Celebrating Five Years of Impact: CMN's 5-Year Synthesis Report
The Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) marks five years of impact! We’re excited to share our 5-year synthesis report, highlighting proud achievements in research, training, knowledge mobilization, and partnerships across Canada.
Since 2019, CMN has emerged not only as a leader in mountain systems research but as an innovative collaborator, learner, teacher, and model in the braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
This report captures our journey and key milestones from 2019-2024. As CMN transitions to Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC), we look forward to continuing this legacy.
In only 5 years, CMN has made a significant contribution to understanding mountain systems, people and places. CMN supported approaches and methodologies to ethically braid Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, ensuring that Indigenous worldviews and approaches were uplifted and recognized as valid and essential to support research.
Braiding knowledge weaves together different knowledge systems, where each forms a vital strand in the braid. Over the past five years, CMN has created an inclusive, ethical space for researchers to collaboratively "braid" Western and Indigenous knowledge, fostering equity and respect. This foundational work paved the way for Braiding Knowledges Canada. Learn more
Research snapshot: Rockies Caribou Hub
The Rockies Caribou Hub is leading transformative conservation efforts for the Klinse-Za caribou herd, which faced near extinction with only 36 animals in 2013. Thanks to an innovative collaboration between the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations, the herd has now more than doubled, surpassing 100 individuals. The Hub uniquely braids Indigenous and Western knowledge, reshaping local conservation strategies, and a historic 2020 Partnership Agreement now protects 8,000 square kilometers of critical caribou habitat. Learn more
Research snapshot: Chic-Chocs Aquatic Hub
The Chic-Chocs Aquatic Hub is actively conserving the region's freshwater resources through innovative eDNA surveys across 30 alpine lakes. This work establishes vital protocols for monitoring biodiversity and understanding the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the Hub has created a lasting, action-oriented framework for the Mi'gmaq Nation of Gespeg, the Mi'gmaq of Gesgapegiag, and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. Learn more
Strategic Initiative Highlight:
The Mountain Legacy Project
The CMN-supported Mountain Legacy Project (MLP) explores the transformations in Canada's mountain landscapes using the world's largest collection of systematic, high-resolution historical mountain photographs—over 120,000 images. Based at the University of Victoria, it also supports Indigenous reconciliation by revealing the overlap between colonial-era and traditional lands. Collaborating with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, the MLP helps restore traditional place names and fosters knowledge-sharing between Elders and youth. Its Mountain Legacy Explorer tool offers open access to this vast photo collection for conservation and land management efforts.
Photos courtesy of Library and Archives Canada and the Mountain Legacy Project
