“For our purposes, consumer grade Samsung tablets with water resistant cases were the best choice for data collection. We don't need more expensive units that are built for use in ice and snow, and this way, if something happens to the tablet, we don't have to pay a lot to replace it.”  

"We started out looking at the basic training that people needed to be in the field. Based on the priorities of Nations involved, we hired specialists to develop specific manuals and training for eel grass surveys, prawns, seals, etc. Then we moved to training on how to approach visitors and educate them about their territory. We developed a standardized training package with another network of First Nations as well as in partnership with a university. This allowed us to access bigger funding because we were working collaboratively, and now we have a 2 year training program."

“Who your trainers are can be key. Consider whether you are delivering training in a classroom, in a healing lodge, or at the site you will be collecting information. What supports do you have? How do you make sure people are supported? How do you ensure people can put their new skills to use so that training is linked to real world opportunities?"

It makes me feel proud to be a Guardian, to hear other people recognize the beauty of my home and people always leave with a better understanding of our work, our culture, and the importance of stewarding our lands and waters for future generations. 

We're here to inform people who come to our territory and to inspire a shift in how people view and use our lands.

“Strong ties with the community are strengthened through the monitor’s daily patrols. People are proud to share information with them. There is a high level of respect for the work they do.”

   
“Guardians bring people back to the land. The land is sacred -- it is their power. Bring youth and elders together, where duty and responsibility can be passed on.” 

Government agencies and staff can no longer point fingers at Gitanyow and say that Gitanyow hunting is part of the problem with the moose population decline. Between our harvest monitoring and our own research into the causes of the moose population decline, including taking government to court, the BC government has no scientific footing to make accusations against Gitanyow. We collect our own data and conduct our own research, and data and information are power for Gitanyow.

“In Lutsel Ke, every boat has a couple of kids in it and their role is to do nothing more than absorb and learn. Although it is informal, it's still called ‘nahatni dene’ or learn while doing. Folks with the program for 4-5 years have “graduated” but sometimes don’t have navigation skills or confidence so they go out to learn with more experienced senior land users.”

“Conservation Officers have told us that what we are doing to monitor and manage moose harvesting is precedent setting.”

Monitoring programs need to address the issue of thresholds and acceptable levels of change. Rather than just collect data, the design of the program should inform a conversation about the levels of development that are acceptable.

True community-engaged research occurs when members of communities and research-based institutions collaborate throughout the research process towards shared outcomes

In our experience, you should start with a data collection method that has buy-in. If you are trying to influence the province, ensure they have reviewed your monitoring method and buy into it. The more data we collect, the more we become experts in terms of the moose on Gitanyow territory and on hunting and management issues. If things do go to court, we have all this background information that will be important in influencing the decision. They will do what they can to pick apart your data, so having a qualified professional sign off on the data and research helps.

It’s vital that the data collected through monitoring programs is accessible and meaningful to the community, so that people can participate in the understanding of what is going on out on the land, and how the data being collected informs decision making on natural resource management.