Urban development, resource extraction, and other anthropogenic activities over the past four centuries have resulted in substantial changes to our natural environment, and the ecosystems they house. In light of this, it is crucial to recognize areas that are ecologically sensitive, culturally important, and rich in biodiversity if we hope to maintain the health and sustainability of our ecosystems. The Indigenous-led West Coast Stewardship Corridor (ILWSC) initiative was born out of a desire to bring this goal to life. The ultimate vision is to have a project that seeks to connect and safeguard habitats to promote the well-being of both people and nature, similar to the Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative.
Indigenous-led West Coast Stewardship Corridor
How the project began
In February 2020 the Yuułuʔiłatḥ Government hosted a regional gathering to explore the possibility of creating a large-scale landscape system of interconnected areas that are of ecological significance across Vancouver Island. Attendees (Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Huu-ay-aht, Dididaht, and T'sou-ke, the Districts of Tofino and Ucluelet, and members of the Coexisting with Carnivores Alliance, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, the B.C. Conservation Foundation and Parks Canada) at the gathering expressed a shared sense of urgency to collaborate to address the many environmental challenges facing the region, with a particular focus on prioritizing natural climate solutions.
Where we are now
At present, we are working on building relationships among First Nations. We are planning a second regional gathering in the Fall of 2023, which will enable dialogue surrounding shared interests, opportunities and challenges related to stewardship and resource management actions that work towards achieving the vision for a collaborative Indigenous-led stewardship corridor.
We are also working towards establishing the Steering Committee for this initiative.