Stewardship

The Nuxalk Stewardship Office (NSO) acts as the Alkw (spokesperson) for the Stataltmc (hereditary leadership) on the territory. The role of the NSO is to ensure Nuxalk lands and waters are managed in a sustainable way with respect for Nuxalk Ancestral Law. We support decision-making by informing and educating in a way that is respectful of leadership and benefits the Nation as a whole.

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The Marine Use department is engaged in a wide variety of different activities in Nuxalk territory including fisheries, oil-spill preparedness, commercial shipping, forestry, conservation, climate change adaptation and marine management. Our current focus areas are addressing the crisis in salmon stocks, the Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA), the development of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) network and a feasibility study with the federal government for a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR).

The department exists to implement the goals and objectives identified in the Nuxalk Marine Plan and the Central Coast Marine Plan. These plans guide decision-making processes in the territory, protect Nuxalk’s natural resources, and help to identify zones that need protecting.

Nuxalk Guardian Watchmen are the eyes and ears of Nuxalk territory and play a critical role in all aspects of stewardship. The Guardians conduct regular patrols and monitoring exercises throughout the territory checking for compliance and carrying out scientific studies and analysis on marine species. Guardians ensure that resources are sustainably managed, that rules and regulations are followed and that land and marine use agreements are implemented effectively.

The Nuxalk Guardian Watchmen are part of the larger network of Coastal Guardian Watchmen who have come together as a regional group to steward the coast, but function independently according to Nuxalk customs and protocol.

The Lands Department plays a vital role in the stewardship and preservation of the Nuxalk Nation Traditional Territory. The department is dedicated to managing and monitoring the vast and diverse lands within Nuxalk ancestral boundaries. With a deep understanding of the cultural heritage and a commitment to sustainable practices, this department strives to strike a harmonious balance between the needs of our community and the protection of our natural resources.

Additionally, the Lands Department are entrusted with the important task of developing the Nuxalk Nation Land Use Plan, which serves as a comprehensive framework for responsible land management and guides the future development and utilization of Nuxalk territory.

Through collaboration, consultation, and a holistic approach, the Lands Department is committed to ensuring the sustainable growth and prosperity of the Nuxalk Nation while honoring the traditions and values of Nuxalkmc.

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