Through education, training, and proactive community engagement,  Coastal Water Protectors strive to preserve BC's coastal environment and restore the health of its aquatic ecosystems.

You have the power to make a difference. Find out how you can join with Coastal Water Protectors to care for British Columbia's coastlines and aquatic habitats. 

Upcoming Events

Connect with us at one of the many events we host and take part in across British Columbia

Get the latest updates on our conservation activities as well as information on upcoming events and training opportunities.

Recap of April activities plus team spotlight on Louise Lambert and info on upcoming programs and events.

April 2023

Recap of March activities plus team spotlight on Garry Besse, info on upcoming  programs and events. 

March 2023

This issue is packed with information: IMPAC5 Conference, First Responder Initiative, Oceans Protection Plan Dialogue Forum, Marine First Aid certifications, and more! Team member spotlight on Kimberley Campbell. 

February 2023

2023! Our first issue of the new year has information on our Instagram account as well as highlights from our annual gathering and a team member spotlight on Constance Louie.

January 2023

This month, learn more about an important Coastal Conservation Survey. The December issues also includes highlights from the driftwood art workshop and the Sea Change "Last of the Right Whales" documentary screening. Vanessa Prescott is our team member spotlight.  

December 2022

Highlights from the ORCA Festival as well as info on our recognition by Sea Change Canada. Team member spotlight on Zia Yazdani and information on the Coastal Pups pilot project. 

November 2022

Newsletter

Sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore mag na aliquyam.

sed diam voluptua

Podcast

Podcasts

Projects

The Coastal Water Protectors focus their efforts on coastal and aquatic conservation throughout the province of British Columbia. This work actively engages with community members through various projects and programs to deliver advocacy, planning, education and awareness.

BC Métis Federation’s Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund is currently in its second year of a three-year agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The project contributes to strategic planning and studies in coastal areas throughout the province, Indigenous capacity building to enable education on habitat restoration and conservation and contribute to long term sustainability of aquatic and coastal habitats.

The Coastal Conservation’s "Coastal Sea Wolves Aquatic Day Camps" aimed to educate and empower children and teens to partake in conservation efforts, while providing a cultural space to learn traditional Indigenous practices is made possible with funding provided by the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund.

The project contributes to strategic planning, Indigenous capacity building to enable education on habitat restoration and conservation.

Aquatic Habitat  Restoration Fund

BC Métis Federation’s Co-Developing Community Response project is currently in its fifth year of a five-year agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard. The project addresses Indigenous concerns surrounding the risks associated with tanker traffic to marine activities and the environment. Through this initiative, Indigenous groups, such as BC Métis Federation are able to co-develop capacity at a community level to support meaningful roles for Indigenous groups in the marine response system.

The Coastal Conservation’s "First Responder Initiative" aimed at providing education, confidence, and the tools to safely respond to a marine oil spill incident is made possible with funding from the Co-Developing Community Response project.

The project addresses Indigenous concerns surrounding the risks associated with tanker traffic to marine activities and the environment. 

Co-Developing Community Response

The Coastal Water Protectors are committed to making a positive and meaningful impact through conservation efforts across the province of British Columbia.

Angel Fisher, was born and raised in the Saskatchewan prairies by her Métis parents. Growing up with a fluent Michif speaking father with ties to Métis politics and a mother actively involved and engaged with Métis through her work with Provincial Métis organizations Angel grew up fully immersed in the cultural and political world of Métis.

After moving to British Columbia as a teen Angel discovered her passion for assisting and serving Métis people in the province and has been doing so for nearly twenty years. Her journey began at the age of 18, having just graduated from high school Angel began working for Métis Nation British Columbia. Throughout her time employed there she took on various roles providing service to Métis people in British Columbia, such as; Administrative Assistant, Provincial Registry Clerk, Data Health Clerk, and Employment and Training assistant. After the birth of her son Valentino Ace, Angel began her journey with BC Métis Federation, with various roles such as Program Support, Provincial Membership Clerk, Canadian Coast Guard Coordinator and a political role as a Board of Director. Angel is now the Director of Coastal Conservation and leads a team of over 20 environmentally passionate people with the Coastal Water Protector program. Her love and deep connection to the ocean fuels her journey with the various projects, programs and initiatives under the umbrella of Coastal Conservation.

