Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture
Guardians of the Land
The earth beneath our feet has been travelled by our ancestors for countless generations. Seeds have been replanted, grass has withered and regrown, seasons have come and gone, and Indigenous Peoples have continued to protect, care and honour their sacred lands.
As modernity and colonization have taken their toll on traditional territories, the Indigenous Peoples of Xa’xtsa First Nation in British Columbia are looking to reclaim their title of stewards of the land.
Designed in collaboration with the Xa’xtsa Chief and Council, the Nation’s TTQ Economic Development Corporation (TTQ) is introducing the Land Guardians Program. The program will compile findings from land guardians on the use, management and governance of traditional territories and on plants, forests, fish and wildlife. Data will be reported to Chief and Council and be used to support TTQ engagement with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community. The program will formalize the reporting processes that are inclusive of Indigenous Knowledge and Science in decision-making at leadership level.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is contributing funding to ensure the initiative can continue operating with no barriers. Funds will be allocated to TTQ for the purchase of a reliable vehicle that can adeptly traverse challenging terrain and cover long distances in any weather. With the proper equipment, environmental challenges will no longer be an issue and Guardians can access, monitor and protect the regions that need it the most.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers will be pillars of the program to ensure culture and language are integrated into every aspect. The traditional names of animals, landmarks, songs and Nation practices will be used throughout the program and in documentation. The Land Guardians Program responds to the Xa’xtsa First Nations Cultural Heritage policy and upholds the Nation’s guiding principles.
Archdiocese of Vancouver
