First Nations communities on the Central and North coast and Northwest Community College have worked together to create a regionally appropriate and accessible training program to build and strengthen local peoples’ capacity as environmental stewards, the “on-the-ground eyes and ears” of resource activity in their territories.
The Guardian Watchmen Training Program is a response to the interest of First Nations communities on the coast of British Columbia to enhance their capacity for direct and active involvement in monitoring and stewardship of their traditional lands and waters. Guardian programs, also referred to as Watchmen programs, are a mechanism through which First Nations monitor and ensure that activities and practices within their territories are responsible and consistent with community plans and government regulations. The following are Guiding Principles that will shape the development and delivery of the Guardian Watchmen Training through Northwest Community College.
Program participants will recognize and respect;
• The diversity of First Nations culture(s), history(s), political interest(s), experience(s) and traditional knowledge in communities on the central and north coasts of British Columbia.
• That culture, community and environment are interwoven and interdependent
• That the coastal First Nations will play a meaningful role in the planning, monitoring and implementation of activities affecting local ecosystems
• That communities are the source of knowledge and authority, and that integrating traditional knowledge and ethics with western science is key to ecological and human wellbeing
• That cultures and ecosystems in the coastal rainforests have been damaged due to lack of respect
All or parts of the program can be delivered in partnership with communities where sufficient facilities are available. Community delivery seeks to use local knowledge, skills, and expertise in the learning experience. |