Like his mother, Angel’s son Valentino is emotionally passionate and invested in conservation, and at only age nine spends much of his free time researching about climate change and the environmental crisis our home is in. Valentino’s curiosity, persistence and compassion for the world was the driving force behind the development of the department’s ‘Coastal Pups’ project for children aged 5-11.

When Angel is not at work you can find her photographing nature or capturing portraits, having been internationally recognized and published over five times for her creative portraiture, she finds comfort in freezing moments in time. A naturally creative free spirit, Angel can often be found with a paint brush creating abstract mixed media art, a pen jotting down poetry or barefoot in sand at the beach or the mossy earth of a West Coast rainforest.

Angel is the project lead for the Coastal Water Protectors. Her love of nature and deep connection to the ocean fuel her conservation journey.

Angel Fisher

My name is Brad Giroux, and I am a proud member of the BC Métis Federation and an employee as the Industry Engagement Coordinator. As a longtime resident of Vancouver Island, the beauty of our oceans and marine life is of utmost importance to preserve for our younger generations so they can be immersed in all that our ocean has to offer, such as spirituality, food source, and how it maintains livelihood for indigenous peoples. 

I have a strong connection to the ocean, as my father and mother (who sadly passed away in 2019) have operated a wilderness resort up Narrows Inlet on the Sunshine Coast for the last 30 plus years. The camp is situated by a running creek, cooking is done over an open fire, and local food is gathered such as shellfish, berries, mushrooms, etc. for those who really want to take what the land and ocean has to offer. 

Gathering off the land or waters is deeply embedded in my childhood. Growing up in northern Alberta and the NWT, our family relied on hunting and fishing on the land as part of the remote lifestyle, being a young Metis. My late mother is plains Cree Métis, and her father was a trapper who trapped a line in Northern Alberta for many years. 

Today, as I look back on my life, I am proud of my 86 year old father who still operates the wilderness camp, with the spirit of my Métis mother given him guidance and strength to maintain the serenity of the ocean as well as keeping the sensitive and fragile waters and shores as pristine as possible. My story will continue…

As a longtime resident of Vancouver Island, Brad believes marine life is of utmost importance to preserve for younger generations so they can be immersed in all that our ocean has to offer.

Brad Giroux

In the early eighties Catherine worked on tugboats for six years, then she had a LTD company as a British Columbia park contractor for thirteen years looking after five different provincial parks in the Campbell River area.

Catherine enjoys the outdoors, exploring new areas and hunting every year for deer, moose, and elk.

The coastal waters are her pride and joy.

Catherine started saltwater fishing with her dad when she was just five years old in a classic sixteen foot clinker boat in the waters out of Chemainus British Columbia and has enjoyed fishing ever since then.

Catherine Sine

Hello, my name is Claire and I am 25 years old from North Vancouver, BC. I currently work full time as a bartender but in my free time I enjoy cooking, yoga, spending time with friends and family, and travelling. It is important to me knowing I can make a difference in keeping our oceans clean by working together to protect it, and bringing awareness to fighting ocean pollution.

Hello, my name is Claire and I am 25 years old from North Vancouver, BC.

Claire Desjarlais

I am currently living in Nanaimo while I study dental assisting and work as a care aide in long-term care. I was introduced to the Coastal Water Protectors through Vanessa and Angel. I joined at the end of the summer of 2022. 

Water Conservation is new to me and I am eager to help and learn in any way I can. I am looking forward to doing more training and courses that are available to us. I am very grateful to be a part of an incredible group of people who are all working towards the same goal: to protect our beautiful coast. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors either in the mountains hiking or visiting a nearby beach. 

The ocean has always been close to me and having clean water is extremely important to me. In my younger teenage years, I canoe paddled with my local canoe crew in Cowichan Bay for a few years and we were on the water every day traveling up and down the coast to different war canoe races throughout the summer. Last year I began canoe paddling again and I didn’t realize how much I missed being on the water and how healing it is for my soul. 

