The WSF Grants Working Group is comprised of a diverse group of leaders with deep experience and connection to regional watershed needs and communities in BC. Individually and collectively, the Working Group Members hold extensive knowledge relevant to addressing urgent and long-term watershed security needs across BC and are generously providing their learning and insights to support the development of an evolving innovative multi-year co-developed WSF funding program and permanent entity.
We are deeply grateful for the group’s collaborative leadership and wisdom in support of our collective learning and development of a long-term BC’s Watersheds Security Fund.
Grants Working Group Members
The Watershed Security Fund is fortunate to benefit from the collective wisdom, experience and leadership of the members of the Grants Working Group:
- Lydia Hwitsum, Co-Commissioner, First Nations Water Caucus (Cowichan Nation)
- Teena Demeulemeester, Delegate, First Nations Water Caucus (Saulteau First Nation)
- Deana Machin, Delegate, First Nations Water Caucus (Syilx (Okanagan) Nation)
- Brodie Guy, Chief Executive Officer, Island Coastal Economic Trust
- Tara Marsden/Naxginkw, Consultant, Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions (Gitanyow Huwilp, Gitksan peoples)
- Tim Morris, Director, BC Water Legacy
- Ione Smith, Senior Agrologist, Upland Agricultural Consulting
Working Group Members are encouraged to contribute their own unique perspectives and are not representing the views or positions of their respective Nation, community or organization.
Background & Selection Process
In February 2024, the WSF Joint Executive confirmed a decision to convene a Grants Working Group to support the co-development, design and implementation of the WSF Grants Program. A draft Terms of Reference has been confirmed in principle and is being finalized with the Working Group members.
The Grants Working Group is comprised of 3-4 delegates of the First Nations Water Caucus and 3-4 external members, with at least 50% of the membership being First Nations.
Three Water Caucus delegates volunteered to participate on the Grants Working Group: Teena Demeulemeester, Lydia Hwitsum, and Deana Machin. The Water Caucus Members worked with the WSF partners to identify and develop recommendations regarding the 4 external members, who were confirmed by the Joint Executive in March 2024. Complementary experience was sought as follows:
- Knowledge and experience relevant to addressing urgent and long-term watershed security needs in territories across B.C.
- Philanthropic and grantmaking experience, considered valuable
- Cross sector understanding, particularly in agriculture, considered valuable
- Geographic diversity among the members in their understanding or connections to regional watershed needs and communities.
Collectively, the Members of the Working Group bring knowledge and experience relevant to addressing urgent and long-term watershed security needs in territories across B.C., such as through:
- Reconciliation and advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Restoring and maintaining ecosystem services and watershed health
- Climate resiliency
- Local watershed governance, planning & monitoring initiatives
- Job creation and economic stimulus
- Learning and relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities