The work on the water has come to an end for the watchmen pilot project. This work was funded through Coast Opportunity funds conservation allotment. We had some excellent success in achieving our goals as well as the side benefits that came from having the boat.
Because this was a pilot program we have had to lay off 2 of our watchmen techs until next year and we have kept one of the techs working for the next couple of weeks. The techs affected by the immediate lay-off were Doug Johnny and Leslie Walkus. Colin Smith is staying on for an additional 2 weeks to finish off the paper work, build a presentation and deliver it over the next few weeks to the school, Elders, Chief and Council as well as some off-reserve groups.
Colin and I will be working closely together to review this year’s work to ensure that we achieved all of the goals we hoped to. Colin will also be creating the program and budget for next year. We will be looking to expand the watchmen program to a ¾ year program but to do this we need to find more funding. Colin has lots of paper work to do over the next couple of weeks! When the final report on the pilot program is finished we will have copies available at the Band office for those of you who are interested. Stay tuned and I will let everyone know when this work is complete.
I would like to thank the Crew for their hard work during this project. They have mentioned that it was with great pride that they were able to represent all of you when they were interacting with everyone they met. The crew learned something every single time they went to work and never came back to Tsulquate without some new wisdom that they could save and pass on to others when the time is right. Thank you Doug, Colin and Leslie.
I would also like to thank Chief Paddy Walkus, Hereditary Chief Tom Henderson and Hereditary Chief Willie Walkus for their support of the project as well as the words of advice and wisdom that allowed us to move the project in the right direction.
And most importantly we would like to thank the Elders who gave of their time, knowledge, wisdom and support. We look forward to expanding on our relationship with you next year to gain even more knowledge and wisdom.