With climate change accelerating it makes me very sad to think our future generations won’t have the same environment we grew up in. ‘“We often dismiss small changes because they don’t seem to matter very much at the moment” is a quote from a book I recently read called Atomic Habits that has helped me think more optimistically about every aspect of my life. I had always felt helpless and discouraged when it came to climate change and how much waste is being produced and ending up in our oceans. Especially, working in health care and being forced to use so many single-use plastics for the sake of convenience. 

Since changing my career direction to dental care it has made me feel as if I could advocate for eco-friendly supplies because I will be working at a private dental clinic. The technology and supplies are there and continue to get better and more affordable therefore there is no excuse to not be making the switch over gradually. Small changes resembling this have given me hope and encouragement because it is something that I can do in my work life. After all, I will be there the majority of my time and hopefully, other clinics will follow along.

‘Uy’ skewyul- good day. En’ thuu Constance tun itsun’ utl Quw’utsun. My name is Constance and I am from the Cowichan Valley. 

Constance Louie

Tanshi. I am Earl Belcourt a Métis originally from Manitoba and I am now from Vancouver Island for the past 30 years. My main objective to be a part of this is to help the Environment in an emergency when the need arises but to also work with my cousins in the First Nations community. The fact that I will be getting the opportunity to do this is exciting in itself.

Tanshi. I am Earl Belcourt a Métis originally from Manitoba and I am now from Vancouver Island for the past 30 years. 

Earl Belcourt

Hi, my name is Earl Storey and I grew up in Vancouver BC. Born in 1955, graduated in 1974 then off to work. I got married in 1980 to Colleen, this year it will be 41 years, seven boys, one girl later, ten granddaughters and three grandsons. I have been in the plumbing wholesale business for 42 years as a salesman at Ba Robinson.

I enjoy fishing, golf, and traveling. I have traveled to Haida Gwaii to fish many time and have loved our coast, spending lots of hours on the water enjoying the sea, fish, whale, eagles and all other wildlife. I am very interested to see how the coast guard protects our waters.

I am very interested to see how the coast guard protects our waters.

Earl Storey

I grew up in Boston Bar British Columbia. I spent a lot of my time Creek fishing and hunting in the fall is one of my favorite things to do!

My working career consisted of driving logging trucks, semi b-trains, and low beds. Ending up being a heavy-duty equipment operator with excavators, dozers, and graders in the mining industry until I later retired.

I moved to the island in the early nineties and pursued fishing in the waters within the Campbell River area.

Water conservation and beach clean ups are very important to me.

Gary Besse

Born in Hazelton and now living in Terrace B.C. A team player with a security and provincial government background. Jordan enjoys hiking and water activities with jet skiing being his favourite water activity. He is also a part of the Skeena River Metis Community Association (SRMCA) as a youth group leader/director. Wanting to serve his community and looking for more meaningful things to do. He joins the Coastal Water Protectors to spread awareness on keeping our oceans, lakes and rivers clean from pollution.

Born in Hazelton and now living in Terrace B.C. 

Jordan Therrien

I moved to the coast from Winnipeg as a young girl with my family and have lived close to the ocean ever since. We moved to downtown Vancouver, and I spent many days at English Bay, and walking the seawall searching for seals, letting out an excited squeal any time I happened to spot a head poking above the water. I’m still guilty of this, it happens every time.

It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I really began to look at conservation and understand our collective responsibility to protect our environment for future generations. As an avid paddle boarder and beach goer, I have seen the changes to our coastline and the impacts of industry on our fragile marine ecosystems firsthand. Rather than feel helpless, I am thrilled to participate in the Coastal Conservation program at BCMF and learn how to deserve the title of Coastal Water Protector. I have learned so much already through the program and I am so excited for our next phase of learning. This community of water protectors is an amazing group of people, and I feel very fortunate to work alongside them for the betterment of our coastal communities. 

I’ve always loved this quote, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” — Isak Dinesen. Whenever I am troubled, I know I can give my troubles to the water. Water is healing, essential for life and it is our responsibility to protect our resources, support our aquatic mammals and marine species that make this province such a beautiful place to live.

Taanshi. Hello. My name is Kassandra and I am a Coastal Water Protector here in the Lower Mainland, living on the traditional, unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam peoples.

