These Guardian Watchmen Are Taking Marine Conservation Into Their Own Hands

The Kitasoo Xai’xais hereditary leadership took an unusual step in June 2022 and closed off the Kitasu Bay to all fisheries by declaring it an indigenous Marine Protected Area.
To protect the bay and wider traditional territory, the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nations employ Guardian Watchmen, a trained crew that patrols and stewards land and water.
In a historic move, BC Park Ranger status will be assigned to select guardian watchmen as part of a two-year pilot program, based on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 between the provincial government and the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation.
Video by:
Ali Withers and Ed Ou
Story Editor:
Ludwig Hurtado
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Made possible with support from the the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources.