Territorial Stewardship

The Metlakatla people have occupied and used the resources of the Skeena watershed, the Tsimpsean Peninsula and offshore islands, Work Channel, Portland Inlet and coastal areas surrounding modern day Prince Rupert since time immemorial (View the Metlakatla Traditional Territory Map). The health of Metlakatla people, the vibrancy of our culture, and the welfare of our children are inextricably linked to the wellbeing of our lands and waters. As owners and stewards, we are committed to ensuring the natural resources of our territory are managed responsibly to sustain our people for innumerable generations to come.

To honour the interconnectedness of our lands, waters, culture and communities, Metlakatla stewardship goals include:

• Protecting and sustaining ecosystems and natural life throughout our territory
• Continuing our cultural and customary uses of resources within our territory
• Sustaining our culture, communities and economies by engaging in sustainable development activities

As stewards of the Metlakatla Territory, we are working to participate fully and effectively in resource planning and management decisions concerning our lands, waters, rights and title. We are working to ensure our actions today either maintain or enhance our environment and community for the future. Our projects include land use planning, marine use planning, cultural heritage and monitoring and mapping initiatives. We also engage in review and approval of land and resource development applications and proposals. We believe that active leadership and early involvement in resource management projects throughout our territory will help us fulfill our roles as stewards of our lands.