OVERVIEW
Since 2008, Spirit Way Inc. has worked with Thompson Unlimited, University College of the North, Mani-toba Conservation, Riverside School, Thompson Zoo Society, and others on a broad spectrum of wolf related projects. Numerous wolf projects have been and are in the works in the areas of wolf science and research, human dimensions, education, eco-tourism, events, and art/culture. A Wolf E
conomy Discussion Paper was released to the Province of Manitoba and The Wildlife Society, Manitoba Chapter in 2012. In October, 2012, an international Wolf & Carnivore Conference was held in Thompson with nearly 100 attendees from 5 countries. Key funders were Vale, Province of Manitoba, UCN, Thompson Unlimited, Travel Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, and Calm Air. Some of the top wolf experts in the world were present. A gamut of 20+ wolf related topics were covered. Currently, a world class wolf exhibit is being con-structed at the new Boreal Discovery Centre in Thompson. In 2015, the Wildlife Society Manitoba will host a large international conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was suggested by an American wolf organization that Thompson should proclaim itself as the “Wolf Capital of the World” for numerous reasons. Thompson is surrounded by boreal forest wilderness and by unknown numbers of wolf packs. Scientific wolf research began for the first time in northern Manitoba a few years ago and was undertaken by the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, and Manitoba Hydro to learn of wolf dynamics in the North. This region may be impacted in the future by climate change, new all-weather roads and hydro electrical corridors, etc. To protect wolves, yet plan for a sus-tainable “wolf economy”, a course of action is required that would allow Manitoba to learn about, learn from, and promote wolves in their role as top predator in the biomes of the province. For Thompson (and northern Manitoba) to be recognized in 2015 as the Wolf Capital of the World, it will require best practices in wolf research, wolf management, wildlife tourism Such positioning can at-tract research interest and funding, media attention, public and Aboriginal interest, ecotourism initiatives, support from wildlife and conservation circles, and achieve a better understanding and appreciation of a much maligned animal species
A Wolf Capital of the World Council was established in 2012 to develop a strategic plan to de-velop a wolf economy. Over a dozen wolf initiatives are currently underway and being led, partnered with, or managed by Spirit Way Inc. The Council felt SWI is in the best position to continue to lead these initia-tives, but will require support and assistance from many partners. A tentative VISION STATEMENT has been drafted:
To position Thompson as a global Wolf Centre of Excellence that values wolves as an ecological and economic asset for Manitoba and strives for best practices in human/wolf co-existence in the fields of wolf education, science & research, conservation, eco-tourism, Aboriginal culture, human dimensions, and management. The Wolf Capital Council will continue to:
- Seek representation from and consultation with various sectors - government, academia, wildlife or-ganizations, conservation groups, Aboriginal interests, tourism, business, etc.
- Identify areas of public interest and development - education, conservation, research, tourism, hu-man dimensions, etc
- Define and plan for an international Wolf Centre of Excellence
- Identify and seek research projects
- Formulate a Wolf Economy Strategic Plan
- Attract partnerships such as - Riding Mt National Park, The Wildlife Society, International Wolf Cen-ter, universities, Aboriginal organizations, etc.
- Inform and educate the public of its work
