Reflections on the Seal River Watershed and the Power of Global Conservation

Johnny Clipping, a 64-year-old community member from Tadoule Lake, Manitoba, recently had the unique opportunity to attend COP16 in Colombia as part of the Seal River Land Guardians delegation. With deep ties to the land, Johnny has dedicated much of his life to the preservation of the Seal River Watershed. But his trip to Colombia was more than just a diplomatic mission – it was a profound personal journey. Here's a look at what Johnny learned, experienced, and thought about during his time in South America.

What Inspired Johnny to Take the Trip?

Johnny admits that he didn’t have a singular “inspiration” for the trip. However, he was driven by a curiosity about how different areas of the world are dealing with environmental protection. As someone deeply involved in the Seal River project, he wanted to understand how other communities are approaching conservation. The trip gave him a glimpse into the struggles and efforts of indigenous groups in Colombia, which sparked questions about land and resource preservation in both Colombia and Canada.
“I didn’t think of Colombia as a place to visit, but when the chance came, I was intrigued. Seeing the work being done by the indigenous groups there was eye-opening,” Johnny said. “It made me think a lot about how much land has been lost and how they’re fighting to get some of it back.”

Arriving in Colombia: A New Perspective

When Johnny first arrived in Colombia, the sheer scale of the place was overwhelming. “The first thing on my mind was finding the nearest exit for a smoke,” he laughed. The bustling city, with its massive crowds and towering buildings, left him in awe.
Yet, it wasn’t just the size that caught his attention; it was the people. Johnny found himself fascinated by the vibrant atmosphere, which was so different from his quiet home in Tadoule Lake. He remembers feeling like the whole experience was a blur but also deeply exciting – seeing the lights of the city at night and marveling at how much life existed in such a vast place.

The Surprising Elements of the Trip

Though Johnny’s trip was centered around environmental advocacy, it was the unexpected moments that seemed to stick with him the most. One of his favorite memories was visiting a sugarcane plantation, where he was offered sugarcane to chew. “Since I don’t have any teeth, I started using it as a substitute for my cigarette cravings. I chewed on that sugarcane every day,” Johnny recalled with a chuckle.
Another unexpected highlight was his visit to the first school and university in Colombia, where he met students pursuing PhDs. “At their age, they already knew what they wanted to do. It really impressed me how motivated they were.”

Cultural Encounters and Challenges

Johnny’s trip wasn’t without its challenges, especially the language barrier. He had limited Spanish skills, but that didn’t stop him from connecting with the locals. “It wasn’t a barrier, just a different way of communicating. I used a lot of hand signals and body language,” he explained. In fact, some of the most interesting conversations Johnny had were with locals who spoke little English, but he found that when people were eager to connect, communication wasn’t a big hurdle.
An unexpected encounter involved a fellow traveler from Vancouver, who spoke Dene – a language close to Johnny’s heart. The serendipity of meeting another Dene speaker halfway across the world was a moment Johnny won’t soon forget.

A Glimpse into Colombia’s Rich Culture

One thing that truly surprised Johnny was Colombia’s lush greenery. “The trees there were enormous. I stayed on the 8th floor of a hotel, and the tops of the trees were level with the balcony,” he said, clearly impressed. He was particularly taken by a "walking tree" he saw at a zoo, which grows off stilts in an almost surreal way. The size and beauty of the trees left a lasting impression on Johnny, who fondly recalled hugging the trunks of a few of them.

In terms of cultural sites, Johnny enjoyed every place the delegation visited. From the green zone to the old church, each site held personal significance for those who invited the group. But one experience that stood out was his walk through narrow, crowded streets, where he discovered local shops and a record store filled with vinyl. The vibrant, bustling environment left him in awe of the culture and energy in Colombia.

Learning, Growing, and Reflecting

Johnny’s trip wasn’t just about what he saw; it was about what he learned. “I learned that every country has its own way of doing things,” he reflected. “Seeing armed personnel on the streets really brought home the reality of life in other parts of the world. But we have to respect the people and their customs.”
Despite the unfamiliar environment, Johnny felt comfortable throughout his trip, thanks to the warmth of the people and the support of his fellow travelers. He also noticed the striking similarities between the way people in Colombia fix their fishing nets and the techniques used back home in Tadoule Lake. It was a reminder that, no matter where you are, communities around the world share similar traditions and challenges.

Returning Home: A Changed Perspective

When asked if he’d return to Colombia, Johnny responded with a definite “Yes.” He appreciated the warmth of the country, the beauty of the land, and the opportunity to immerse himself in its culture. He hopes to one day return, not as a tourist, but to experience the streets and people in a more intimate way.
One of Johnny’s lasting memories from the trip was the incredible coffee – so good, in fact, that he started drinking it black. He’s now passionate about spreading the word about Colombia’s culture, conservation efforts, and the people who are working tirelessly to preserve their lands.

Johnny’s Final Thoughts: A Shared Mission

Johnny is a man of few words, but his experience at COP16 was a powerful reminder of how interconnected the world’s conservation efforts are. “The work we’re doing at Seal River is just one piece of a bigger puzzle,” Johnny said. “I hope that people can see that what we’re doing in Canada isn’t just about us – it’s part of a global movement to protect the Earth for future generations.”

As he reflects on his trip, Johnny is filled with gratitude. “I want people to know that this isn’t just a memory for me. It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn, explore, and share what they know.” For Johnny, the trip to Colombia was more than just an event—it was an affirmation that the work to protect the land is not just local but global, and it will continue to inspire him for years to come.
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Through Johnny’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of global collaboration in conservation and the power of sharing stories across cultures. Whether it's in Colombia, Canada, or anywhere in between, the future of the land depends on the work we all do together.