The objective of Watershed Forum is for First Nations and allies to foster relationship building and knowledge transfer to encourage collaboration, stewardship, and effective ecological restoration across coastal watersheds.
This year we are partnering with Iisaak Olam Foundation to focus on three key areas:
1. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)
2. Indigenous-Led Ecological Restoration
3. Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Who is this offering for?
This year the Watershed Forum is held under the larger umbrella of the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering, a gathering of land and water stewards from across the west coast of BC, hosted by Iisaak Olam Foundation.
We invite participants across disciplines including Indigenous leaders, fisheries technicians, guardians, restoration practitioners, academic and technical experts, non-profits, students, and community activists to share their restoration knowledge and experience.
If you are a First Nation’s representative, we encourage you to register for the Estuary to Old Growth Gathering.
Who is this offering from?
-
(Redd Fish) is a registered charity focused on restoration, research, and education. For over 27 years, Redd Fish (formerly Central Westcoast Forest Society) has worked with the nuučaanuł Nations in Clayoquot and Barkley Sound on ecological restoration in their hahuułi (territory). Our leadership is composed of a board of directors with appointed representation from the five Nations in the region including the hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht) Nation, ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nation, ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Nation, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, and tukʷaaʔatḥ Nation Government. Together our mission is to use the best available science, technology, and Indigenous ecological knowledge to restore damaged coastal ecosystems and rebuild wild salmon stocks
-
British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF). In 1969, a group of hunters and anglers associated with the BC Wildlife Federation were looking for ways to boost revenue for conservation and land acquisition to help conserve British Columbia’s rich wildlife and habitat. For over 50 years, BC Conservation Foundation has implemented conservation projects with a total value of over $200 million.
The Aquatic Research and Restoration Centre (ARRC) was rebranded in 2023 to better reflect the types of projects conducted across Vancouver Island. ARRC works in partnership with local First Nations, the provincial and federal governments, academic institutions, other environmental NGOs, stewardship groups, and private organizations. The ARRC team offers experience and expertise in aquatic research, restoration and project management, combined with an extensive history of successful project development, funding acquisition and implementation
-
is an Indigenous non-profit organization with an educational mission. We aim to enhance biocultural conservation by bringing together Indigenous and Western knowledge in Ethical Space. We support projects that emphasize Indigenous leadership in conservation, sustainable community development, reconciliation between Indigenous and newcomer societies, and innovative ways to (re)connect people with the environment. Our work is guided by the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) framework
Organizing Team
We are excited about strengthening and building relationships to co-create a community of restoration practice on Vancouver Island and in coastal watersheds.
Jessica Hutchinson
Redd Fish Restoration Society
Executive Director / Ecologist
Abby Sparling
Iisaak Olam Foundation
Westcoast IPCA Support Program Coordinator
Saul Milne
Ha’oom Fisheries Society
Strategic Advisor
Jadyn Patton
Redd Fish Restoration Society
Outreach Coordinator
Terry Dorwood
Iisaak Olam Foundation
Westcoast IPCA Support Program Director
Jess Edwards
Ha’oom Fisheries Society
Biologist
Jamieson Atkinson
BC Conservation Foundation
Program Manager
Anaïs Brussel
Iisaak Olam Foundation
Cultural Engagement and Program Coordinator
John Stewart
Cowichan Tribes
Marine Projects Supervisor
Daphnee Tuzlak
Redd Fish Restoration Society
Fluvial Geomorphologist
Wesley Frank
Redd Fish Restoration Society
Cultural Liaison/ Environmental Technician
Rachel Bevington
Stqeeye’ Learning Society
Restoration Project Coordinator
