potential temporal and geographic restrictions on western fiction, folklore, tall tales, and more!

You can download the podcast directly, find it on Libsyn, or get it through Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast delivery system.

In this episode

Anna Ferri | Meghan Whyte | Matthew Murray 🦇 | Jam Edwards

Things We Read (or tried to…)

Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian, narrated by John Pirhalla

The Gunslinger by Stephen King, narrated by George Guidall

Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse

The Sixth Gun Omnibus, vol. 1 by Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt, Bill Crabtree, and Tyler Crook

The Witch Owl Parliament by David Bowles and Raúl the Third

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey

Other Media We Mentioned

Vermilion: The Adventures of Lou Merriwether, Psychopomp and Molly Tanzer

The New Adventures of the Lone Ranger (Probably the version Matthew saw)

Lucky Luke

The Shootist by Glendon Swarthout

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

Links, Articles, and Things

Episode 029 - Westerns

Episode 082 - Steampunk

Episode 106 - Alternative/Alternate History

Episode 183 - One Book One Podcast: Upright Women Wanted

Space Western (TVTropes)

Skin-walker

Land-grant university

Map shows where Colorado’s 8 known free-roaming wolves wandered in September

Libro.fm’s Audiobook Listening Copy Program

Jonah Hex

10 Weird Western Books by BIPOC Authors

Every month Book Club for Masochists: A Readers’ Advisory Podcasts chooses a genre at random and we read and discuss books from that genre. We also put together book lists for each episode/genre that feature works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) authors. All of the lists can be found here.

The Witch Owl Parliament by David Bowles and Raúl the Third

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (forthcoming 2025)

Sisters of the Wild Sage: A Weird Western Collection by Nicole Givens Kurtz

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle

The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin

Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse

How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang

Give us feedback!

Fill out the form to ask for a recommendation or suggest a genre or title for us to read!

Check out our Tumblr, follow us on Instagram, join our Facebook Group or Discord Server, or send us an email!

Join us again on Tuesday, October 15th when it’s time for our “We All Read the Same Book” episode as we discuss A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher.

Then on Tuesday, November 5th we’ll be discussing the genre of Dark Academia.

[rockislandadultreads]

Read-Alike Friday: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe.

Then, one by one, they began to be killed off. One Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, watched as her family was murdered. Her older sister was shot. Her mother was then slowly poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more Osage began to die under mysterious circumstances.

In this last remnant of the Wild West—where oilmen like J. P. Getty made their fortunes and where desperadoes such as Al Spencer, “the Phantom Terror,” roamed – virtually anyone who dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered. As the death toll surpassed more than twenty-four Osage, the newly created F.B.I. took up the case, in what became one of the organization’s first major homicide investigations. But the bureau was then notoriously corrupt and initially bungled the case. Eventually the young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to try to unravel the mystery. White put together an undercover team, including one of the only Native American agents in the bureau. They infiltrated the region, struggling to adopt the latest modern techniques of detection. Together with the Osage they began to expose one of the most sinister conspiracies in American history.

Covered with Night by Nicole Eustace

The Pulitzer Prize-winning history that transforms a single event in 1722 into an unparalleled portrait of early America.

In the winter of 1722, on the eve of a major conference between the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois) and Anglo-American colonists, a pair of colonial fur traders brutally assaulted a Seneca hunter near Conestoga, Pennsylvania. Though virtually forgotten today, the crime ignited a contest between Native American forms of justice―rooted in community, forgiveness, and reparations―and the colonial ideology of harsh reprisal that called for the accused killers to be executed if found guilty.

In Covered with Night, historian Nicole Eustace reconstructs the attack and its aftermath, introducing a group of unforgettable individuals―from the slain man’s resilient widow to an Indigenous diplomat known as “Captain Civility” to the scheming governor of Pennsylvania―as she narrates a remarkable series of criminal investigations and cross-cultural negotiations. Taking its title from a Haudenosaunee metaphor for mourning, Covered with Night ultimately urges us to consider Indigenous approaches to grief and condolence, rupture and repair, as we seek new avenues of justice in our own era.

Return to Uluru by Mark McKenna

A killing. A hidden history. A story that goes to the heart of the nation.

When Mark McKenna set out to write a history of the centre of Australia, he had no idea what he would discover. One event in 1934 – the shooting at Uluru of Aboriginal man Yokununna by white policeman Bill McKinnon, and subsequent Commonwealth inquiry – stood out as a mirror of racial politics in the Northern Territory at the time.

