Forum History

In 2018 the First Nations-BC Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum (the Forum) was formed as an innovative way to obtain perspectives from over 40 First Nations participants across British Columbia, as the Province mandated the commitment to “improve wildlife management and habitat conservation”. Participants included elected Chiefs and councillors, hereditary Chiefs, treaty directors, wildlife biologists and members from both historic and modern treaties and non-treaty nations who were knowledgeable about wildlife ad natural resource management.

The Forum co-developed significant aspects of the Together for Wildlife Strategy including Goal 5 “Advancing Reconciliation: A Shared Path with Indigenous Governments”, as well as four proposed amendments to the Wildlife Act. The Forum members agreed to continue their role with the approval of Together for Wildlife strategy in 2020.

Today, the Forum is comprised of provincial government staff and participants from 30 First Nations from across British Columbia who provide advice to the Province to improve its laws, policies, and regulations with respect to wildlife and habitat stewardship and conservation in the true spirit of reconciliation.

The Forum is intended to have a technical and advisory focus, not political or advocacy. Thus, the work of the Forum its membership does not represent nor replace B.C.’s fiduciary duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples.

Forum Mandate

Vision

Wildlife and habitat in the Province of British Columbia are thriving, Indigenous rights and responsibilities and title are meaningfully respected, and there is a cooperative relationship with Crown governments that benefits everyone who calls British Columbia home.

Mission

We will achieve this vision by practicing the teachings of our ancestors, following the best of Indigenous knowledge systems and western science for wildlife and habitat stewardship, adhering to open and transparent relations amongst all parties, and keeping the best interests of future generations in mind.

For a full description of the Forum’s scope and governance model see the First Nations-BC Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum Terms of Reference document (220KB PDF).

Implementing the Together for Wildlife Strategy

Through the Forum, the Province collaborated with Indigenous communities and stakeholders to ‘co-produce’ potential solutions for wildlife and habitat conservation and stewardship, which led to the development of the Together for Wildlife strategy. This strategy was built over an 18-month period and was designed to reflect the rich dialogue and diversity of perspectives on wildlife stewardship by British Columbians, including discussions with Indigenous communities, rural communities, academic institutions and a wide range of resource industry, conservation, hunter, trapper, guide, recreation and tourism stakeholder organizations, as well as the public.

The principles of the Strategy are used to define five goals and 24 actions that create the foundation for the way forward. These principles are: trust, collaboration, respect, responsiveness, recognition, transparency, accountability, evidence-based decisions, balance, innovation, and interconnectedness.

Read the Together for Wildlife Strategy document here

Our Working Groups

The Forum’s working groups support the implementation of the Together for Wildlife Strategy.

Wildlife and Habitat Policy Working Group

This working group supports Action 20 of the Together for Wildlife Strategy to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into wildlife stewardship decision-making.

Communication and Education Working Group

We will achieve this vision by practicing the teachings of our ancestors, following the best of Indigenous knowledge systems and western science for wildlife and habitat stewardship, adhering to open and transparent relations amongst all parties, and keeping the best interests of future generations in mind.

Shared Decision-Making Working Group Implementing the Together for Wildlife Strategy

This working group supports Actions 18 and 23 of the Together for Wildlife strategy. Action 18 is to advance shared decision-making, and Action 23 is to build capacity to implement the strategy.