May 11th Inaugural Roundtable
It was a perfect day for a boat ride in Howe Sound. following the awesome colorful aurora that lit up the skies. Starting by water taxi from departure points of Bowen Island, Lions Bay and Langdale, smooth waters made for a timely arrival at the Fircom dock on Cha7élkwnech/Gambier Island. The morning was spent getting to know each other in the rustic setting at Camp Fircom, located near Halkett Bay Provincial Marine Park. Beginning at the welcome pole at Ch’á7elsm, the group was welcomed to Sḵwx̱ú7mesh-ulh Temíxw by Sxḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Councillor Joyce Williams, then we walked to the Jubilee Hall.
Chris Corrigan of Harvest Moon Consulting started us off with the question “Why did you accept the invitation”. After going around the circle, Chris turned what he heard into a clever spoken word poem - To Say Yes.
Ruth Simons, the lead of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society explained the evolution of the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan and the Roundtable governance which brought us to this milestone in the journey of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The rest of the morning we had a general discussion, reflecting on changes influenced by technology, and resources not keeping up with the demand for protection. We referenced the need to keep bringing more representation from various sectors to the Roundtable, and it was suggested we enlist the arts sector to help communicate the sense of place we all share.
A healthy lunch was served in the breezeway with time to enjoy the property, have more conversation and catch up on reading the Unity Plan.
After lunch, we got into the contents of the plan. Chris asked “What goals are meaningful for us to focus on”. Ideas and thoughts were shared In small group chats, the ideas were captured on sticky notes and then grouped into eleven clusters:
Reconciliation, Equity and Inclusion
Logistical Support and Community Engagement
Sustainable Development and Partnerships
Knowledge and Resource Hub
Sustainable Financing
Positive Change and Collaboration
Biodiversity and Conservation
Place-based Knowledge and Leadership
Innovation in Sustainability
Measuring Impact
Global and Local Action
We concluded the day by asking Round Table participants to identify what some of the most immediate opportunities were lying right before us. This set of notes is from that final discussion. These notes give us an idea of areas where Roundtable members may be able to support immediate action. This section of the report is not an exhaustive list but may be most useful in prompting discussion amongst the Society Board as they undertake their strategic planning. What would advance the work of the Biosphere? What opportunities are right before us?
These clusters and themes were summarized by facilitator Chris Corrigan:
Transit and Housing
Transit: To support existing and future developments, there is a significant need to improve quality transit in the area.
Housing: Focus on planning that creates community hubs around transit systems, ensuring that housing development is sustainable and aligns with the goals of the biosphere. Embedding these goals into Official Community Plans (OCPs) is critical, especially as many are being updated simultaneously.
Forestry and Education
Forestry: There are ongoing efforts in forestry, with opportunities for interaction and collaboration with First Nations' initiatives.
Education: Strengthen connections with the new Capilano University campus. Utilize educational tools such as physical maps with QR codes to showcase biosphere projects.
Infusion of Biosphere Goals
Decision Making: Infuse biosphere goals into all community and governance decision-making processes throughout the Region.
Funding Opportunities: Leverage funds like the NSERC Mobilization fund to support student research assistants, helping to fill gaps in current projects.
Arts-Based Activities: Use art to bring stories to life, emphasizing the cultural and environmental significance of the biosphere.
Community and Relationship Building
Leadership and Connectivity: Identify leaders and connectors within the Roundtable and broader community who can bridge connections with First Nations communities, fostering reciprocity and strong relationships.
Educational Curriculum: Prepare educators with curriculum materials focused on sustainability and biosphere goals to use in classrooms.
Communication and Outreach
Tourism and Education: Develop communication strategies to spread awareness and appreciation of the biosphere. Work with BC Ferries and other local entities to share values and goals widely.
Community Pledges: Encourage community pledges on various projects and goals to foster collective action.
Good News Stories: Share success stories to unify and inspire the community, highlighting achievements like the return of whales.
Strategic Initiatives
Emergency Planning: Regionalize challenges such as emergency planning to ensure a cohesive response across communities.
Knowledge Hub: Position AHSBRI as a knowledge hub and convener, promoting place-based teaching and a sense of place and history.
Fundraising and Financial Stability
Donor Campaigns: Create donor campaigns linked to eco-tourism, fostering a sense of gratitude and connection to the biosphere.
Fundraising Programs: Develop structured fundraising and donation programs using success stories and the organization's charitable status to attract funding.
Actions Already in Play
Succession Planning: Focus on financial and organizational succession planning to ensure the long-term survivability of the organization.
Use of Charitable Status: Use AHSBRI's charitable status to support fundraising efforts, showcasing its positive impacts on the biosphere, such as the return of whales.
The day was rich with conversation, passion for place and Úxwumixw, and finding what we all have in common despite our diverse backgrounds. With this, we build on the Unity to move forward as Ambassadors for the Biosphere and put many of the ideas into action. The next Roundtable gathering will be on November 2nd.
