The Kitasoo Xai'xais and Nuxalk First Nations, along with BC Parks, have signed an agreement that could lead to shared compliance and enforcement responsibilities within provincial protected areas in both Nations' territories.
The Kitasoo Xai'xais of Klemtu, a coastal town on Swindle Island, and the Nuxalk First Nations of Bella Coola have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that is meant to establish the Guardian Shared Compliance and Enforcement pilot project.
“The Nuxalk Nation and BC Parks have built a strong relationship based on trust and mutual respect, and the province's recognition of Nuxalk's rightful stewardship role within our territory," said Chief Samuel Schooner of the Nuxalk Nation.
"We are confident that this shared approach to compliance and enforcement will continue to strengthen this relationship.”
According to a news release, the program will designate select Indigenous guardians with the same legal authorities of BC Parks rangers.
The two First Nations have worked with BC Parks through other Indigenous Guardian Watchmen Programs that included monitoring the parks to ensure visitors complied with rules and regulations.
The new MOU would see the three parties work together to manage all provincial parks and protected areas in the First Nations territories.
This includes more than 40 protected areas, such as Tweedsmuir Park, the Fiordland Conservancy, Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy and Kimsquit Estuary Conservancy.
"Our traditional laws, knowledge systems and practices, combined with the legal authorities envisioned under this pilot project, create a unique opportunity to ensure the land and all of its natural and cultural values are protected for the long term," said Chief Doug Neasloss of the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation.
"The central coast region of the Great Bear Rainforest is world-renowned for its beauty and rich ecological and cultural values. We all have a responsibility to ensure our actions keep it that way and this agreement is a positive step toward that goal and reconciliation."
