Two North Coast First Nations plan to work as one to protect their territory.
The Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla signed the Stewardship Protocol Agreement to better manage and safeguard their environment.
The Coast Tsimshian will combine the expertise of the Metlakatla Stewardship Society and Lax Kw’alaams Integrated Resources to conduct both research and enforcement.
“Working together allows us to better protect our environment. We have always said that we need to do more to protect our lands and waters, and this is putting those words into action,” said Lax Kw’alaams Mayor John Helin in a news release.
“This is what our members want – they want us to protect our environment and this agreement will only strengthen our ability to do that in our traditional territory,” said Metlakatla Chief Harold Leighton.
The First Nations say the agreement comes during a time of increased pressure on the North Coast from industry and other stakeholders who see the benefits of operating in the territory.
