Protect your local watershed today.

The Community in Nature Guide outlines the steps we took to begin the process of Nature-Directed Stewardship in our local watersheds. Download the Guide to learn how you can use it to start this process in your own watershed.

Download the Guide

Truth and Reconciliation Statement and Land Acknowledgement

Neighbours United acknowledges that it is based in the unceded and ancestral təmxʷulaʔxʷ (traditional territory) of the Snʕickstx (Sinixt) Peoples, with staff also working on the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa and Blackfoot Peoples.

Neighbours United acknowledges that colonization has had, and continues to have, a destructive and devastating impact on the recognition, rights and autonomy of the Hereditary Indigenous Caretakers of the lands where we currently live and work.

Indigenous Peoples never surrendered their lands or rights, and as a result we pledge to work with Indigenous Peoples on true reconciliation with the Earth and each other. Neighbours United representatives commit to learn individually and collectively about the Indigenous Peoples whose lands they are on as part of their work, while working for Neighbours United, in order to establish and maintain ongoing respectful relationships.

The reports authored by settlers do not adequately address the importance of ecosystem integrity for Indigenous Peoples. Written colonial language does not have the capacity to capture the values associated with inter-generational stewardship, synergistic coexistence, and spiritual and communal connections to these unceded ancestral and traditional lands that have been present since time immemorial. 

Statement provided by the Ktunaxa Nation Council

Why do we need to protect our watersheds?

Communities are searching for ways to keep their drinking water clean and safe from the worst effects fo climate change like extreme flooding, draught and forest fire.

The Cultural Land Assessment explores the cultural significance of the Laird and Glade watersheds, written by Taress Alexix, Smum iem Representative of the Sinixt.
The Glade Background Report takes a look at the settler history of Glade and how the current community is working towards building a secure, safe watershed and maintaining access to clean drinking water.
The Laird Background Report takes a look at the settler history of Laird and how the current community is working towards building a secure, safe watershed and maintaining access to clean drinking water.
The Community Values Summary Report shares the community values survey results for those participating in the Community in Nature project.

What have we learned about watersheds?

Research shows that healthy, intact watersheds function to provide us with clean drinking water, protect us from climate disruption such as flooding, landslides and drought, and play a key role in helping our ecosystems maintain biodiversity. Hover over the icons on the right to explore these and other ways we value watersheds.

How do we create a paradigm shift in the way we interact with nature?

Understanding our natural environ-ment is the first step to create lasting change. As we create awareness about the value of our ecosystems within our communities, industries, and government, we can all work together to preserve our natural resources for years to come.

View the Nature-Directed Stewardship Report

How do we plan for healthy watersheds?

The most up to date research shows that healthy natural environments help prevent the worst effects of climate change disasters and naturally keep drinking water clean. Here’s how to start planning for healthy watersheds.

Click map to view RDCK Area E watersheds

How do we work towards watershed security.

This section talks about the need to organize, participate and take action.

How to be in Right Relationship with Indigenous PeopleWatershed Governance

Thank you to our project funders: