The Sierra Club BC recognizes that our work is conducted in the traditional territories of First Nations people and respects the existence of aboriginal title and rights, as well as the unique relationship between First Nations and the environment.

The Sierra Club BC works with First Nations to identify shared interests and pursue common goals. We believe that sustainable resource management is important not only to protect biodiversity, but also to ensure First Nations cultural well-being and survival.

Our work with First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest focuses largely on capacity building and youth engagement. Some examples of our projects include:

The Coastal Guardian/Watchmen Network

Guardian/Watchmen are First Nations resource practitioners

Photo: Doug Neasloss

who act as the “eyes and ears” on the land and water, and monitor their territories to ensure that activities are responsible and consistent with regulations and plans. These practitioners are critical to the successful implementation of the Great Bear Rainforest land use agreements.  In the fall of 2006, Sierra Club BC organized a community needs assessment with Guardian/Watchmen practitioners from the Great Bear Rainforest to provide an opportunity for Guardian/Watchmen to discuss their vision and needs for building stronger programs in their communities.

Watch the Guardian/Watchman video or check out the latest issue of the Guardian/Watchmen newsletter.

As part of the assessment,  Guardian/Watchmen identified a need for a comprehensive, standardized and regional training program in order to build the capacity of Guardian/Watchmen programs on the coast.  In response, the Sierra Club BC and the QQS Project Society has partnered with Northwest Community College to develop and deliver an accredited training program for Guardian/Watchmen based on the needs of local communities. 

Another strong need identified in the assessment process was the need for a dynamic regional network where Guardian/Watchmen could connect and communicate with each other in order to strengthen their work and build a regional presence.  In response, the Sierra Club BC has facilitated the development of a Coastal Guardian Watchman Network website and hosted three conferences that brought together Guardian Watchmen in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Latest developments: In 2010, the Guardian Watchmen Network launched a regional monitoring strategy in order to collect data on a coast-wide basis. The Network has also expanded and improved their website.