Lands

Guardian Gatherings: Cultural Connection, Learning, Sharing, Professionalism- And Togetherness

In the Kwak̓wala language, “ǥa̱lǥa̱poła” means “standing together,” or “lifting each other up.” Twice each year, that’s exactly what the Guardians of the six Nanwakolas Council member First Nations of the Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network do…

We want to be everywhere

“Ten years from now,” says We Wai Kai Chief Ronnie Chickite thoughtfully, “I envision we’ll have at least eight, maybe even ten Guardians working full time for the Nation. They will be monitoring what is…

Needed Urgently: More Trained First Nations Guardians

The need for more energetic, eager, and dedicated First Nations’ youth to become land and water Guardians has never been more pressing. Right now, the work of monitoring resource use and activity in the Nanwakolas…

Growing A Powerful Group Of Guardians

Their numbers may be small, but the twenty land and water Guardians of the six Nanwakolas Nations are achieving outstanding things together in the vast expanse of their territories. Imagine what they could do if…

Running out of time to keep doing things the same old way

“As Indigenous peoples, we look to the natural world for guidance on what we should be doing to protect it and manage its resources well, so that they remain healthy and abundant. The problem is…

Guardian Gathering

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Ǥa̱lǥa̱poła: Standing Together

In formally declaring the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala area of their traditional territory to be an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA), the Mamalilikulla First Nation has taken a significant step towards realizing its vision of reclaiming and…

MIRED IN A SEA OF BUREAUCRACY

Dealing with derelict boats in Nanwakolas member Nations’ territories is a high priority for them. It is a goal that is immensely challenged by bureaucracy, but the Nations are working hard to partner on solutions.…

NANWAKOLAS OPERATIONAL PROTOCOL FOR LARGE CULTURAL CEDAR

The lands and resources of our territories have sustained our culture, way of life, spirituality, economy and society for countless generations. From child to Elder, a vital part of who we are as peoples is…

Black Bear Dens

Taking Care Of Black Bear Dens Guardians of the Nanwakolas First Nations are learning how to locate black bear dens on Vancouver Island, to help protect them from the impacts of logging. Black bear dens…