Kassandra Sison

Here, the coastal waters are never more than a few minutes drive away, and we are blessed with many small bays, swim holes and beaches. I grew up in Winnipeg, the daughter of a Métis father and Ukrainian/Polish mother. My paternal grandfather, Tommy Campbell, spent his entire life fishing or working the traplines in and around Winnipegosis and Dauphin, Manitoba. My grandfather ended his working life as a Captain on the commercial fishing vessel "Myrtle M", which netted for Pickerel on Lake Winnipegosis. 

I suppose it's fair to say that water has been part of my life since I was a child, swimming and angling with my own father in Lake Winnipegosis during summer vacations. Moving to Vancouver Island in 2015, I was captured by the beauty and moodiness of the ocean. Some days the water is mill-pond still, and others, it's angry and white-capped. To this day, the tides fascinate me, rising and falling, somehow synchronized to the pull and phase of the moon. 

Having always had a soft spot for whales and porpoises, I feel so fortunate to now live in a part of the world that affords me the occasional opportunity to see them out on the water. 

Last summer, at Telegraph Cove, our family was lucky enough to have a killer whale swim right under our boat. In the video we took, two whales can be seen coming towards our boat (engine off, of course!). I can hear one whale blow, before its black fin disappears into the darkness of the water. A few seconds later, the whale is swimming from port to starboard, its white markings visible as it appears from underneath the boat. I can hear myself quietly, emotionally saying to my 13 year old's that "this is why we have to do all that we can to protect these creatures". I remember fighting back tears. How lucky were we at that moment? I felt so humbled, so small. Later that evening, as I marveled still about that thrilling encounter, I wondered what it was I could do to protect these waterways and these giants. How could I make a difference? 

Enter Angel Fisher, Director of Coastal Conservation with BC Métis Federation, and her invitation to BC Métis members on Vancouver Island to join an initiative she has been spearheading. I signed on to become a Coastal Water Protector, a program Angel founded nearly 5 years ago, in the hope that perhaps this was my vehicle for making that difference. 

The protection and welfare of our coast and its waters is paramount to the health of our marine mammal populations and coastal wildlife. Coastal Water Protectors are dedicated to making a difference by learning how to be the difference. I am honored to be a part of this group of caring, interested and active men and women who volunteer their time and efforts to the benefit of something much bigger than themselves. I am excited about the initiatives Coastal Water Protectors are pursuing, and I encourage all members to support us and join us in our important efforts. So watch this space!

My name is Kim Campbell, and I live in the beautiful and unceded traditional territory of the Snaw-Naw-As people. Also known as Nanoose Bay, it is a small community tucked away between Parksville and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. 

Kimberley Campbell

My name is Kristin McKay and I’m a new member of the Coastal Water Protectors. I’m Métis with connection to Red River and Nehiyaw from Treaty 8 territory on my mother’s side and mixed European (mainly Northern Irish) on my dad’s side. I grew up on the beautiful lands and waters of the Stó:lō peoples, whose territories first inspired my love of the natural world and bei̓ng outside. I’m grateful to now be living as a guest on the territories of the W̱ SÁNEĆ and ləkwəŋən peoples in what is today known as Victoria.

I first moved to Vancouver Island to begin studying at the University of Victoria. Here, I was able to pursue all my passions and graduate with a triple major in Geography, Environmental Studies and Indigenous Studies. I focused on ecology, geomorphology, conservation, Indigenous sovereignty and environmental law, which are all interrelated and allowed me to become immersed in my studies during my undergrad. I am eternally grateful for all the knowledge I have been gifted from countless professors who have totally revolutionized my way of thinking and perceiving the world. Conservation is not only important for ecosystems and our more than human relatives, but to sustain our communities and cultures that have lived in relationship with these ecosystems since time immemorial.

I’m currently part of the Indigenous Youth Internship Program with the Government of BC, specifically with the new Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship. Here I work on conservation of species including Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and Great Blue Heron. My main project is to document Bald Eagle nests across Vancouver Island to help ensure their protection against intense coastal development pressures. Throughout my time with the government, a focus of my work has been meaningful engagement with First Nations, emphasizing the need for government employees to treat engagement as an opportunity for relationship building with Indigenous leaders and communities rather than simply a box to check off. With the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act into BC law, it has enabled this work to become more of a priority for conservation and field-based projects. Though there is still is long way to go I have seen the desire from settlers to change how things are done, though they need support and guidance towards a new system of governance that supports and upholds Indigenous sovereignty on our territories.

