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“In the future desired state for the Átl’ḵa7tsem/ Howe Sound ocean and watershed, the marine and terrestrial realms will function properly through integrated ecosystems. This foundation will support an inclusive, equitable society and resilient economy where humanity and nature thrive.”

November 2022 Future of Howe Sound forum visioning exercise led to this vision statement.

The Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society was registered as a non-profit organization in 2017. In April 2024 our organization became a registered Charity. Together with many organizations at work in the region we share a passion for the natural beauty, incredible biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and great sustainable economic potential of Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound.

Our Vision

An Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound where humanity and nature thrive

Our Mission

We facilitate and support the organizing and planning of complex activities that bring allegiance to balancing development, conservation, and equity in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region.

Our Purposes

To protect the environment of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region by sharing and distributing information on best practices for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, and by researching, monitoring and conserving wetland, wildlife, and habitat;

To advance education by developing or providing educational programs on the subjects of environmental issues, United Nations' sustainable development goals and biosphere reserves, as well as by conducting research on eco systems and biodiversity in the Howe Sound Biosphere Region;

To uphold Indigenous peoples and Indigenous treaty rights guaranteed by law, that are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by organizing forums and conferences to increase the public's knowledge about reconciliation, Indigenous rights and culture, and share traditional knowledge and views that strengthen collaboration with 5kwxwü7mesh Uxwumixw Nation; and

To undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purposes.

Our constitution here :

Our Values

In our mission, we are guided by the following values and frameworks:

Appreciation: We seek to recognize the best in people and places that surround us, to honour the history, stories and culture of those that came before us, and to value, protect, and celebrate those things that give us life.

Mutual Respect: We are open and adaptive in our interactions across cultural differences, acknowledging that all knowledge systems are validated and equally respected – that no worldview is above another.

Collaboration: We are unwavering in our desire to strengthen relationships and trust among people and communities, working together transparently and with care, to build our collective capacity for the benefit of the entire region.

Creativity: We see the strengths and possibilities in diversity and encourage the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and responsibility to co-create the innovative solutions required to solve our challenges, together.

Guiding Principles for our Governance model.

Frameworks: