Calvin Jameson has emerged as a pivotal figure in transforming waste management practices within First Nations communities in British Columbia. His impact goes well beyond just cleaning up dumps. The real focus of his work is creating systems that can serve as models for sustainability to other regions. Now, Jameson advocates for Indigenous circuit riders to receive recognition and funding as essential services, similar to wastewater operators, emphasizing the importance of these roles in maintaining community health and safety.
With Jameson at the helm, this advisory committee is implementing groundbreaking waste management practices across B.C. This unique approach raises the bar even higher. It’s something no other province has done. This forward-thinking approach has turned heads and attracted a lot of interest and support. This idea took off particularly after the federal government’s 2016 budget included $409 million over five years into First Nations increasing waste management initiatives. Anderson Assuah, a very focused researcher, has devoted the last 10 years to exploring waste management in these communities. To independent transit analyst Yonah Freemark, the new funding is an incredible opportunity to address decades of challenges.
Assuah explains, “Waste management is down the pecking order, not thought about in that sense.” Above all, he stresses the urgency of this problem. As he warns, “If you live with a dirty house for a week, everyone in your house will get sick. It’s not just a dirty work job, it’s a heroic job.
The Impact of Federal Funding
The federal government’s recognition of First Nations’ waste management needs has made available key resources to communities that are often dealing with extreme environmental hazards. As Assuah warns, that very big number can be misleading. It then gets divided among more than 600 First Nations, leaving each community with just a small percentage of what they actually require. “Four hundred and nine million dollars may look like a lot, but it’s nothing,” he argues. We’re really talking about the better part of 633 First Nations across the country. Take that number and divide it by $409 million — it doesn’t lead to anything.”
To address these challenges, Jameson has implemented bold new strategies. He decided to take this matter further and contacted Indigenous Services Canada directly. He shared images that showed the negative environmental impact of failing to properly dispose of waste in his community. He took them directly to Indigenous Services Canada and brought the photos. We’re ruining our aquifer, and all the plume is landing right in the middle of the community… we need to end this immediately,” he said.
The multiple award-winning arts program spearheaded by Jameson has not only enjoyed breakthrough success but has embraced adversity strongly. It has just been given an extension of another seven years. Now, it’s been extended again through 2027-2028 with $612.9 million in total funding. This commitment has established successful waste management systems in all 125 First Nations communities throughout B.C. It vividly illustrates the opportunities we have for systemic, profound change.
Community Engagement and Education
One key element of Jameson’s approach is working with the community to get residents on board and create a new culture of environmental stewardship. Filene Mussell, a community trainer, emphasizes the importance of participation: “As much as you can get the equipment and the workers, unless you have people participating, it has nowhere to go.” Communicating and collaborating with the community is important for overcoming the challenges of all innovative practices, including yard waste management. Perhaps more importantly, it helps instill long-lasting values about sustainability in younger generations.
As someone who has been active in many similar efforts, Roger Vickers tells the story of how education helped change the culture in his community. As soon as the recycling program started, kids were excitedly watching their parents. If a parent threw a plastic bottle in the trash, the children would immediately respond, “That doesn’t belong in there!” Such grassroots efforts highlight why education is such an important part of transitioning to sustainable practices.
Jameson’s commitment to Indigenous leadership only serves to double down on these efforts. Otherwise, we like to try and keep everything Indigenous as we can,” he tells assertions. Why can’t we get anybody—from First Nations—who can get these people to the table? We’ve got to have somebody that speaks their language and knows the political landscape. His commitment to empowering Indigenous voices is important in creating solutions that are culturally appropriate, relevant and effective.
The Road Ahead
Though B.C. is a leader in waste management solutions for First Nations communities, there are still considerable barriers to success. As Craig Wisehart, the executive director of the Electronic Product Recycling Association of BC explains, this is a big problem. For years, that success has been hard to come by in rural communities. Yet he says, “It’s always been difficult to establish recycling in rural communities.” The distinct geographical and logistical challenges that these communities experience require forward-thinking solutions that are responsive to their different needs.
Jameson’s journey is a reminder that change and progress are still achievable, despite the systemic obstacles in our way. Vickers says, “It’s just unbelievable the extent it’s expanded since we first started. If we can do it here, other communities can do it.” His optimism reflects a growing recognition among First Nations that they can lead the way in sustainable waste management practices.
