Guiding Principles
Our water stewardship approach is guided by four core principles:
- Collaboration: Stewardship is a shared responsibility. ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to working alongside governments, neighbouring Indigenous Nations, environmental organizations, residents, businesses, property owners, lake users and community groups.
- Respect for knowledge systems: We believe the strongest decisions are informed by both Indigenous Knowledge and Western science. Generations of lived experience on these waters provide valuable insight into environmental change, cultural values and ecosystem health. Scientific research helps provide measurable data and technical understanding.
- Structure with flexibility: Water stewardship is a long-term process. As new information becomes available, stewardship planning will continue to adapt while staying guided by clear objectives and evidence-based decisions.
- Transparency: We are committed to sharing information openly. As research and engagement activities continue, we will communicate what is known, what is still being studied, what decisions have been made and where opportunities exist for participation
Working Together
Protecting these waters requires collaboration. ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is actively engaging with:
- Province of British Columbia
- Federal agencies
- District of Invermere
- Regional District of East Kootenay
- Environmental Organizations
- Neighbouring Indigenous Nations
ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation plans to engage with:
- Residents and property owners
- Businesses and tourism operators
- Recreational users
We recognize that people care deeply about these lakes for many different reasons. Successful stewardship requires respectful dialogue, shared learning and meaningful participation.
Research and Monitoring
Good stewardship requires good information. To support informed decision making, ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is conducting research, monitoring and technical studies that help improve understanding of lake health. Current work includes:
- Bathymetric mapping to help us better understand lake depth and topography.
- Environmental monitoring including hydrological monitoring and shoreline conditions.
- Recreational economic impact research
The lakes support local businesses and tourism in the region. To better understand these relationships, ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is conducting an economic impact research study to examine relationship between recreation, tourism, and lake sustainability.
These studies build on previous work completed by environmental organizations, governments, researchers and community groups. Existing studies have identified concerns regarding recreational carrying capacity, shoreline and lakebed pressures, ecosystem impacts and long-term sustainability. Current research is helping fill information gaps and improve understanding of lake conditions so future decisions can be based on the best available information.