Xeni Biny, Tŝilhqot’in territory. Photo: Josh Neufeld
Watershed Security Fund
Water is life, and remains the most important economic, environmental, cultural, and spiritual wellspring we share.
The Watershed Security Fund is dedicated to safeguarding the health of British Columbia’s watersheds for future generations. We are working towards establishing a permanent funding stream, co-developed and co-governed with First Nations, to support building resilient and healthy watersheds across the province.
The First Nations Water Caucus — with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) — and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) are honoured to collaborate as partners in this inspiring, impactful, and healing work.
On March 6, 2023, the Province of BC made a historic investment by announcing an initial $100 million to ignite the formation of the Watershed Security Fund. Established through a collaboration between the Province of BC and the BC-First Nations Water Table, the Watershed Security Fund represents a significant milestone in safeguarding the health of our province’s invaluable watersheds.
$5M
awarded in inaugural grants
26
projects received grants in 2024
7
watersheds benefit from funding
“Our approach will be holistic and whole-of-watershed, acknowledging water as a sacred and vital source fundamental to healthy communities, environments, and economies. As such, our watershed investments will reflect their value to all living things.”
— Lydia Hwitsum, Co-Commissioner, First Nations Water Caucus