In June 2026, a group of Kitasoo Xai’xais Guardians made the long trek from the Central Coast to Old Massett on Haida Gwaii to connect with the Haida Fisheries Guardians for a learning exchange.
The week-long visit was part of a series of learning exchanges between Guardian programs in CFN member First Nations—giving the teams a chance to learn from each other and explore their unique stewardship goals and priorities.
Held since the fall of 2025, the learning exchanges are facilitated by the Coastal Stewardship Network, a program of CFN that provides programming and support to Guardian programs and stewardship offices of CFN member Nations. The exchanges provide an excellent opportunity for Guardians to learn about the protocols, practices and laws of other CFN member Nations, and draw upon a wider knowledge base that has been refined through lessons learned over many years.
The Haida-Kitasoo-Xai’xais exchange followed a similar learning exchange from last year, which involved the Metlakatla, Haida and Nuxalk Guardians meeting together and sharing knowledge during patrols throughout Metlakatla Territory.
At the most recent exchange, the Kitasoo Xai’xais team spent a full week shadowing Haida Fisheries Guardians, observing how the team takes direction from the Council of the Haida Nation through committee meetings to determine openings, closures, limits and different methods of monitoring while upholding Haida law.
“We were honoured to sit in on the Yakoun River meeting and then be present for opening and closing protocols,” says Zoë Leech, Guardian Coordinator for the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation. “We also got to assist with razor clam surveys, crab harvesting checks and how they monitor the fishing lodges daily catch limits.”
Zoë says that being a part of those meetings and learning about the processes involved was very useful for the team, especially since Kitasoo Xai’xais leadership had recently signed onto a tri-partite agreement with several other Central Coast Nations, as well as federal and provincial governments, to co-manage a new National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in their territory.
Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon, which translates to “Realm of the Salmon, Home of the Salmon,” will provide marine protection for 6,700 square kilometres of coastal waters. The Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation is expecting an increase in visitors as a result of the new protected areas, along with a potentially expanded role for Guardians as they continue to monitor and protect their coastal territory.
This exchange was supported with financial support from Nature United.
