October 6, 2022
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil
Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council is calling on the
provincial and federal governments to prioritize and sustainably resource watershed
restoration and protection including the immediate establishment of a Watershed
Security Fund by 2023 as part of a response to the unprecedented drought.
Five major river basins in BC remain in Level 4 category drought as the province
endures continued record-breaking weather patterns. These watersheds, including
West and East Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and Fort
Nelson basin are home to over 85 First Nations and nearly 80% of BC’s population.
Imminent investments in watershed resiliency are required to mitigate the impacts of
global warming.