A new Memorandum of Understanding could lead to First Nations sharing regulation responsibilities with the province in protected areas on their territory.
Titled the Guardians Shared Compliance and Enforcement Pilot Project, the agreement has been signed by BC Parks, and the Nuxalk and Kitasoo Xai’Xais (Shy-shy) Nations.
Through the project, the parties will collaborate on a shared compliance and enforcement framework, building on existing collaborations.
Once established, the framework will give select Indigenous guardians the same legal authorities over parks, conservancies, and protected areas as BC Park Rangers.
The new program will build upon the long-standing Indigenous Guardians Watchman Program to carve out a long-term, sustainable, partership.
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