When Indigenous communities and outdoor recreation organizations work together, the results speak for themselves — more collaboration, deeper understanding, and a recognition of shared values that benefit everyone involved.
Building these relationships is the focus of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC's March webinar: A Guide to Citizen-Based Reconciliation.
Rather than getting lost in theory, our expert panel will ground the conversation in practice. They'll unpack the concept of Citizen-Based Reconciliation and the work of ORCBC's reconciliation committee, then bring it to life through compelling examples of what this approach looks like on the ground.
Rod Clapton, president of the BC Federation of Drift Fishers, will tell us about his experiences on the Lower Fraser River Collaborative Table. The table demonstrates how personal relationships can bridge divides: bringing together First Nations, recreational fishers, and commercial fishers around a shared commitment to preserving salmon species and the fishing opportunities that depend on them.
The BC Marine Trail shows what's possible with a collaborative attitude. Norman Marcy will share how BCMT has developed a network of world-class paddling routes by building genuine partnerships with more than 50 First Nations along the B.C. coast — a model of what patient, respectful relationship-building can achieve.
BC Nature and its member clubs have engaged with dozens of First Nations across British Columbia, including in their work identifying Key Biodiversity Areas. An example is the Papt Ku Gwenis project, a partnership between the Lillooet Naturalists Society and the Tsal’alh First Nation. Liam Ragan, the KBA Program Manager, and Morris Prosser, a councillor for the Tsal’alh First Nation and the co-chair of the First Nations-BC Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum, will share the work that went into this project.
All of these examples share a common thread: an open mind and a willingness to listen. That's the heart of Citizen-Based Reconciliation, and it's what this webinar is designed to explore.
We are grateful to the Real Estate Foundation of BC for supporting this webinar.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is a non-profit organization. These webinars are free, thanks to the support of our generous donors and sponsors. If you would like to support our work, make a donation or get in touch about sponsorship opportunities.