The WISP is currently working on three interconnected projects that offer opportunities to advance First Nations cultural, ecosystem stewardship, and economic priorities
1
The BigCoast Forest Climate Initiative
This long-term initiative is a commitment by Mosaic Forestry Management to voluntarily defer logging 40,000ha of old growth forest on the east coast of Vancouver Island and on Haida Gwaii. WISP is partnering with Mosaic to support all interested First Nations whose territories encompass the deferral area to develop an IPCA Strategy that can include: alternative economic development, sustainable housing solutions (IPCA EcoVillages), second growth/buffer area protection, and baseline research/species inventorying.
Sustainable Livelihoods Program
IPCA EcoVillages
Ecosystem Monitoring and Research
2
Westcoast IPCA Ambassador Program
The Westcoast IPCA Ambassador Program is designed for Indigenous peoples ages 18-35 who are members of First Nations along the west coast of BC. This program is about informing participants about the challenges and opportunities of conservation initiatives happening within their territories and providing them with the tools and resources to advocate for change.
Capacity Development
Knowledge Mobilization
Youth Training
The 2023 Westcoast IPCA Ambassador Program is pictured below. Please email Abby Sparling, wisp@ipcainnovation.ca, if you are a First Nations member on Vancouver Island (between the ages 18-35) interested in future programming opportunities.
3
The Indigenous-led West Coast Stewardship Corridor
Mission: to connect interested First Nations and communities who wish to participate along Vancouver Island, improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, fostering collaboration between First Nations, and creating a corridor of cultural and ecological connectivity based on our shared responsibilities and ancestral teachings.
Cultural Corridors
Ecosystem Restoration
Shared Responsibilities
Our Partners
Our Sponsors