I am so excited to be apart of conservation projects with other Indigenous and like-minded people, and to give back to the communities on who’s territories I’ve inhabited as an unwelcomed guest. I’m thankful for the opportunity to join the Coastal Water Protectors through the BCMF and to make connections all over the west coast and with local communities. In my free time you’ll find me hiking, camping, rock climbing, kayaking and adventuring all across Turtle Island, though I also enjoy a night in with my cats watching a spooky movie.

wâhkôtowin - everything depends on everything else and we are all interconnected. We are borrowing from future generations and have a responsibility to leave the planet better than we found it.

I’m grateful to now be living as a guest on the territories of the W̱ SÁNEĆ and ləkwəŋən peoples in what is today known as Victoria.

Kristin McKay

Kristina is a nature-loving individual who was born and raised in the picturesque province of British Columbia, Canada. From a young age, she had a passion for spending time outdoors and exploring the natural wonders of the world around her. One of her earliest memories is of fishing with her family in the Caribou, where she would spend hours casting her line and taking in the stunning scenery.

Nowadays, Kristina calls the North Shore of British Columbia her home, where she enjoys hiking with her family and her dog on a regular basis. She loves nothing more than lacing up her boots and setting out on a new adventure, whether it's to explore a new trail or revisit an old favorite. Kristina finds that hiking allows her to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the natural world.In addition to hiking, Kristina is also an avid boater, both on lakes and in the ocean. She finds that being out on the water provides a sense of freedom and tranquility that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether she's casting a line, paddling a canoe, or simply enjoying the sun and the breeze, Kristina is happiest when she's surrounded by nature.Overall, Kristina's love of the outdoors has played a significant role in shaping who she is today. She is a kind, caring, and adventurous person who values the natural world and all the wonders it has to offer.

Kristina is a nature-loving individual who was born and raised in the picturesque province of British Columbia, Canada.

Kristina Souter

Louise has specialized in the area of health care for international organizations including Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore Maryland Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Conference Board of Canada and the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, Ottawa. Engaged in both countries United States and Canada, her focus was occupational and environmental health dealing with aspects of health in the workplace, primary prevention of hazards. Louise also worked in Wellness and Dermatology Practices.

Louise then established Med Market Solutions, where she guided medical practices to improve their organizational structure throughout Canada. Frequently, she requested to be featured presenter at several health care conferences and well as a facilitator and mediator.

Louise received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Brock University and pursued her postgraduate education at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

Louise currently resides in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia, where she owns and operates Wine Country Studios. She conducts art workshops that have won the attention of the Pacific Canada and have been awarded for “Create Your Animal Spirit” for combining Metis Culture with visual art. Furthermore, Wine Country Studios sells British Columbia inspired art, along with Louise’s creations “The richness and diversity of Louise’s palette and artistic style reflects From her early exposure to the Algonguin art of her forefathers, to her time spent learning from American and European masters'' Louise brings her own unique blend of colour and experiences to her art.

Louise currently is on the Board of Directors for the BC Metis Federation and has become a recent member of the Coast Water Protectors, where she provides inspiring workshops to its members.

Her myriad of past positions from recruiting and managing organizations consisting of leading business, and government throughout Canada to foster education and shape public policy has provided her the experience needed to obtain consensus and move forward.

Louise has a passion for the environment and the preservation of our natural resources, primarily our water sources and natural wildlife.
You will see this passion in her waterscape painting capturing beautiful BC.

Louise currently resides in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia, where she owns and operates Wine Country Studios. 

Louise Lambert

My name is Meghan Storey, I'm a married mom of four from the Fraser Valley area. My family & I enjoy spending time outside - ice fishing, hunting & paddleboarding. I'm passionate about keeping our beaches clean so that we can enjoy them for years to come. I became interested in the Coastal Water Protectors after hearing how my dad, Earl Storey, was involved. I'm excited to be a part of the team!

My name is Meghan Storey, I'm a married mom of four from the Fraser Valley area.

