At the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (IWI), our work supporting First Nation communities seeks to honour the deep, rich, and sacred relationships they have with the waters and lands of their homelands.

Watersheds hold profound significance for First Nations communities as they are integral to their cultural, spiritual, and physical well-being. These vital ecosystems, encompassing rivers, lakes, wetlands, and surrounding lands, play a pivotal role in sustaining traditional ways of life for many Indigenous peoples. Watersheds serve as sources of nourishment, providing fish, plants, and other resources crucial to traditional diets. Additionally, these environments often hold sacred value, connecting First Nations to their ancestors and spiritual practices. As caretakers of land and water, First Nations recognize the delicate balance within watersheds and the necessity of preserving them for future generations. The well-being of these ecosystems directly influences the overall health and resilience of the community, making the conservation and sustainable management of watersheds not merely an environmental and economic concern but also a fundamental aspect of cultural preservation for First Nations.

The Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (IWI) is a three-year initiative (2022-2025) that is supporting Indigenous-led and co-led projects that advance holistic watershed health and security. IWI is funding and supporting 49 projects in British Columbia in advancing models for watershed security that are rooted in long-term resilience, local values, and Indigenous Rights and Title. Through accessible, responsive grant making, our approach works to advance UNDRIP and facilitate shared learning and connections among project teams. Sharing the stories and impacts resulting from First Nation’s leadership in communities across the province is an important part of our work.