But then, through speaking with the families of both killer and victim, McKenna unearthed new evidence that transformed the historical record and the meaning of the event for today. As he explains, ‘Every thread of the story connected to the present in surprising ways.’ In a sequence of powerful revelations, McKenna explores what truth-telling and reconciliation look like in practice.

Return to Uluru brings a cold case to life. It speaks directly to the Black Lives Matter movement, but is completely Australian. Recalling Chloe Hooper’s The Tall Man, it is superbly written, moving, and full of astonishing, unexpected twists. Ultimately it is a story of recognition and return, which goes to the very heart of the country. At the centre of it all is Uluru, the sacred site where paths fatefully converged.

Yellow Bird by Sierra Crane Murdoch

When Lissa Yellow Bird was released from prison in 2009, she found her home, the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, transformed by the Bakken oil boom. In her absence, the landscape had been altered beyond recognition, her tribal government swayed by corporate interests, and her community burdened by a surge in violence and addiction. Three years later, when Lissa learned that a young white oil worker, Kristopher "KC" Clarke, had disappeared from his reservation worksite, she became particularly concerned. No one knew where Clarke had gone, and few people were actively looking for him.

Yellow Bird traces Lissa's steps as she obsessively hunts for clues to Clarke's disappearance. She navigates two worlds - that of her own tribe, changed by its newfound wealth, and that of the non-Native oilmen, down on their luck, who have come to find work on the heels of the economic recession. Her pursuit of Clarke is also a pursuit of redemption, as Lissa atones for her own crimes and reckons with generations of trauma.

[wachinyeya]

A rare, blind mole, about which scientists know relatively little, has been spotted and photographed in Australia, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa – an indigenous organization that deploys rangers – said as it announced the “incredible news.”

The northern marsupial mole was spotted in Martu Country, an area in northern Western Australia traditionally owned by the Martu – a group of Australia’s indigenous people.

Rangers there came across the elusive mole, marking the second sighting in just six months for an animal that typically only has five to 10 reported sightings every decade.

Also know as a Kakarrarturl, the marsupial mole is blind, with poorly developed eyes. It is covered in silky fur and has long, triangular claws protruding from its forefeet for digging beneath the soil, where it hunts grubs and earthworms. About 10 centimeters (four inches) long, it has a snout and stubby tail.

They spend most of their time underground, only occasionally coming to the surface and staying there for a short time, explaining their elusiveness.

Weighing just 40-60 grams (1.4-2.1 ounces), “marsupial moles have such modest oxygen requirements that they subsist by breathing the air that flows between sand grains”

But much about the creatures is still unknown, making any sighting incredibly exciting for researchers.

The last reported sighting of a marsupial mole was in June near Uluru in central Australia.

[mcenvs3000w25]

Privilege and Nature Interpretation

When you think about nature interpretation, one probably imagines park rangers leading a group through a forest, explaining the life cycle of trees, or a tour guide showing the hidden beauty of a wetland. If we dig a little deeper, privilege plays a significant, though often overlooked, role in shaping how people experience and share the natural world.

Let’s start with a working definition of privilege. Privilege refers to unearned advantages or benefits that certain people have because of their social identity, such as race, gender, class, or ability. It’s not about guilt or blame- it’s about recognizing systemic inequalities that impact opportunities and experiences.

So, how does privilege show up in nature interpretation? Well, for starters, think about who has access to natural spaces. Many parks, conservation area, and outdoor programs require transportation, time and sometimes money to access. For someone with financial stability, a car, and weekends off, it’s a no-brainer to spend the afternoon hiking. But for someone working two jobs or relying on o public transportation, just getting to the trailhead might be out of reach. This is just an example in how a gap is created in who gets to experience nature and, by extension, who feels comfortable interpreting it.

Privilege also affects how nature is presented. Historically, many nature programs and materials have been creating predominantly through Western lens, emphasizing certain species, landscapes, and conversation approaches while overlooking Indigenous knowledge and practices. This bias can exclude rich, diverse ways of understanding the environment. For example, a nature guide might focus on the ecological role of a plant while ignoring its cultural or spiritual significance to local indigenous communities. When these perspectives are left out, it’s not just an oversight; it’s a missed opportunity to connect with broader audiences.

Representation is another key factor. Who are the people leading nature tours, writing guidebooks, or running outdoor programs? If they mostly come from privileged backgrounds, their perspectives will naturally shape the narrative. While their insights may be valuable, they may not be the whole story. For instance, someone who grew up camping every summer might have a vastly different interpretation of a forest than someone whose first experience with nature was as an adult. Both perspectives matter, but privilege often determines which voice might be amplified.

