Stewarding North Cascades Grizzly Bears
The Joint Nations Grizzly Bear Initiative was established to honour the cultural significance of grizzly bears to First Nations in southwest British Columbia and to steward their recovery in the North Cascades region.
S’ólh téméxw te íkw’elò. Xyólhmet te mekw’ stám ít kwelát.
This is our land. We have to take care of everything that belongs to us.
One of the guiding principles of our work at Stó:lō
The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Population
The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Population Unit is located in southwest B.C., crossing into northern Washington state. The population shares the unceded territories of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Stó:lo Nation, and Nlaka’pamux Nations.
The North Cascades ecosystem is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain spanning both sides of the Canada-US border. It was once home to a healthy transboundary population of grizzly bears.
The population shares the unceded terriroties of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Stó꞉lō Nation, and Nlaka’pamux Nations. They have close relationships with grizzly bears that are based on values of respect and reciprocity for the significant ecological, cultural, and spiritual roles that the grizzly bear hold.
Who we are – Our Steering Committee
The diversity of perspectives, responsibilities, and approaches of the committee members highlights the inclusive, collaborative approach of the Joint Nations Initiative.
First Nations
Holding the pen, providing indigenous knowledge, and serving as main decision-makers.
Representing bands and nations from the Stó:lō, Nlaka’pamux, St’at’imc, Secwépemc, and the Syilx Nations.
Government of BC
Providing capacity and resources for stewardship plan development and implementation.
Representatives from the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
Non-profits and SMEs
Providing funding, facilitation support, and western science.
Representatives from Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative, Michelle McClellan, and Tony Hamilton.
The Syilx people have always regarded ki?lawna? as one of our relatives who guides us, together with other living things, to respect the land and live in health.
