“We aim to collaboratively develop a foundation and structure for a long-lasting watershed fund that upholds reconciliation, collaborative stewardship, and healthy relationships. Our approach will be holistic and whole-of-watershed, acknowledging water as a sacred and vital source fundamental to healthy communities, environments, and economies. As such, our watershed investments will reflect their value to all living things.”
Lydia Hwitsum, Co-Commissioner, First Nations Water Caucus, and member of the Watershed Security Fund Joint Executive
In March 2023, the Province of BC announced a commitment of $100 million to launch the formation of the Watershed Security Fund – a durable, growing base of permanent funding support that would be co-developed and co-governed with First Nations rights holders, and in partnership with multi-interest stakeholders from across BC.
This past year, the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) and the First Nations Water Caucus (Water Caucus) – with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) as Secretariat to the Water Caucus and the Province of BC as advisors – have been honoured to be working closely together to create the relationships and effective systems of collaboration that will enable long-term, permanent contributions and impacts of the Fund.
On behalf of all whose vision, relationships, and efforts contribute to the development of the Watershed Security Fund, we are pleased to share our first Annual Report. The Report highlights our progress, achievements, and learnings in the first year of the Fund’s co-development process. It points to how we will work together respectfully and meaningfully to support its aspirations.
Key Milestones & Deliverables 2023-2024
- REFBC & FNFC Partnership Agreement signed effective April 1, 2023
- Commitment to Action & Joint Venture Structure between the First Nations Water Caucus, REFBC, and FNFC signed effective December 15, 2023
- Workplans: 8 Areas of work confirmed & 6 work plans confirmed
- Investments Working Group Terms of Reference confirmed, 5 meetings held (Sep, Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb) & recommended Asset Mix Allocation confirmed
- Joint Executive Terms of Reference & 3 Meetings (Dec, Feb, March)
- Joint Management Terms of Reference & 2 Meetings (Jan & Feb)
- Finance & Investment Committee Terms of Reference confirmed
- Grants Working Group formed, Water Caucus delegates confirmed & Draft Terms of Reference confirmed
- Communications Backgrounder, temporary website launch, and brand development with Indigenous Marketing Solutions
- Communications Strategy & Framework confirmed
A big thank you to the staff, advisors, and community partners who play an integral role and have invested a tremendous amount of energy and thoughtful collaboration into this work. We are excited to see what the future holds as we continue this inspiring, impactful, and healing journey together.
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