So, what can we do about it? Awareness is the first step. Acknowledging privilege doesn’t mean discounting anyone’s contributions- it can mean making space for more voices. Nature organizations can actively work to diversify their teams and collaborate with underrepresented communities to ensure their stories are told. Accessibility is another necessary area for improvement. Free or low-cost programs, partnerships with public transit, and multilingual resources can make a big difference in breaking down barriers.

By recognizing and addressing the role privilege plays, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to see themselves reflected in the stories we tell about the natural world. After all, nature belongs to everyone, and the more inclusive our interpretation, the richer our collective experiences will be.

[kulay-ng-banaag]

HWS SEA but make it HetaDND

Enjoy these rough sketches because I will literally not come back to them until December. 🥲

(From Back —> Front, L —> R)

VN: Bumped into a couple of Quora answers that discussed archery practice, which got me thinking about Viet as a mounted archer, and I immediately thought of the elephants that the Trung sisters & Ba Trieu rode on. So Ranger: Beastmaster — also what if the elephant was from Thai? 🫣💘 Easily a tank through her mount, but can fight well as a DPS (think OW D.Va). ID: The thing is he has the fighting style of a Warlock(: Genie?) but the character of a Paladin(: Oath of the Ancients). He’s giving CR Fjord. 😭💞 For sure, TANK. TH: He’s just a Monk. Debated on his subclass for a long time because he’s a war freak charge-into-the-frontline kind of fighter. Way of Mercy is ironic but I love the imagery of the Merciful Masks (except he gets the khon styles). Way of Shadow — it’s on one possible etymology of Siam (Sanskrit, “dark”). Easily a DPS type. MY: Druid: Circle of the Moon for the Wild Shape into a Tiger, and as of typing this I just realized the moon motif. Mostly support, but upset him just enough and he’ll easily switch gears. PH: Bard: College of Swords for the two-weapon fighting style aka arnis/kali/eskrima. Personally, he’s more DPS than support, though as a latter Dirge Singer & Siday fit the bill. SG: See, the first thing that came to mind was the RO Alchemist class for the Homonculus feature — hence, his companion Fishball. Obviously there’s Artificer: Alchemist for that, but also it would be cool if Fishball is just a “chibi” form of his patron of a water dragon— Warlock: Fathomless. Not to mention Singa would have both high INT and CHA — alas, he’s a Support guy.

(more notes under the cut)

I jokingly called this AU as Dungeons & Drawing Circles, but truth be told I’m not restricting it to being after DND, let alone 5e. Now I’m just throwing hands and calling it a fantasy RPG AU, although out of familiarity, I do refer to DND 5e often. The classes I highlighted above are just there for where I got the inspiration.

I’ve had the occasional “oooh I think [character] would be a [class/es]” hc over the years, but I ended up expanding on the AU as a means of coping with the early months of ECQ. Now there’s so many plot bunnies that I’d summarize as: your og main 8 unwittingly team up for a quest and, over time, they hit a point where they realize that they cannot fight the BBEG alone (or at least just the 8 of them), so they travel around the world recruiting allies a la Suikoden 108 Stars of Destiny.

It’s even got a literal history timeline where preceding events (and characters!!!) are involved with the BBEG and ultimately why the main 8 came together. Think playing a later game in a series where you not only get to meet the playable characters from earlier games, but you get to recruit them.

And I just wanted to draw cool fantasy looks, haha! Nevertheless, nothing is final — especially when I've clearly taken inspiration from some indigenous groups. It's why I shelved this for so long because I need to do more research and it's just not something I have a lot of free time for.

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

The Lunar Feles: The Tribe of Rushing Water Rewritten

I don't like how the canon Tribe is written or portrayed in general, and I've read that a lot of indigenous people don't like it either, so I decided to write it in a way I would consider to be "better". Also I've already made a post like this before, but I've changed and revised some stuff so I'm deleting the old one.

However, I myself am not an indigenous person and I do not believe that I would be able to correctly and accurately portray an indigenous culture. So therefore I have changed it to be something closer to what I believe I can pull off without falling into offensive stereotypes. If any of this still falls into any offensive stereotypes please tell me.

So here we are!

Roles in The Lunar Feles

The Lunar Feles colony is led by a singular cat chosen by the Goddess Lady Half Moon, referred to as the Druid. There can only be one Druid at a time, with a new one only being chosen after the death of the current Druid. Druids spend their entire lives in the isolated Moonlit Cavern, listening and waiting for visions and prophecies from Lady Half Moon. Despite not being granted nine lives like the Leaders of the Clans, Druids have unnaturally long lives, living more than twenty cycles on average due to receiving it as a gift from the Goddess they worship along with the ability to see the future. Druids are not permitted to take mates, but it isn't as if they have the time to find one anyhow.

