Qukin ʔamakʔis, the Elk River watershed, has been central to the ʔakanuxunik’ people of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation and all Ktunaxa peoples, since time immemorial. In the face of growing environmental stressors, there is an urgent need for informed, collaborative decision making to safeguard the future of this vital watershed. We envision this event as an opportunity to bring together Knowledge Holders, decision makers, and community members to develop a shared understanding of watershed challenges and current decision making processes. We want to create an understanding of ongoing monitoring in the region, and determine crucial future steps needed to protect the water in this region.

Sharing ʔakanuxunik’ perspectives on water is an important component of the symposium. This event makes space for both First Nations knowledge, culture and values, and western science. Thus, there is the potential for this gathering to be an important pathway for key decision makers from local, provincial, federal, and international governments to learn from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation’s perspectives on watershed management and sustainability. The daytime section of this event is invite only. If you would like to attend the public evening portion of the symposium please register at the link here: https://elkrivercollaborative.ca/without-water/

Contact email: sally.turnbull@livinglakescanada.ca