We're getting a pilot Stewardship Program, but what does that mean?
"Stewardship" means looking after the earth, plants, animals, the oceans, laes, rivers and all the important things in nature.
Our people have been "stewards" of our homelands for as long as we can remember, but nowadays we can't always be in our homelands to protect them.
That might change soon, with the pilot Stewardship Program that is happening. This program, also called the “Gwa’sala - ‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation Coastal Guardian Watchmen and Stewardship Pilot Program" will include the Band's purchase of the 28' vessel "Hook Tender" which will allow the Stewardship and Economic Development programs access to our homelands. This vessel will only be operated by fully certified, insured and authorized personnel.
The programs have hired 2 individuals and their training in Safety, as well as the Guardian Watchmen program has started. Our first trips out are planned for August 11. The 2 Watchmen will travel to our homelands and check in on village sites, keep an eye on boats, hunters, and others travelling in our territories. If they see people engaged in illegal activities, such as poaching, our Watchmen will report them.
The Watchmen will also report any wildfires the see, traps, and other things of interest to our community.
The program will run for 16 weeks, as it is a pilot project. If everything works out, it could become a yearly, or even year-long program.
If you have any questions, please contact our program manager, Conrad Browne at 250.902.2301/ecdev@gwanak.info.
For more information about the Coastal Guardian Watchmen Network (CGWN), please visit www.coastalguardianwatchmen.ca