Beneath the Druid are the Elders, cats who have managed to survive to old age in the treacherous mountain terrain. Their job is to preserve historical records, teach traditions to young cats, and make decisions on matters that do not concern the Druid. Every other role in the group other than the Druid, Elders, and one other that will be mentioned below is considered to be equal in influence.

The healers of the Lunar Feles are referred to as Clerics, and they differ from Medicine Cats in the Clans in that they have no spiritual role whatsoever. Their only jobs are to care for the physical and mental wellbeing of the other cats in the group and to gather and maintain a store of herbs and other materials used in healing.

The hunters and scouts of the Lunar Feles are the Rangers. These are the only cats who ever leave the caves in which the group resides and are the rank with the most cats. Their numbers are by design, as their role is the most dangerous and has the highest mortality rate due to all of the dangers present in their territory. Their duties include scavenging and hunting for food, watching out for predators such as eagles and wolves, and renewing scent markers on the territory's borders.

The protectors of the cave system in which the Lunar Feles live are the Guards. Their duties don't only consist of guarding the entrance to the Lunar Feles' home, but also include patrolling the cave system to check for unstable areas and predators that may have snuck in, repairing and making nests, and protecting the Moonlit Cavern where the Druid lives and prevent others from entering it.

Kit-Guardian is a combination of two roles: pregnant and nursing cats (ie parents of young kits) and a cat whose job it is to monitor the parents and kits to ensure their safety. Most Kit-Guardians are only temporarily in this role, but there are those who desire to remain in the Rearing Ward permanently.

The only rank that's considered "lower" than the others is the role of Squire, which consists of cats 4 moons old and up who are training for their adult roles.

Spirituality in The Lunar Feles

The Lunar Feles worship a Goddess called Lady Half Moon. Only Druids have ever seen Her, and they describe Her as being a mountain-sized being with the body of a star-specked black cat and a crescent moon as a "head". Her domain is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

While StarClan and the Dark Forest are held together by large groups of cat spirits, Lady Half Moon is capable of holding Her own pocket of space-time open for Her loyal worshippers to go when they die. The Lunar Feles call this place the Peaceful Dream.

Despite them only worshipping one God in the modern day, nce upon a time, there were two Gods worshipped by the then-called Caelestia Feles. In addition to Lady Half Moon, there was also the God of fate, whose name has been lost to time. But who knows, He may be still around...

Lunar Feles Naming Conventions

When a kit is born, they are given a name chosen by their parents that consists of two words. The name is often poetic in nature, such as Rushing Wind or Lone Wolf, but there is no rule or stigma against simply naming a cat after their appearance, such as Blue Fur or Masked Face.

There are only two real rules in regards to names: no names that can be considered cruel in regards to personality or appearance, and nothing in regards to the moon can be in a cat's name unless Lady Half Moon sends a message to the Druid or the kit's parents willing it to be so.

The Lunar Feles' Territory

The Lunar Feles' territory spans a ways through the tops of the mountains through rocky cliffs and steep drops, but most of the members spend their entire lives in a system of caves. The territory outside the caves consists of craggy cliffs with steep drops and other dangerous terrain. There are also dangerous predators that live in the area as well like wolves and eagles. This makes hunting and patrolling very dangerous.

For food, the Lunar Feles generally catch food themselves in the form of small mammals, snakes, or small birds, but they also scavenge food from carcasses killed by larger animals. They have also develop a method of hunting and killing eagles, but this is rarely attempted due to the amount of risk of injury and death associated with it. However, sometimes it is necessary, such as in times of famine.

Special places located in the territory include:

The communal living space of the colony is a massive cave in the middle of the cave system where most of the members live and sleep. It is located a short ways away from the entrance to the cave system. The only cats that do not live in this area are the young kits, Kit-Guardians, the Clerics, and the Druid.

The Rearing Ward is located in a small cave a ways away from the communal living space a ways away from the entrance to the Clerics' Quarters. This is where cats give birth and raise kittens until they are four moons old, making them old enough to become Squires and to sleep with the rest of the colony.

The Clerics' Quarters are located in a large cave separate from the communal living space. This is where the Clerics live, work, and sleep, and all their patients reside throughout their treatment. The reason it is so far away from other spaces is so outbreaks of disease can easily be quarantined and contained.

The Garden is an open space located a short ways away from the Clerics' Quarters in a cave with a roof that seems to have collapsed many cycles ago, letting the sun and rain in. This allows the space to be used as a garden for medicinal herbs. The garden is cultivated primarily by the Clerics, but Squires are also made to assist fairly often.

