Collaborative initiatives to create meaningful outcomes
Indigenous-led impact assessment and collaborative monitoring enable better processes, effective use of resources, and healthier marine ecosystems.
Promoting recognition of First Nations perspectives in law and regulation.
We aim to build a legacy of true reconciliation. Our mission is to help provide a practical resolution to the shortfalls of regulatory practices that have long been inadequate and problematic not just for First Nations communities but all Canadians.
Indigenous processes & participation
SSIGA supports the public education of Indigenous worldviews and will advocate for equitable implementation of First Nation decisions as rights holders.
Data Collection & Monitoring
We incorporate Indigenous Knowledge with western science and offer subject matter experts to help resource communities in meaningful participation and informed decision-making. We share data, analysis, expertise, and funding alongside database access and in-depth support for referral teams.
Futureproofing
As an independent organization, SSIGA’s programs and processes are sustainable and continue to thrive outside of limited program funds. As a result, we can create long-lasting impacts that benefit our members today and for the foreseeable future through sustainable and diverse funding.
Methodologies & impact assessment
We help to resource communities to develop clear and consistent methods for cumulative effects and direct impact assessments to address avoidance, mitigation, accommodation and offsets.
Stewardship & revitalization:
We help to train community members and guardians to develop and carry out stewardship and revitalization programs that integrate First Nation-focused cumulative effects toward the long-term health of the Salish Sea.
La kw’e híkw íyáqt is Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ for “Big Changes.”
La Kw’e Hikw Yaqt:
“Big Changes”
This program captures Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives on cumulative effects for integration into program design, the Data Atlas, reporting, and research.
Including Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in regulatory processes is crucial for Indigenous communities, enabling meaningful participation and informed decision-making related to the Salish Sea.
SSIGA’s Data Atlas
Our Data Atlas is a centralized database for Indigenous Knowledge, monitoring, stewardship data, and holistic perspectives. It aids communities in assessing development impacts on their territories and integrates Indigenous and Western scientific data to redefine cumulative effects.
Most of the Data Atlas is public, but SSIGA member Nations have private portals for sensitive information.
Monitoring programs
Our monitoring programs develop indicators for salmon, crab, and bivalves, expanding community guardian initiatives to regional efforts.
We aim to extend guardians’ programs beyond temporary government funding, ensuring continuous data collection and increased monitoring sites for the Salish Sea. This includes population, sediment, and tissue sampling, in partnership with A Rocha/Shared Waters.
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Monitoring Programs
Our monitoring programs develop indicators for salmon, crab, and bivalves, expanding community guardian initiatives to regional efforts.
We aim to extend guardians’ programs beyond temporary government funding, ensuring continuous data collection and increased monitoring sites for the Salish Sea. This includes population, sediment, and tissue sampling in partnership with A Rocha/Shared Waters.
Bio-filtration and restoration
Our guardians’-based program builds on community efforts with the Rivershed Society for riparian restoration, expanding these efforts to more regional sites. We use the existing natural filtration of riparian restorative plans and integrate additional bio-filtration research to test and monitor water quality, especially stormwater and its impact on traditional food sources.
Indigenous Knowledge, including Traditional Ecological Knowledge, is integrated into programs and a regional survey is included in ongoing efforts.
Sustainability and cumulative effects workshops and conferences
SSIGA collaborates and shares data with communities, governments, agencies, organizations, firms, academic institutions, NGOs, and experts. With support from sustainable partners and associate members, we host workshops and conferences to provide SSIGA updates, compare international approaches to cumulative effects and Indigenous Knowledge, discuss sustainable planning, highlight green infrastructure and biofiltration research, and focus on the health of the Salish Sea.
Methodologies & impact assessments
By defining and collecting data from Indigenous perspectives and priorities, we aim to establish clear and accurate baselines to measure impacts directly. Clear data allows Nations to make informed and independent decisions regarding impacts on their rights and titles. We work with communities to develop methodologies for measurements that factor in their specific perspectives and priorities, starting with pilot programs that offer collaboration with other organizations, land/water users and industry proponents.