Meghan Storey

Nevada Lynn is a Red River Métis who grew up both in the Yukon and on her grandparent’s Peace River farm in northern Alberta. She works full time as digital artist and studies Visual Art with a focus on printmaking at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Nevada gratefully lives on the shared, unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and the Lilwat7úl Nation in Whistler, BC where she leverages her creative practice to serve in the realms of social justice, climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty and water protection.

Nevada Lynn is a Red River Métis who grew up both in the Yukon and on her grandparent’s Peace River farm in northern Alberta.

Nevada Lynn

Nick Desjarlais

Hello, my name is Tania Carriere I am a Metis woman originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba but have called BC my home for the past 24 years. 

By day I make my living working in the airline industry, which has been very challenging in the last year and half with the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

I presently have 24 years of service within the industry and am looking forward to hitting the 25-year mark and perhaps switching gears and doing something I am passionate about. Yes, I started working at the ripe age of 5 (LOL)! With my job, I have had the privilege to travel around the world learning about other people and their cultures and am deeply inspired by the beauty of Mother Earth. One of my favourite quotes is, “Not all those who wander are lost”. 

Outside of my work world, I am an avid photographer and nature lover, taking every chance I can get to be outside and enjoy beautiful BC. My outdoor adventurous nature has taken me on many paths both by foot backpacking and hiking to on the water. I have recently Kayaked Boughton Archipelago, Desolation Sound, as well throughout Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island coastal waters along with the many local surrounding lakes. As I write this, I am in the final preparatory stages for the start of my next adventure Hiking Nootka Island. My love for the outdoors started as a child with weekend getaways to the country to be with my many cousins and attending Navy League and then Sea cadets which took me to summer camp in Quadra, back then I knew there was something in the water that would bring me back here and call BC home.

Hello, my name is Tania Carriere I am a Metis woman originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba but have called BC my home for the past 24 years.

Tania Carriere

I am a proud volunteer for the Coastal Water Protectors group, with a deep passion for protecting our oceans and coastlines. I have had the fortune in my adult life to find myself living near and exploring both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, developing a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of these ecosystems. I like to swim in the waters, and fish and paddle over them as well. The complex world that pulses at our shorelines is powerful and complex but needs us to speak up for her. Treaty 8 territory and still enjoy spending time on the lakes and rivers known by many of our ancestors .

Currently residing in Tsleil Watuth Territory near the Salish sea, I appreciate the infinite stewardship of our host nation and am supportive of indigenous leadership in conservation and committed to working towards a common goal of protecting and preserving our coastlines. I recognize the vital role that coastal communities play in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, and am dedicated to promoting sustainable life ways and practices that benefit both the environment and local economies.

In addition to my volunteer work with the Coastal Water Protectors, I am also actively involved in other environmental and community organizations. I believe that collaboration and community engagement are essential for creating positive change, and am committed to working with others to promote environmental awareness and protection.

I am a proud volunteer for the Coastal Water Protectors group, with a deep passion for protecting our oceans and coastlines.

Tracy Ragazzi

Taanishi Vanessa Prescott dishinihkaashoon. Hello my name is Vanessa Prescott and I’m a Métis Clinical Herbal Therapist and Indigenous Patient Navigator in cancer care. Beyond these titles, I’m someone who was raised with a lot of love, and I raise my hands to my family for giving me the roots to grow into the woman I am today (still growing). I’m one of the ten original Coastal Water Protectors and I’m grateful for all of the learning opportunities we’ve had and will continue to explore together. As Métis people we don’t get too many opportunities to gather and celebrate our culture so it’s important to create these spaces. I remember an old Métis man entering one of our group meetings apologizing for entering, saying he was just so excited to see so many Métis people in one space. That was a highlight of the meeting for me - I can still see his traditional beaded brooch. When we can get together and protect our coast at the same time it’s a pretty special feeling.