The Moonlit Cavern is an area only the Druid is able to enter. It is a large cave located a ways away from the general living areas, the floor of which mostly consists of a deep, clear pool of water. The cavern gets its name from the cracks in the roof of the cave, which allows light to filter into the space. The Druid will eat, sleep, and live in this space for the remainder of their lives.

[mateushonrado]

Characters I'd like to see their own spinoff

Status Post #11216: I'll also include honorable mentions.

Team Rocket (Pokémon)

What's not to like about them? After all, they may not be great at their jobs but they were really fun characters and honourable mention: Gary Oak (why not? It would be cool to see an anime focusing on Ash's friend/rival after all).

Solar Rangers (Power Rangers)

It's a real shame that we have not gotten a comic book ongoing focusing on the current incarnation of the Solar Rangers who appeared in Darkest Hour. If only Boom really cared about them.

Tuxedo Mask (Sailor Moon)

It would've been cool to see a third manga title set in the Sailor Moon universe that would've focused on Usagi's boyfriend Mamoru as the mysterious ally Tuxedo Mask as it could show his past before becoming the hero and honourable mention: Sailor Starlights (let's face it, the Sixth Ranger-type trio could've had their own manga or anime set before going to Earth and becoming the J-pop group Three Lights or set after the end of the manga in which they would've returned back from the dead not unlike the main Sailor Guardians).

Tiger Lily (Peter Pan)

This would be a good opportunity to serve as an author's saving throw towards the film's depiction of indigenous characters but also, would give focus on her with an indigenous cast and crew, hence I could picture someone like Devery Jacobs, Amber Midthunder or Kiawentiio voicing her and she wouldn't be the only one who got a spinoff as Tinkerbell had her own film series from the late Noughties to the mid 2010s.

[kcenvs3000s24]

My Relationship with Nature

My relationship with nature is one rooted in respect, humility, and curiosity. I’ve always known that no matter how much I learn about nature, there will be an endless amount that I don’t know, especially as it continuously adapts and evolves in ways we can’t always predict. This understanding has shaped how I approach the natural world- not something to control or to fully comprehend, but as something to continuously learn from, appreciate, and help where I can. This concept inspires me to stay open to new experiences and knowledge, while reinforcing my commitment to conservation.

I’ve been working in the environmental field for three years, but my love for nature began long before that. Growing up, I was very exposed to being outdoors. My family often took us hiking, fishing, and on camping trips. I was also part of groups like Scouts and Earth Rangers. However my passion became more focused on ecology during my education at Fleming College, where I completed the Ecosystem Management program, introducing me to the intricate science that exists within natural environments and how every organism plays a role in maintaining that balance.

I have been fortunate to work in a variety of environmental branches that have allowed me to interact closely with nature. From park services to animal rehabilitation and environmental stewardship, every role has provided me with a deeper understanding of how humans and nature can (though often don't) coexist. In parks, I learned about land management and how crucial it is to preserve natural spaces for future generations, specifically through an Indigenous perspective. My time in animal rehabilitation and land stewardship taught me about the delicate relationships between wildlife and their habitats, and how human activity disrupts these bonds. This disruption can even include human involvement in conservation. It requires constant reflection and adjustment to ensure that efforts to protect one aspect of nature don’t inadvertently harm another.

Some of my most profound experiences that shaped my relationship with nature and offered a ‘sense of place’ was my time volunteering; with the Canadian Conservation Corps and the Askari Wilderness Conservation Program in South Africa. These programs gave me incredible opportunities to engage in hands-on land and animal conservation in tight knit groups- stemming from all different backgrounds with one common goal. They also introduced me to the power of interpretation and environmental education. In South Africa, I worked alongside local conservationists, and witnessed how community-based education and interpretation were vital in addressing issues like poaching and habitat destruction. The more people understood the value of the ecosystems they were living within, the more motivated they became to protect them. This experience profoundly shaped my thinking about conservation, making me more aware that the future of environmental protection depends not only on scientific knowledge but also how we communicate our knowledge. Sharing information and creating connections between people and nature through various forms of guiding, education, art, and storytelling are essential to inspiring others to take action. 

[libraryofcirclaria]

Traditional Combrian Settlers

Library of Circlaria

Blog Posts

Article Written: 10 September 1452

The area encompassing present-day Layda had previously been sparsely populated by a variety of people including Great Northerners, Kitalans, and indigenous groups. However, it was the Combrians, arriving in the 1190s and early 1200s, who began to transform the landscape.

