Skip to content We’ve seen a lot of our places destroyed. If we have a law, will it cover forests? We need the power, we need something to protect them.” -Bill Howard
“It’s important that we do this the Mowachaht/ Muchalaht way. This is our way, our protocol that you have to follow. You have to ask for our permission.” -Tony Dick
“There’s so much that needs to be looked after. We can’t do it ourselves, they need to help. We need to bring the youth in to help in this work.” -Bruce Mark
Presently, the Salmon Parks Guardian team consists of one Senior Guardian, a Junior Guardian and several technicians.
Current Salmon Parks Guardian Projects and Partnerships:
Engaging river restoration for salmon habitat. Through the Two Billion Trees program MMFN Guardians and Technicians are planting deciduous stakes along the river edges to promote more vegetation to block sediment erosion. This large project is led by Nootka Sound Watershed Society, in partnership with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations (MMFN), Salmon Parks Stewardship Society, Trinity Consultants Canada (formerly Ecofish Research Ltd.), Nootka Reforestation Ltd., Western Forest Products, and Far North Contracting.
Find more project details here: https://www.nootkasound.info/2-billion-trees
Mapping and monitoring habitat for ungulates (elk and deer) and endangered bird populations, including Marbled Murrelet, Northern Goshawk and Western Screech Owl.
Gathering information about important medicinal and cultural plants, under the guidance of MMFN Elders and Knowledge Holders.
Building in-house GIS and mapping capacity to better manage information about the lands and waters in the MMFN hahuułi (traditional territories).
Educating community members, visitors and, most importantly, MMFN children and youth about the stewardship work being carried out by Salmon Parks. Recently, the Guardian team welcomed youth from Gold River Secondary school to join them planting willow along the Oktwanch River.
Why is Guardian work so meaningful to the Salmon Parks Guardian team members?
“The work is important to MMFN as cultural learning exercise and long-term education process. The work ensures the protection and sustainability of cultural resources for future generations, for years to come.” Jamie James – Senior Guardian
“I think it’s important for our younger generation to see Indigenous people working directly on the land and who care about our territory.” Selena Lord- Junior Guardian
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