Illegal Logging Shows Need for Expansion of Indigenous Guardian Programs

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As First Nations across British Columbia grapple to regain control of unceded territories they have occupied and protected for thousands of years, the recent outbreak of illegal logging in the Great Bear Rainforest. The Forest Appeals Board ruling raises serious concerns about the state’s ability to monitor timber harvesting. Commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation. At the same time, it demonstrates the greater role Indigenous Peoples can play in helping the province improve regulatory compliance and environmental protection across British Columbia.

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Between 2016 and 2020, Bigfoot Forest Products illegally harvested $226,000 worth of timber from outside of authorized licensed areas in the traditional territory of the Wei Wai Kumu Indigenous People. After an investigation, the Department of Forestry, the state agency charged with managing and protecting the state’s most precious natural resources, determined that a fine of $12,000 was appropriate. This surprisingly low sum allowed him to send only two messages to companies operating in a similar fashion.

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An appeal by the Forest Practices Board has raised the fine to about $132,000, but the new message says illegal loggers can keep half of their income even if they are caught.

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it’s not enough. When Bigfoot Forest Products robbed the state of its precious timber and unpaid stump fees, the cherished cedars, whose cultural and archaeological value far exceeded their monetary value, were preserved for current and future generations Wei Wai Kum. taken from the natives. Recorded areas include registered sites such as culturally modified trees and large “memorial cedars” used by Wei Wai Kum sculptors for totem poles, canoes, and long beams and pillars of community buildings. was included. Illegal logging has also deprived the sensitive ecosystem of old-growth trees, which play a very important role in protecting biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Thankfully, the illegal harvest was reported by the Wei Wai Kum Guardian. It had been reported by a former employee of the company a year ago, but the ministry took no action due to resource constraints.

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Around the state, Indigenous guardians are the eyes and ears of our nation. By monitoring the ongoing illegal logging of trees, illegal hunting, poaching of wildlife, violations of fire bans, and disruption of archaeological sites such as cemeteries and shell mounds, they help to protect local ecosystems and communities within our territories. Protect cultural resources. Also marine accidents, environmental data collection and research, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, archaeological surveys, evaluation of resource exploitation inquiries, local, state and federal land use It also plays an important role in ensuring adherence to the plan.

Through training in Western science and local knowledge based on thousands of years of environmental stewardship, Indigenous guardians are empowering state governments to monitor their lands, enforce regulatory compliance, and prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. is being strengthened.

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Unfortunately, there are too few Indigenous guardian programs statewide. In the northern part of Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland, only 20 Guardians monitor her six nation-held territories within the Nanwakora Council. It takes only 20 of him to ensure the health and protection of her eight million acres, home to some of the world’s most breathtaking, critical and vulnerable ecosystems. That’s not enough.

To expand and empower B.C.’s Guardian Program to provide meaningful long-term career options for Indigenous youth while playing a vital role in supporting state governments , more training and resources are needed now.

Fortunately, Indigenous Guardians represent a cost-effective workforce for state budgets struggling with multiple priorities and cost pressures. Confirmed in a recent business case report. The high end gives participating nations her 20-to-1 annual return. ”

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BC’s Guardian Program has already shown how much the government and First Nations can achieve through cooperation and cooperation. BC’s greater support for the Guardian Program also demonstrates the state’s commitment to the Indigenous Rights Declaration Act.

Chris Roberts is the Chief of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. Dallas Smith is the president of the Nanwakolas Council.

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