Small but Mighty Marine Guardian Program Makes Strides in Data Collection and Monitoring

The QENTOL, YEN / W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians have recently been featured in a blog post from UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law. The post highlights the benefits of Indigenous Guardians in terms of environmental protection and upholding Indigenous laws. Specifically, the QENTOL,YEN Marine Guardians Program is recognized for our dedication to protecting the KELŁOLEMEĆEN (killer whales) and upholding the important relationship between W̱SÁNEĆ peoples and the KELŁOLEMEĆEN that has existed for many generations. Since the program’s beginning, we have been able to fill gaps in existing data, better understand KELŁOLEMEĆEN behaviours, and partner with other organizations and Nations to improve data collection and research.

However, many Indigenous Guardian programs are limited to being the “eyes and ears” of their traditional territories without the authority to enforce regulations or punish non-compliance. The legitimacy of Indigenous law should be recognized by the government of Canada by allowing Nations to have authority over their territories and empowering those who have been successful stewards since time immemorial.

Click below to read the blog post.