About Us
On March 6, 2023, the Province of British Columbia and the B.C.-First Nations Water Table jointly announced an initial $100-million investment from the Province of B.C. to establish the creation of an independent Watershed Security Fund.
The efforts to realize the Watershed Security Fund have been ongoing for years through work at the B.C.-First Nations Water Table, calls to action by a broad network of water champions, strong public support for investments in watersheds, through previous watershed funding and many other endeavours.
Interim Governance
The First Nations Water Caucus–with the First Nations Fisheries Council of BC acting as its secretariat–and the Real Estate Foundation of BC are providing interim stewardship for the Watershed Security Fund.
Together, the interim partners are working to create a permanent entity to oversee, manage and grow the Fund over the long term. The Province of B.C. acts in an advisory role to the interim Fund.
Through innovative approaches and strategic partnerships, we aim to address the urgent and long-term needs of watersheds while upholding our commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC) is comprised of the First Nation delegates who participate at the joint B.C.-First Nations Water Table (Water Table).
The Water Table addresses water and watershed security issues of concern between First Nations in B.C. and the Province through co-development and consensus. FNWC was first convened by FNFC in June 2022 and has worked with the Province at the Water Table over the past two years to co-develop a prospective Watershed Security Strategy for B.C.
The First Nations Fisheries Council of BC (FNFC) is a non-profit society dedicated to building processes, capacity, and relationships to help First Nations influence the planning and management of aquatic resources in BC.
As the secretariat for the First Nations Water Caucus, FNFC plays a vital role in carrying out key operational work to achieve its goals and priorities, including supporting the co-development of the Watershed Security Fund.
The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) is a philanthropic organization advancing sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use across what is referred to as British Columbia.
REFBC collaborates with a broad network of First Nations, governments and partners in advancing watershed security through grants, research and convening—including co-leading the Healthy Watersheds Initiative with Watersheds BC and supporting the co-development of the Watershed Security Fund.
Our Joint Venture Structure
To govern our interim work, we have a Commitment to Action between the partners that provides the governance framework and structure for our shared work.
This framework includes a Joint Executive with delegates from each of the partners, support from the Province in an advisory role, and input from several working groups comprised of internal and external members.
The Joint Executive provides leadership and sets the strategic direction of the work, establishing and supporting the interim vision of the Watershed Security Fund.
We are very grateful to have the following members of the Joint Executive guide this work:
Lydia Hwitsum
Co-Commissioner
First Nations Water Caucus
Hugh Braker
Co-Commissioner
First Nations Water Caucus
Mavis Underwood
REFBC Appointee (Former Governor)
Leslie Dickie
REFBC Governor
Mark Gifford
CEO
REFBC
Stu Barnes
Executive Director
FNFC
BC representatives (ADM or Director) from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship have an advisory role.
Working Groups and Committees
Working groups are comprised of diverse groups of leaders with deep knowledge, experience and regional insights to support the development of innovative processes and systems for the Watershed Security Fund programs. Members are encouraged to contribute their own unique perspectives and are not representing the views or positions of their respective Nation, community or organization.
Our Logo
Represented in a Nuu-chah-nulth art style, the eagle symbolizes the care of Indigenous peoples for our environment. Widely regarded as a symbol of wisdom, love and vision, eagles are also heavily reliant on watersheds, following the flow of salmon up and down the streams and rivers, into lakes and oceans.
The eagle also cradles watershed symbols within its wings, reminding us that it is crucial to bring together both Western and Indigenous knowledge in the protection of our watersheds.
Our logo was designed by Bayja Morgan-Banke with Indigenous Marketing Solutions.
Have questions?
The work to co-develop the WSF is new and innovative. As we move ahead in good ways, we are learning as we go and taking the time to build the relationships, systems, and structures required for an enduring permanent WSF.
Below you will find some frequently asked questions that will provide some clarity on the work ahead. For Grant Program-related questions, please visit our Grants Page.