Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative

The Coastal Guardian Watchmen Network (CGWN) helps First Nation communities achieve their vision to build and maintain strong and robust Guardian Watchmen programs throughout their territories.

The Network connects Guardian Watchmen programs throughout coastal BC, facilitating communication and supporting their efforts around monitoring the health of the plants and animals that have ecological and cultural importance to their communities. They also monitor the impacts of activities such as commercial and sport fishing, logging, and tourism. Reports and statistics are regularly shared with private organizations, foundations, and Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to track and preserve coastal waters and shorelines, and enforce regulations around their use.