I’m happy our team is expanding because water is sacred to life and we need to mobilize to protect it. We can’t just benefit from extracting non-renewable resources from the Earth without giving back; that’s not reciprocity, honour and care, especially in the environment of climate change. I walk with humility and gratitude in my heart, openminded to listen to those who know a better way and those who have come before us. Like everyone else, I’m just doing my best each day, and a gentle reminder of how different that might look, person to person, day to day. The older I get the less idealistic and more realistic I become about how to actively create the changes we want to see in life. Projects require funding, organization, planning and execution. MEET YOUR COASTAL WATER PROTECTOR I would like to give a big thank you to Angel Fisher who does so much for us behind the scenes, as well as the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

In the last few years with Coastal Water Protectors I’ve learned about and received certification in Emergency Management through Incident Command Systems 100, 200, and 300, Environmental Response to Oil Spills, Marine First Aid, and Intro to Emergency Management. I’ve also earned Wilderness First Aid certification through Indigenous Women Outdoors and recently successfully upgraded my 80h to become a Wilderness First Responder. I’ve kicked up my cowboy boots to the Red River Jig, enjoyed traditional acoustics and fiddle music, done beach clean ups, kayaked around Sleilwaut and shared many good times, wonderful food and beautiful places with my fellow Coastal Water Protectors. MEET YOUR COASTAL WATER PROTECTOR Life is a strange balance of taking care of ourselves, each other and the environment, and also freeing ourselves from time itself and just enjoying life while we have it. I raise my hands to the First Nations peoples whose ancestors have lived in intimate relationships with the lands and waters that have raised me. I’m Cree Métis and Spanish on my father’s side and Dutch and English on my mother’s side of the family. The lands that I live, work and enjoy life on are not the traditional lands of my people. I say this as a reminder to respect those whose land you’re on, respect their protocols and wishes. Be humbled and listen. I’m grateful for the teachings that have been shared with me in community and grateful for the laughter that’s been shared when it’s been deeply needed.

I was raised in Showe’luqun (Shawnigan Lake). My Métis blood is Plains and Woodland Cree, tracing back to Red River Manitoba. I currently live on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) land and I am proud to be Métis. Family, friendship and nature are the most important things in my life, and despite living with the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma (as many of us do), I’ve been blessed to have been raised with the values of family. I encourage all who know these values to lovingly welcome others with unconditional compassion as many people are living in isolation, pain, poverty and addiction. Our elders tell us to treat everyone like family, with dignity and respect. I’m also very thankful for our dog. Like my dad says, “a dog binds you as a family,” and to live with a majestic creature is a real gift from Creator. MEET YOUR COASTAL WATER PROTECTOR You know, I try my best to devote my life to bring healing to the human spirit by connecting to the natural world as much as I can and sharing my heart where it is needed most. The more I do this, the more important it feels to de-centre myself, and really listen to the person before me. To really see them, not as I see them, but as they are. I continually pray to the land, waters, and ancestors to bring strength, peace, and healing to our people.

Vanessa tries her my best to devote her life to bring healing to the human spirit by connecting to the natural world as much as she can. 

Vanessa Prescott

Zia Yazdani is a proud and active Coastal Water Protector who resides in the Lower Mainland. His neighborhood is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the hən̓̓qəmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples.

Zia moved to British Columbia, a place which has made it possible for him to grow as an individual and to pursue his studies and goals. He began his journey in Vancouver by taking the law enforcement diploma program through the Justice Institute of British Columbia and various courses through other institutes and organizations.

As a person with a strong passion for wildlife and wilderness conservation, he joined BC Métis Federation and became an engaged member of the Coastal Water Protectors with BCMF, working on various tasks ranging from spill management development, ocean conservation, and aquatic habitat restoration planning.

Throughout his time in Beautiful British Columbia and while being employed as an emergency response senior dispatch officer and an active member of Coastal Water Protectors, he has completed extensive training and courses, such as; First Aid level one and two, WHMIS, Bear Safety Resources and Stay Safe in Bear Country, PAL and RPAL licenses, Incident Command System 100, Introduction to Emergency Management, and SCAT with Environment Canada.

Zia has a strong passion for animal conservation and will always stop to help an animal in distress, having rescued and fostered countless animals. When not at work Zia can be found participating in a wide range of outdoor activities. His hobbies include hiking, camping, and visiting new places in the province.

Zia has a strong passion for wildlife and wilderness conservation, working on various tasks ranging from spill management, ocean conservation, and aquatic habitat restoration planning.


Working Together for Coastal Conservation

Upcoming Events

SORRY!

Monthly Newsletter

Get Involved

Take action in your community

Projects

Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund

Co-Developing Community Response