Joe Akerman

After many decades of deteriorating ecological conditions at Xwaaqw’um Village (Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park), Quw’utsun Elders, along with support from Stqeeye’ Learning Society, Cowichan Tribes, BC Wildlife Federation and BC Parks have completed installation of the first wetland at Xwaaqw’um. Along with a first priority of mending relationships between Local Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people by learning how Hul’q’umi’num culture can guide the work of enabling highly productive local endangered ecosystems and local foods to once again thrive at Xwaaqw’um Village. Releasing the natural inland water flows at Xwaaqw’um Village from the rapid diversion by agricultural ditches and buried drain lines will help bring rare wetland plants used for weaving and other culturally important plant and animal species back. A 660 square metre wetland was created at Xwaaqw’um Village on the east boundary of Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park. Wetland construction was completed in September 201…