Working With Indigenous Peoples
The Trust is grateful to operate on the unceded, traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt, Syilx and Lheidli T’enneh Nations. The Trust also recognizes the diverse Indigenous Peoples living throughout the Basin who are not members of these Nations, such as members of the six Métis Chartered Communities and members of other Indigenous Nations who reside within the Basin.
The Trust seeks to build mutually supportive and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples through a responsive and flexible approach. The Trust is working with Indigenous Communities to help them address their needs and is committed to being open and exploring various roles to support Indigenous Peoples within our unique mandate and context.
Integrated Work
As an integrated priority, the Trust has integrated working with indigenous people into its strategic priorities by supporting:
- First Nations Housing Sustainability Initiative supports First Nations communities in the Basin to enhance and increase their community’s affordable rental housing
- The Ecosystem Enhancement program supports and strengthens ecosystem health and improve ecological health and native biodiversity in the region
- Land Acquisition grants support local governments, First Nations communities and non-profit organizations to acquire land, buildings or land-based infrastructure for public purposes
- Community Readiness Program supports First Nation communities’ ability to meet their needs during emergencies and disasters such as floods, wildfires or sustained power outages
- Community Development Program supports the efforts of First Nation communities to address community challenges and opportunities