Grant Amount: $150,000
Intake Year: 2026
Region: South Coast
Project Theme: Watershed Collaboration, Planning & Governance and Land & Water-based Learning, Knowledge Sharing
Awi’nakola Foundation, in partnership with the Ma’amtagila Tribe Society, is leading this project to develop a community stewardship vision and collaborate on conservation objectives for one of the major watersheds in the territory: the A’ik’awalis (Adam) and Laxstu (Eve) River, north of Campbell River, Vancouver Island. These broad-valley river drainage systems are the two longest, low-relief river runs within Ma’amtagila Territory; their cold, slow flows support coho, chum, pink, chinook, sockeye and steelhead. This is the highest risk watershed with all species of salmon in Johnstone Strait. This project centers the broader cause of cultural resurgence through conservation planning that respects Ma’amtagila protocols and ways of life.
The community will identify potential partnerships, determine further requisite scientific support, and ultimately establish a roadmap for future stewardship that integrates cultural knowledge and sacred practices. Activities will include several Ma’amtagila community engagement sessions with the primary objective of enhancing community knowledge and developing a comprehensive plan for two watersheds and surrounding territories. Additionally, the project will engage youth, Elders, knowledge holders, and healers to share ceremonial practices tied to their awi’nagwis (land).