Watershed Governance Framework

Watershed Governance Framework

Started: April 23, 2025
Target: March 31, 2026

Overview

Malahat Nation Lands and Environment department is working with Dillon Consultants to create a Watershed Governance Framework. The Malahat Benchlands and Shawnigan Creek watersheds faces pressures including population growth, unsustainable extraction from water bodies, overdevelopment, infrastructure deficits and issues, agriculture, forestry, and mining uses, and pollution. Through investigating governance models that are culturally appropriate and sustainable, Malahat Nation aims to develop a framework that ensures the protection and restoration of its watersheds that can serve as a model for other Indigenous communities facing similar challenges as well as a model for capacity building within the Malahat Nation. Guiding principles of Malahat Nation’s work in this area include: the long-term benefit to the Nation, respect for culture and customs, innovation, preservation and protection, ecosystem-based management, sustainability, cooperative relationships, self-sufficiency, and opportunities for Malahat members.

Project Contacts

Carmen Pavlov

Referrals Coordinator

carmen.pavlov@malahatnation.com
2503094793

Project Timeline

  • Phase 3: Engagement Sessions and Workshops

    Completed

    Ongoing - Ongoing

    The Dillon team will facilitate three in-person engagement sessions or “workshops” with the Malahat Nation staff and partners (CVRD, Province of BC Water Land and Resources representatives, Island Health, and Mill Bay waterworks). Each workshop will be guided by the outcomes of the previous tasks and will leverage our expertise in facilitation and the development of shared / policy frameworks. The goal is for each session to build progressively on the last, culminating in the creation of a Draft Framework Agreement and Action Plan. It is anticipated that workshops will also explore and discuss (in the context of the Malahat Nation’s unextinguished rights and title): • Adaptive management strategies for decision-making; • Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of watershed health and water security; • Sustainable management; and, • Collective targets and goals for watershed management.

  • Phase 4: Draft Framework and Action Plan

    Completed

    Ongoing - Ongoing

    Using the information collected from previous tasks, the Dillon team will prepare a preliminary Draft Governance Framework and Recommended Action Plan. This draft will integrate key insights and findings from the process to align with the Malahat Nation's goals and priorities. The framework will serve as a foundational tool for further developing a more comprehensive Malahat-led Watershed Governance Framework.

  • Phase 1: Project Collaboration

    Completed

    Apr 2025 - May 2025

    Project kick off with consultants, meetings (internal and external), and sourcing information.

  • Phase 2: Research and Analysis

    Completed

    May 2025 - Jul 2025

    Consultants (Dillon) undertaking background research and pulling information in from existing documentation. Consultants have produced a summary research memo that reviews their findings. This research is intended to inform the process of developing a culturally relevant and actionable watershed governance framework. By leveraging this research and drawing on our past experiences, the Team aims to provide practical insights to inform the process so that the draft framework is well-informed and strategically positioned for effective implementation. The research and analysis will focus on several key areas: 1. Indigenous-led Governance Models – Investigate existing Indigenous-led governance frameworks within both the Canadian and global context. 2. Decolonizing Watershed Management – Investigate approaches and strategies for decolonizing regulatory processes, acts and policies. 3. Mapping Current Initiatives and Engagement – Identify and document existing watershed planning and management initiatives. Map out the involvement of First Nations, government bodies, community groups, industries, and other stakeholders involved in the above initiatives.

Project Documents

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