Initial Settlement

Map of Remikra, 1206

Termed "land-carvers" by the local population, the Combrians, indeed, used their innovative hubstone-powered machines to change the landscape drastically in ways never seen before. There were three types of Combrian settlers: the ranchers, the rangers, and the farmers.

The ranchers raised livestock, primarily horses and cattle. They lived in a variety of places and were better able than farmers to settle in the semiarid regions, provided that underground water was available. Ranchers in these dry places used hubstone powered seismic-shockers to determine if there was underground water, and used hubstone drills to extract the water. There were also ranchers in the grasslands and in the mountains; and ranchers in the Magnumarian Shield were known for raising eagles.

All of these domesticated animals were used by others for a variety of purposes, so there was a lot of trade between fellow ranchers as well as farmers and rangers.

The rangers, on the other hand, did not have settled pieces of land to call home. They roamed the region in either all-terrain vehicles or airships that also served as their homes. Rangers gathered food from various practical sources, and made their revenue collecting and trading various items of value. Rangers also served as de facto members of societal welfare by warning travelers of dangers on the road such as bandits and wild animals.

The farmers, like the ranchers, raised livestock as needed, but were primarily focused on growing crops. Along the West Coast, farmers owned and operated vineyards using complex irrigation systems developed by hubstone technology. Vineyards were also grown on the other side of the Magnumarian Shield but not so frequently. Meanwhile, in the mountains were grown a variety of crops such as wheat and barley, which could sustain temperate climate patterns. Farmers played an important role out West, for they provided sources of food to both ranchers and rangers. Although these farms mostly functioned for self-sustainment, many of them sold products to rangers, ranchers, fellow farmers, and other Combrian civilians who began to populate the region.

Early Modernization

Map of Remikra, 1264-1308

Such was the society that existed by the mid-1230s, as Combria laid out the county borders. The towns and estates in these administrative divisions, however, were very small with the exception of the city of Asil, which became a breeding ground for revolutionary sentiment. In 1235, the inhabitants of Asil and the region declared autonomy from the nation of Combria; and the plethora of ranchers, rangers, and farmers, wanting freedom to thrive and trade amongst themselves, were quick to join the resistance against Combria. And thus the Republic of Savel, with the city of Asil being renamed the name of the new Republic, was established. The nation of Savel did not last long due to financial issues, and was quick to join with the Federal Estates of Retun as the Province of Layda before the end of the 1240s.

The city of Savel and the Province of Layda experienced another transformation. The capital city of Savel exploded in size and transit infrastructure sprung up between the counties, towns, and estates, which were growing as a result of Retunian economic and social policies. Similar to the East Coast of Middle Remikra, an air travel network sprung up in Layda between the counties, a road network between the towns of each county, and tram networks between the estates. Meanwhile, Savel, like every other Provincial capital, became home to a hub for the inter-Provincial cable train network and to a large airfield for airships used for international travel.

Some of the ranchers, rangers, and farmers took to this infrastructure, using it to boost trade, but most remained largely off the grid. These off-grid traditional settlers and their descendants continued using their self-made aerovehicles and ground vehicles as means of transit and living. And so there were, effectively, three societies: the emerging Retunian society, the traditional settler society, and the indigenous societies.

The Commonwealth

Map of Remikra, 1345-Present

Following the 1309 Revolution and the beginning of the Commonwealth, the ranchers, rangers, and farmers resented the increase in government involvement in the economy; and some of them even went so far as to arm themselves in defense of their trades. Despite taking such a libertarian stance, however, the traditional settlers wanted nothing to do with the Knights of the Common Good, who the settlers saw as "hell-bent on the destruction of humankind." Although taking such a neutral stance, the traditional settlers heavily armed and defended themselves and their assets against the warring entities during the period of political instability in the 1320s. And the settlers did not abandon such ways until after the Esurchian Occupation.

It was during the Esurchian Occupation of the 1360s that settler libertarian culture peaked. The settlers strengthened their ties with one another and established secret lines of communication and transportation in order to resist the Esurchians. This played a factor in the Commonwealth's ability to overcome the Esurchian influence.

Afterward, traditional settler culture underwent a major transformation. Gyroplane technology modernized and became mainstream in the 1370s; and it was the rangers who first adapted. Seeing financial and logistical conveniences, many rangers abandoned their old-style airships and ground vehicles for POD vehicles and other gyrocraft. Farmers, meanwhile, took advantage of plant-preservation technologies having emerged as a result of wildlife preserve investments stemming from the policies of Prime Minister Megan Wen, and began growing crops off of high-rise buildings or underground facilities. This became mainstream among farmers as room-climate technology advanced.

