Land, Territory, and Stewardship

What Stewardship Means / Ce que signifie l’intendance

Stewardship (l’intendance) is the responsibility to take care of the land and water. The Coast Salish Peoples teach that humans are part of the environment, not separate from it. Caring for the earth is an act of respect (le respect).
When someone practices stewardship, they might clean beaches, replant trees, or protect salmon streams. These actions show love and responsibility (la responsabilité) for the natural world. True stewardship means thinking about how our choices affect future generations (les générations futures).

Treaties and Shared Responsibility / Les traités et la responsabilité partagée

In British Columbia, most of the land is unceded, meaning no treaty (le traité) was signed to give it up. This makes BC unique — people live, work, and go to school on land that still belongs to Indigenous Nations.
Treaties are agreements (les accords) that describe how land and resources (le partage des ressources) can be shared. Some early treaties, like the Douglas Treaties on Vancouver Island, were made in the 1800s. Today, new modern treaties and partnerships aim to build fairer relationships between governments and Indigenous communities.
Shared responsibility means everyone — Indigenous and non-Indigenous people — has a role in caring for the environment.

Indigenous-Led Conservation / La conservation dirigée par les Premiers Peuples

Across BC, many Indigenous Nations lead projects to protect and restore ecosystems. They monitor salmon, replant eelgrass beds, and bring back traditional burning or forest management practices. These community-led projects connect science with traditional knowledge (la sagesse traditionnelle).
For example, some Coast Salish Nations have worked to restore clam gardens and salmon streams. These projects create healthier habitats while also restoring cultural practices. When people combine Indigenous teachings with modern tools, the results benefit the whole ecosystem.

Explore and Reflect / À explorer et réfléchir

Explore maps that show traditional territories of Coast Salish Nations. Notice how land, rivers, and ocean are all connected.
Read about local community projects that protect salmon, kelp, or forests. Ask yourself: How can I help care for this place?