LIVING WATER SMART IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: “Our rivers, our watersheds are connected to many aspects of our lives. A First Nation perspective would recognize water as life,” stated Paul Chapman
Note to Reader:
Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. The edition published on September 26, 2023 announced release of the Blue Ecology video documentary titled Watershed Moments 2023: A Pathway to Water Reconciliation and Resilience at the Local Scale. The video features Michael Blackstock, independent Indigenous scholar.
Watershed Moments 2023 showcases a free-flowing conversation, with Richard Boase steering the process. This allows the chemistry with Brian Carruthers and Michael Blackstock to take its natural course. Brian and Michael have direct experience in interweaving two cultures. This makes the documentary relevant, timely and timeless. The Watershed Moments message is compelling.
Blue Ecology is a pathway to Water Reconciliation
“The earliest inhabitants on the land, BC’s First Nations, settled near rivers. More recent settlements have followed suit, settling near rivers for fresh water supply, travel, commerce, food supply, recreation, and in our built environments storm water and wastewater services,” stated Paul Chapman.
“Climate change has compounded the stresses our modern practices and settlements impose on watershed health and healthy functioning. The new normal includes drought, flood and fire on a seasonal basis.”
“A hopeful way forward is found in Blue Ecology.”
Blue Ecology is about a mindset change
“Blue Ecology shows us a path to interweave Indigenous and Western science to better steward our watersheds. There are four ways that Blue Ecology does this.”
“One, it supports Water Reconciliation, bringing together cultures over common interests in healthy functioning rivers and streams.”
“Two, it builds on collaboration between levels of government and communities.”
“Three, it promotes healthy functioning watersheds as a bulwark on the frontlines of climate change adaptation.”
“Four, application of Blue Ecology principles provides the conditions for resilient and abundant fish habitat.”
“The video features Michael Blackstock who presents the Blue Ecology philosophy for interweaving Indigenous and Western water stewardship science. Michael then joins local government governance expert Brian Carruthers in a discussion about real world opportunities for application of Blue Ecology in BC communities.”
“The discussion is moderated by Richard Boase from the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC and includes a question-and-answer segment from a Blue Ecology seminar audience.”
- On the ground success can inform provincial policy,
- Blue Ecology links Climate Adaptation and DRIPA through Water Reconciliation,
- Action on the local scale is where hope lies as we observe and participate in change.”
Blue Ecology is about caring for the land
“Gitxsan hereditary Chief Hanamuxw sums up the intentions of Blue Ecology while describing the Gitxsan Wilp system that attaches community wellbeing to the wellbeing of the natural systems we rely on.”
“Blue Ecology is building a shared culture of stewardship,” concludes Paul Chapman.
TO LEARN MORE:
To read the complete story, download a copy of Living Water Smart in British Columbia; Blue Ecology offers HOPE and removes the FEAR.
