We are thrilled to share the Watershed Security Fund (WSF)’s Annual Report 2024-2025. The report highlights key milestones and lessons from our second year of co-developing the WSF.
“We know that water is the most important environmental, cultural, economic, and spiritual well-spring we have. In sharing this report, we extend gratitude to the leaders, advisors, partners, and individuals who have contributed to this journey.” — Stu Barnes and Mark Giford
Over the past two years, the First Nations Water Caucus (Water Caucus) – with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC), and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) have made progress in the co-development of the WSF. Interim partners work to ground all WSF activities in a whole-of-watershed approach that upholds our mutual commitments outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Activities include stewarding an interim grants program and co-developing a permanent co-governed entity to oversee, manage and grow the WSF over the long term.
Key Milestones & Deliverables 2024-2025
- 7 workplans confirmed for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
- Investment Working Group and finance staff made recommendations for investments in accordance with the investment allocation.
- Framework and value-aligned investment strategy.
- 26 projects totaling just under $5 million were approved in the first intake of the grants program; the grants program also held its second intake in fall 2025.
- Communications team worked with Indigenous Marketing Solutions to develop the WSF’s visual identity, logo and official website.
- WSF Strategic Plan 2025-2028 developed and published.
- Grow the Fund and Co-Development Working Groups approved for formation.
As we move into our third year of this work, we are excited to continue this journey of co-developing a sustainable and enduring funding stream for healthy watersheds and thriving communities across British Columbia.
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