Stories
Through storytelling, we aim to inspire and engage audiences by bringing visibility to communities and projects—celebrating First Nations models of conservation and the impact of the funded work on communities and ecosystems.
We also share grant announcements, media releases, reports, engagements, and co-development milestones through this page!
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Solutions and Resilience in the Skeena Watershed
SWCC is working to protect the Skeena Watershed and conserve wild salmon through research, education, and community-based stewardship grounded in cultural heritage—recognizing that stewardship is not only ecological but relational.
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Working together to map Chinook salmon habitat and identify thermal refugia in the Coldwater River
Salmon depend on healthy and resilient watersheds but the increasing amount of drought and flood events in the Nicola Region coupled with the growing impacts of climate change are negatively impacting their spawning habitat and freshwater systems. In 2024, Raincoast Conservation Foundation (Raincoast), in partnership with Scw’exmx Tribal Council (STC), and Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), completed a project assessing environmental flow needs and mapping thermal refuges in the Coldwater River, in the Nicola Valley, on the traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx Nations, near Merritt, BC. The Coldwater River is a snow-dominated watershed, meaning most of the water in…
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Watershed Security Fund Spring 2026 Grant Recipients
$6 Million supporting 26 community-led watershed projects across BC April 13, 2026 (Vancouver, BC / Xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ(Tsleil-Waututh) Nations) — The Watershed Security Fund (WSF), a partnership between the First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC), the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC), and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), is thrilled to announce the recipients of the third round of funding under the WSF Grants Program.$6 million is being distributed to 26 community-led projects across British Columbia. This critical resourcing is a positive step forward to advance watershed resiliency in the province while supporting biodiversity, fish habitat, and clean water. In addition to…
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Aunties of the Streams
In the streams and lakes of the Upper Fraser, an aquatic habitat monitoring program is taking place, led by two First Nations women, the Aunties of the Streams.
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Finance & Investment Committee
The Watershed Security Fund is fortunate to count on the collective wisdom, experience and leadership of the Finance & Investment Committee members.
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WSF Reception 2025
It was inspiring to see a room full of both new and familiar faces dedicated to safeguarding our watersheds and ecosystems while nurturing good relationships at the WSF Reception in Victoria.
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Annual Report 2024-2025
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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Watershed Security Fund Intake 2 Grant Recipients
The WSF is thrilled to announce nearly $7 million flowing to 28 watershed security projects across British Columbia.
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A Shared Vision for the Future
We are delighted to announce the release of the Watershed Security Fund’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.
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Watershed Security Fund Grant Recipients
Empowering Communities for Climate Resilience and Ecological Restoration in BC October 24, 2024 (Vancouver, BC/ xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations) – The First Nations Water Caucus – with the First Nations Fisheries Council of British Columbia (FNFC) – and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) proudly announce the inaugural recipients of the Watershed Security Fund grants. Almost $5 million will be distributed to 26 projects spanning seven watershed basins. These grants aim to bolster and rehabilitate communities’ resilience to climate change, support jobs, enhance regional food security, and safeguard fish, wildlife, and flora habitats. The Watershed…
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Annual Report
On behalf of all whose vision, relationships, and efforts contribute to the development of the Watershed Security Fund, we are pleased to submit our first Annual Report.
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Grants Working Group
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…
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Initiative to improve watershed resilience launches
The Watershed Security Fund is launching its first phase of support for watershed projects and initiatives, aiming to help communities address both urgent and long-term watershed needs.
