In May, members of the Can-Peat research network met with the community-based group For Peat’s Sake (FPS) for a collaborative knowledge exchange focused on peatland stewardship, restoration, and shared learning. The session brought together researchers and local leaders from La Ronge, Saskatchewan, creating space for meaningful dialogue grounded in both citizen and academic scientific research and community experience.
For Peat’s Sake is a grassroots organization based in northern Saskatchewan that is dedicated to protecting and restoring peatlands in the La Ronge region. Their work is deeply rooted in community engagement, environmental education, and hands-on restoration efforts. FPS has been actively involved in initiatives such as art exhibits, journaling workshops, and media engagement that aim to increase awareness of peatland ecosystems and their importance for climate regulation, biodiversity, and water systems. Their approach emphasizes local Indigenous knowledge, accessibility, and long-term care of these landscapes.
During the knowledge exchange researchers shared insights from ongoing peatland studies, including carbon cycling, restoration techniques, and monitoring approaches, while FPS members provided valuable perspectives on community priorities, regional conditions, and practical challenges in the field. A key outcome of the meeting was the recognition that combining academic research with community-based knowledge can lead to more effective and inclusive peatland conservation strategies.
A particularly meaningful discussion focused on work from the WAMPUM Lab led by Dr. Kelsey Leonard and research assistant Samantha Terry, including research on reclaiming Anishinaabeg moss bag traditions. This work explores how moss bags, traditionally made with sphagnum moss from peatlands, carry maternal ecological knowledge and cultural teachings that strengthen connections between people and land. Participants reflected on how revitalizing these practices supports not only cultural continuity but also a deeper understanding of peatlands as living systems. The conversation emphasized that incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into peatland research and monitoring can enrich scientific approaches while supporting community-led stewardship and reconciliation.
The meeting also reinforced the importance of ongoing relationship building. Participants expressed strong enthusiasm for future collaboration opportunities, including field visits to restoration sites and continued participation in Can-Peat knowledge sharing sessions. Planned follow-ups, such as a potential site visit with Premier Tech, will further strengthen these connections and provide opportunities for hands-on learning and exchange.
Find out more about For Peat’s Sake and their upcoming events.
Learn more about the moss bag project and Samantha Terry’s work.