The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Workforce project is looking for elders or knowledge holders in Columbia Valley First Nation communities to share cultural teachings and historical information about local wetlands.

The project is a collaboration with conservation organizations and First Nations aiming to maintain and monitor wetlands across the province, including the Columbia Valley wetlands. “We are interested in capturing cultural teachings and historical information to inform activities proposed in the field,” read the press release issued last week.

The project is supported through what’s known as the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, a program delivered by the Real Estate Foundation of B.C. and Watersheds BC. Financial support comes from the provincial government. Partners to the “Wetlands Workforce” initiative are leading conservation organizations such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Lower Kootenay Band, and Nature Trust of British Columbia.

Compensation for half and full-day rates is available for providing historical and traditional ecological knowledge for data collection. The project’s communications team can visit and capture recordings if those interested in the position prefer.

The funding is available until December 15. Questions asked of participants will include: What does water mean to your community? What are your aspirations for the future? What connections exist between wetlands and your culture? For more information, email [email protected].