Response to the Province’s engagement on the Watershed Security Fund and Strategy from Indigenous Leaders
The Indigenous Leaders Advisory Circle (“ILAC”) of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative and the Real Estate Foundation of BC, has been working collaboratively for one year to help guide and inform the work of the 61 projects in watershed restoration, planning, and monitoring. ILAC is a group of Indigenous leaders from across what is referred to as British Columbia who have worked on water issues or have connection through other forms of community and nation leadership.
Water is not a commodity for Indigenous peoples; it is sacred and is the essence of life on our planet. The majority of society does not share this reverence for water. It has been left to Indigenous peoples to protect water from industrial development such as mines and tailing ponds or oil and gas pipelines.
"Tsilhqot'in Elders always said that all the fish and wildlife spoke the same language. We as Indigenous people have practiced, attended meetings, lobbied, provided direct action and legal action throughout this Turtle Island about our Indigenous Rights and Title. Fish and Wildlife, Lands and Water and all its rights, that needs to be recognized and part of UNDRIP. Indigenous peoples' worldwide traditional law, our Dechen Ts'edilhtan (Traditional Law) believes, practices, and lives that law. All Water has Indigenous Rights."
Dr. Roger William
Dasiqox Nexwagwez?an
Team Coordinator - Community Outreach
Read the full ILAC recommendations here.
Key ILAC Recommendations |
- Water is Essential to the Exercise of Constitutional Rights
The degradation of watersheds diminishes the ability of First Nations to fish, hunt, trap, gather berries, medicines and other plants. The broader community must be held accountable for all impacts within a watershed and share the responsibility of restoring and returning them to a more natural state.
- Respect and Recognition of Indigenous Laws
Systemic change is needed to recognize Indigenous laws and legal principles. Governments must ensure that any colonial regulation or legislative change is consistent with relevant Indigenous laws.
- Advance UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP and DRIPA)
Funding for Indigenous-led projects means greater support for occupation, stewardship and restoration of Indigenous lands and waters.
- Watershed-Based Collaboration
Regional collaboration on watershed work should be encouraged by a neutral party.
- Focus on Immediate Action for Most Impactful Industries
Urgent action is needed to prevent damage to watersheds from industries with the most significant impacts, such as forestry, mining and agriculture.
- Natural Solutions to Watershed Restoration
As climate changes cause extreme weather, restoration must return watersheds to the most natural state possible.
- Watershed Fund Before Strategy
A strategy with no associated funding runs the risk of hollow and underachieving commitments.
