What was the initiative?

Kathleen’s initiative was the development and implementation of the Junior Pastoral Conservationist Program (JPCP), which sought to blend traditional Maasai cultural teachings with ecological conservation education. The initiative was based in Kenya’s South Rift region and aimed to foster respect, care, and forward-thinking about pastoralism and communal land management. By integrating cultural values such as eramatare (management and care), enkanyiet (respect), and entaisere (to see a future) into a culturally relevant conservation curriculum, the JPCP targeted local students through wildlife clubs in six schools. The curriculum included lesson guides, interactive activities, and resources designed to validate and teach Maasai traditions while promoting sustainable environmental practices. This initiative was developed in collaboration with SORALO (South Rife Association of Land Owners) and built on years of community dialogue regarding the intersection of culture and conservation.

What was the community connection?

Kathleen was connected with the Olkiramatian and Shompole Maasai communities while working with a Maasai-led pastoral development NGO, the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO) as an intern and graduate student. Over two summers, and through a multitude of interactions, Kathleen developed a strong connection to the people of Olkiramatian and Champole prior to her Fellowship year.

How was it innovative?

The initiative was innovative in blending traditional Maasai cultural values with modern ecological conservation education, empowering local youth to become active stewards of their environment. Developed collaboratively with SORALO and local schools, the initiative emphasized the interconnectedness of culture, ecology, and land management, fostering hands-on engagement through wildlife clubs. This approach uniquely validated Indigenous knowledge while promoting sustainable environmental practices, making it a pioneering model for harmonizing cultural preservation with conservation.

What is Kathleen doing now?

Kathleen has recently started working for Environment and Climate Change Canada where she is a Senior Policy Analyst and focuses on supporting a new vision for long-term and comprehensive Indigenous-led conservation agreements through Project Finance for Permanence.