The ranchers were the most resistant to Prime Minister Wen's policies, which called for an increase in animal treatment standards. They, however, took advantage of granular animation and operated ranches in dymensional planes created by Library of Circlaria. Although this practice is deemed controversial, ranchers continue to trade among themselves and others in these dymensional planes for revenue.

[mrbenvs3000w24]

My Ideal Role as an Environmental Interpreter in Northern Ontario

In the heart of Northern Ontario, where pristine lakes mirror towering pines, and the air is scented with the earthy perfume of the wilderness, my ideal role as an environmental interpreter beckons. As someone deeply passionate about nature, envisioning myself as an outdoor recreation planner or park ranger in this untouched paradise sparks a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Location:

My dream role unfolds amidst the vast expanse of Northern Ontario's untamed landscapes. I envision myself stationed in one of the region's enchanting provincial parks or conservation areas, where the boreal forests and crystalline waters create a haven for both wildlife and wanderers. Perhaps I'll find my calling overlooking the rugged beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park, or immersed in the tranquility of Killarney Provincial Park, with its windswept pines and the awe-inspiring La Cloche Mountains (see below!).

Image credit: Gibson, S. (2011). Fall in the La Cloche Mountains [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/scott_e_gibson/5423666669

Role as an Outdoor Recreation Planner:

In the role of an outdoor recreation planner, my days would be dedicated to curating experiences that seamlessly blend adventure with environmental education. Crafting interpretive walks that wind through diverse ecosystems, planning immersive workshops on wildlife tracking, and organizing community events that foster a sense of stewardship would be at the core of my responsibilities. Collaborating with local communities and Indigenous groups to ensure cultural sensitivity and sustainability in recreational activities would also be paramount.

The job would involve meticulously researching and understanding the region's flora and fauna, historical significance, and geological wonders. By identifying key points of interest and creating engaging interpretive materials, I would aim to connect visitors with the natural world on a profound level. Guiding canoe trips along meandering rivers or leading starlit hikes through ancient forests, I would strive to instill a deep appreciation for the intricate web of life that Northern Ontario harbours.

Role as a Park Ranger:

Alternatively, as a park ranger, my responsibilities would extend to on-the-ground conservation efforts and ensuring the protection of the delicate ecosystems within my jurisdiction. Conducting regular patrols to monitor for signs of environmental degradation, managing wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable practices for visitor use would be integral aspects of my daily routine.

Educating visitors on Leave No Trace principles, wildlife safety, and the importance of preserving the region's natural integrity would be an ongoing mission. Additionally, responding to emergencies, providing first aid, and collaborating with law enforcement to enforce park regulations would all be part of the multifaceted role of a dedicated park ranger.

Bonus - I'd have the opportunity to sport this awesome uniform:

Image credit: Ontario Parks. (n.d.). How to Become a Park Ranger at Ontario Parks [Photograph]. https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/apply-park-ranger/

Skills Needed:

To excel in these roles, a diverse set of skills would be imperative. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, would facilitate effective interpretation and education. A deep understanding of ecology, conservation principles, and local cultural history would also be essential. Lastly, proficiency in outdoor survival skills, navigation, and first aid would ensure the safety of both visitors and the environment.

In conclusion, my ideal role as an environmental interpreter in Northern Ontario transcends the ordinary; it is a commitment to bridging the gap between people and the natural wonders that surround us. It is a dedication to preserving the pristine beauty of Northern Ontario for generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who, like me, find solace and inspiration in the untamed wilds of this remarkable region.

As we reach the end of this exploration into my ideal role as an environmental interpreter in the enchanting landscapes of Northern Ontario, I want to thank everyone for tagging along on this imaginative journey. I hope it has sparked a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us!🌲🌿🌍 Until next time,

Madison B.

[pinturas-segunda-guerra-mundial]

