Project Description
Image by B.Deroy
Xwulqw’selu Watershed Planning Agreement
On May 12, 2023 Cowichan Tribes First Nation and the Province of British Columbia signed a precedent-setting Watershed Planning Agreement (S-xats-thut tst) for the Xwulqw’selu Watershed.
The Watershed Planning Agreement builds on three years of government-to-government work by Cowichan Tribes and the Province; Compass began supporting the effort in 2021, with a focus on facilitating the development of the Plan governance structure and process.
The signing marked the launch of the planning process.
This will be the province’s first Water Sustainability Plan developed under the Water Sustainability Act and will address the “whole of watershed” needs – those of the flora, fauna, land, and the communities that depend on the watershed – in the development of long-term water solutions.
Cowichan Tribes and the Province agree to jointly lead the planning process and approach decisions as equal authorities with distinct legal traditions and responsibilities. The Agreement is informed by 11 Quw’utsun snuw’uy’ulh (teachings) and ensures that local Indigenous values guide the process and provide a foundation for an enduring and respectful co-governance relationship.
Compass is supporting the G2G planning and shared decision-making process in the roles of Joint Executive Director and Technical & Planning Facilitator.
