Sophia Rabliauskas

Rabliauskas helped secure interim protective status - a temporary reprieve from logging, hydro, gas, and mining development - for their two million acres of undisturbed Boreal forest (three times the size of Rhode Island) in the Poplar River's traditional territory in Manitoba ^[2] The Poplar River First Nation lands, located on the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, form a significant part of the Boreal forest and houses 1200 members of the Ojibway First nations.^[1] - As first nations territory is legally public land in Canada, it is commonplace for provincial and federal agencies to grant long-term industry leases without consulting Indidigenous communities.^[1] The government of Manitoba has announced the intent to grant permanent protection to this territory yet to date has not granted that protection.^[1]

In 2004, Rabliauskas helped lead several other community members under the direction of Elders in developing the Asatiwisipe Aki Lands Management Plan, which is a comprehensive plan detailing how they will document, protect, and sustainably manage Poplar River's forests, wildlife, and other natural resources.^[2] Such a report is the first of its kind created for Canada's Boreal region.^[2] The report outlined components such as respecting traditional knowledge, benefiting from environmental analysis, developing economic opportunities, including protection of traditional hunting, trapping and fishing activities, and creating sustainable tourism opportunities.^[1]

Currently, Rabliauskas is a Spokesperson for Pimachiowin Aki, a group of First Nations from communities such as Bloodvein, Little Grand Rapids, and Pauingassi^[4] based in Manitoba and Ontario who goal is to secure over 43,000 km² of untouched boreal forest as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to further ensure protections.^[2] A nomination was sent to UNESCO in January 2012.^[2] Canada's Boreal region, covering nearly 60,000 square kilometres and covering almost 90% of Manitoba, contains one quarter of the world's remaining forests and is a crucial buffer against climate change; its intact forests and wetlands store large amounts of carbon.^[1] The region's natural wealth also sustains hundreds of Aboriginal communities.^[2] Poplar River elders entrusted Sophia and Ray with documenting Oral history of the Anishinaabe people and culture for the purposes of their UNESCO proposal.^[4]

Rabliauskas says that her environmental activism is driven by a commitment to Anishinaabe elders and to honoring centuries of environmental stewardship.^[4]

• Earth Day Canada's Ongoing Commitment Award, June 2012, for her efforts to protect the lands in Poplar River's traditional territory in Manitoba ^[2]
• Order of Manitoba, July 2008, Manitoba's highest honour awarded for excellence in any field that benefits the wellbeing of Manitoba and its residents ^[3]
• Goldman Environmental Prize, 2007 ^[1]