1944 07 Irrawaddy Ambush

repost larger size

The painting illustrates one of Detachment 101’s many guerrilla operations staged to disrupt Japanese supply and reinforcement routes in Burma. Staked out on one side of the Irrawaddy River, OSS-trained Kachin rangers ambush Japanese rafts bringing troops and supplies to the Japanese-held town of Myitkyina in July 1944. Such actions helped lead to the Allied re-capture of the town and, ultimately, to the defeat of Japanese forces in northern Burma.During World War II, the Burma Road in northeast Burma was a lifeline for the Nationalist Chinese fighting the Japanese. A primary reason for the Japanese invasion of Burma, which was a British colony at the time, was to cut this supply link. The Imperial Army accomplished this task by the summer of 1942. The Allies then began airlifting materiel from India to China through the Himalayas, all the while trying to reopen the road. The Creation of Detachment 101In April 1942, Coordinator of Information and future OSS Director William J. Donovan activated Detachment 101 to create an indigenous guerrilla force charged with gathering intelligence, harassing the Japanese occupiers, identifying bombing targets for the Army Air Force, and rescuing downed Allied airmen—all deep behind enemy lines in Burma. Detachment 101 pioneered the art of unconventional warfare, foreshadowing the missions of today’s U.S. Army Special Forces.Never more than a few hundred Americans strong, Detachment 101 relied on support from various Burmese tribal groups, most notably the staunchly anti-Japanese Kachins. Combined with the efforts of the British Wingate’s Raiders, Merrill’s Marauders of the U.S. Army, and Nationalist Chinese troops, Detachment 101 was so successful that Japan had to divert significant numbers of troops to Burma to protect the new railroad that it had built to move supplies overland after U.S. Navy submarines had blocked Japanese shipping routes.By the time of its deactivation in July 1945, OSS Detachment 101 had amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, performing against overwhelming enemy strength and under the most difficult and hazardous conditions.  The courage and fighting spirit of the Kachin guerrillas and their American advisors earned Detachment 101 a Presidential Unit Citation and recognition as the “most effective tactical combat force” in the OSS.

[noseblxxd]

[ in addition to the million other things i'm working on, i did some thinking about the NCR's med corp. there's quite a bit of lore for other branches (ie; first recon, rangers) but there's virtually nothing for the medical division. so here's what i got- ]

[ the design comes from the caduceus used by different medical and humanitarian organizations, but to fit with the aesthetic the NCR flag (two-headed bear) the med corp caduceus has a two-headed rattlesnake.

[ the design comes from the caduceus used by different medical and humanitarian organizations, but to fit with the aesthetic the NCR flag (two-headed bear) the med corp caduceus has a two-headed rattlesnake.

"tending the flame" is in homage to the Indigenous and tribal peoples throughout the Mojave, and comes from the importance of firekeepers. cross-culturally this role differs from nation to nation, but typically firekeepers are community members who tend to sacred fires, and support and facilitate health, growth, and wellbeing curing ceremony. fire can also be symbolic of protection (ie; fire providing warmth), so it felt like a fitting motto for this particular group. also credit where credit is due, @that-kid-from-vault-101 totally came up with the phrase so ty ty for the help

the official insignia is primarily used for documentation and labeling of spaces and materials (offices and facilities, armour and uniform), while the modified version can be found on beret patches.

on the topic of berets, major branches have specific colours for identification purposes (green for generals, red for first recon, etc.) so i'm headcanon-ing that medical staff wear navy blue.

last bit of lore has to do with the roles and responsibilities of the medical branch. when the Followers of the Apocalypse cut ties with the NCR, med corp stepped in to fill the gap and are the primary humanitarian branch of the Republic. while this is a good faith effort, compared to other divisions, med corp is relatively small and stretched extremely thin. having to juggle aiding NCR military personnel and civilians with limited resources is going as well as it could under those conditions.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

New serious allegation against African Parks Trigger by u/Feisty_Energy_107

New serious allegation against African Parks 😢⚠Trigger⚠ Prince Harry Rangers Accused After Woman Loses Baby - Newsweek story by Jack Royston.Archived hereSurvival International, which campaigns for indigenous people, said it was told by Baka tribespeople that a group of women had been promised a meeting with management about the destruction of crops by elephants.Paul Renaut, who works on the organization's conservation campaign, told Newsweek: "The members of the community had an appointment with a high-level African Parks manager and the person wasn't there so the women started to complain.""The eco guards refused to let them stay and forced them to leave by whipping them and beating them, which led to a woman being actually trampled on and losing her baby."This alleged incident was reported in May 2024. African Parks say they immediately shared this information with Omnia, a law firm who are subsequently are conducting an independent investigation. African Parks has committed to respond to it's findings at the conclusion of this, which is expected in "early 2025."Recall back in January this year, allegations of rape and abuse were reported.The organisation said back then: "African Parks has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse and is committed to upholding the rights of local and indigenous people. Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and acted on, and all of our parks are managed with a central philosophy of awareness, sensitivity and commitment to upholding the rights of local people.""We are aware of the serious allegations regarding human rights abuses by eco-guards against local people living adjacent to Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, which have recently received media attention."We became aware of these allegations last year via a board member who received a letter from Survival International.". post link: https://ift.tt/nkYV58e author: Feisty_Energy_107 submitted: November 29, 2024 at 06:05PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.