“Scientific research work has been a game changer in terms of dynamics at negotiating tables – we now have published data that is better than DFO’s data and are willing to share it.”

“Regular communication keeps people informed and on board. Engage your community at the front end about their concerns and priorities and then communicate with them once the guardians are out on the land. Share information at community events, on Facebook, in community newsletters or by inviting community members to come out and see what the guardians are doing.”  

“We respect our youth, we honour the role they will play in all of our futures and we accept our responsibilities to them with open commitment and a strong sense of responsibility. To that end we seek to provide them an opportunity to experience social and educational success, a strong sense of cultural connections, a strong attachment to traditional Heiltsuk values and the self-confidence to be bold in their leadership.”  

Creating space for people to come together in person is so important - building relationships from the ground-up between individuals and communities is a critical part of developing an effective network. And a network needs to meet the needs of it's member communities and be responsive and nimble as opportunities and issues arise.

“We hold regular meetings with agency staff and Conservation Officers. We give them a chance to meet with members and Chiefs. It takes a while to build trust, both ways. It has been helpful to get out into the field where the monitors and Conservation Officers have a lot of interaction.”

“Miawpukek First Nation monitors and enforces the commercial fishery through an AFS. If anything happens in our territory we are the first to be contacted, prior to the feds and the province."