Collecting and preserving our environmental knowledge for future generations
The Matawa member First Nations are connected through the waters of their homelands, a vast area of approximately 180, 000 km2 . But the waters are changing…
Even in this largely untouched landscape, changes to the waters, foods, medicines and animals are observed daily and threaten the well-being and traditional values of our members. Our communities are facing unprecedented environmental changes from proposed industrial and infrastructure developments, in addition to the unpredictable impacts from a changing climate.
Our communities intend to take the leading role in the active stewardship of the lands and waters within their homelands.
In 2018, the Matawa member First Nations committed to establishing an Indigenous Guardians program which will support active stewardship of the lands and waters.
All stewardship initiatives will be guided by and centered in community values, priorities, and processes and will provide opportunities to engage and involve our Elders, youth, and all membership to share Traditional Knowledge and build internal capacity.