Ha-ma-yas

Making the Connection

Visitors hosted in the Nanwakolas First Nations’ territories by the Guardians are awed and inspired by seeing what’s happening out on the land and water. Between October 1 and 4 this year, a privileged group…

Back to the Future

How understanding BC’s ancient coastal heritage sites better will help protect them for future generations to cherish. Imagine for a moment scenes like this: Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria-where many of British Columbia’s settlers are…

Infinite Possibility

For the twenty-six graduates of Vancouver Island University’s innovative and ground-breaking 2015—2018 First Nations Stewardship Technicians Training Program, the future is unlimited. What do you feel was your greatest success in the program? “Learning about…

Telling Us Where We Came From

“The information in our archaeological sites is very important for the First Nations,” says Wei Wai Kum member Christine Roberts. “It helps us keep track of our history. It’s evidence, it tells us where we…

It’s All About Doing It Right

It’s not hard to do things the right way, says long-time K’òmoks Guardian Watchman Cory Frank. “Based on my experience,” says Cory, “the best thing to do if you have a project or something you…

Stepping Up To Be A Guardian

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Mamalilikulla Guardian Watchman? Ever thought about why you might want to learn how to be one, and join us in our work? Darren Puglas, who is one…

Grizzly Bears in the Rain

It doesn’t matter much if it is raining when tourists see their first grizzly bears, says Da’naxda’xw Guardian Watchman Stanley Beans. “There’s usually quite a bit of high-pitched screeching and then lots of picture-taking,” grins…

Going Back to the Source

“Shellfish are a food source that could feed the world,” says Gina Thomas enthusiastically. Along with Brandon Wilson, Thomas is one of Tlowitsis’ two fulltime Guardian Watchmen. “We have such pristine waters here in our…

Leaders of the Pack

The first cohort of students in Vancouver Island University’s Stewardship Technician Training Program graduated with flying colours in March: creating a pathway that First Nations students following in their footsteps can walk with confidence and…

Present and Accounted For

Mamalilikulla’s vision for a sustainable stewardship future “We want to be present on our lands and waters in a way we have not been able to be for generations,” says Mamalilkulla First Nation Chief Richard…