Wei Wai Kum Guardians play a vital role in upholding the Nation’s responsibility to care for our lands, waters, and resources. Guided by our cultural laws, values, and stewardship responsibilities, and integrating modern science, the Guardians maintain an active presence throughout our territory to protect ecosystems, cultural sites, and traditional use areas for present and future generations.
The Guardians are leading new restoration projects around fish and fish habitat, and engaging on Nation-specific management goals and priorities. The Guardians monitor environmental conditions, support compliance with land and marine use regulations, and document activities occurring within the territory. Their work helps ensure that resource development, research, and recreational use respect Wei Wai Kum rights, protocols, and environmental standards.
In addition to monitoring and reporting, the Guardians contribute to cultural revitalization by supporting traditional food harvesting, land based learning, and youth engagement opportunities. They work closely with other programs in the Department of Stewardship and Resource Management, as well as the Nation’s hereditary leadership and partner agencies to strengthen Nation led stewardship and decision making.
Through their daily presence on the land and water, the Guardians embody Wei Wai Kum’s commitment to maya’xala and to strengthening our rights and responsibilities within our territory.
The Cultural Heritage Program
The Cultural Heritage Program supports the protection and management of archaeological and cultural heritage resources throughout Wei Wai Kum First Nation territory. The program plays an important role in identifying, protecting, monitoring, and managing culturally significant sites and areas while helping to preserve Wei Wai Kum history, knowledge, and connections to the land for future generations.
The Kelp Team
The Kelp Team manages the operations of the new marine plant aquaculture sites, and supports marine stewardship, restoration, and research initiatives that contribute to ecosystem health, food security, and sustainable resource management. Working with partners, including North Island College, the team supports seaweed research and kelp restoration initiatives, including the operation of a seaweed research farm that transformed former industrial salmon pens into marine plant nurseries. The team also contributes to ongoing kelp monitoring and survey work that informs stewardship decision-making and supports Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s growing involvement in sustainable marine resource management and blue economy opportunities.