Training

Overview

Caring for coastal lands and waters is a responsibility passed down from generation to generation. Effective stewardship depends on sharing teachings, deepening knowledge and enhancing skills.

CSN supports these efforts by offering rich learning experiences that build capacity for current and future stewardship leaders. Our programming includes custom training programs, workshops and, where appropriate, land-based educational experiences.

stewardship Training: Coastal First Nations

Our Approach

Our training celebrates the strengths of each individual, honour the deep knowledge present within communities, and are holistic in nature. Our programming integrates cultural teachings, technical skill development, leadership training and personal well-being. We work with Elders, knowledge keepers, universities and technical experts to develop and deliver impactful training programs. To nurture strong relationships within and between communities, our programs are often delivered regionally.

Training Areas

CSN’s mission for training and education is to provide Indigenous stewardship training to Guardians and field technicians, guided by the needs of the Stewardship Offices in CFN member Nations. The vision for this work is that Guardians and field technicians have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to carry forward the work of their ancestors to monitor, steward and restore the cultural and natural resources in their territories.

To best prepare Guardians to succeed within their roles, and fulfil current and emerging regional stewardship initiatives, CSN training priorities for 2024 to 2029 will be:

Indigenize curricula for programming;
Develop and deliver an accredited Compliance and Enforcement (C&E) field skills training stream;
Develop and deliver an accredited Ecological Monitoring and Research (M&R) field skills stream;
Continue delivering foundational skills training for Guardians through the Stewardship Technicians Training Program (STTP);
Deliver in-community workshops and mentorship opportunities on an as-needed basis.

Stewardship Technicians Training Program

A collaborative program with Vancouver Island University, the Stewardship Technicians Training Program (STTP) provides applied stewardship training for individuals from CFN member Nations. STTP provides tangible skills required to work as Coastal Guardian Watchmen, fisheries technicians, heritage surveyors, environmental monitors and in other resource management field positions.

The program has profound results. A recent evaluation of STTP found that in addition to providing applied stewardship training, graduates of STTP:

become healthier citizens with improvement in personal wellbeing;
were inspired to continue with self-improvement and further training;
were better able to find and maintain employment;
are recognized as respected professionals in their field; and,
become part of a growing network on the coast that influences region-wide responsiveness to land and water stewardship.

Learn MoreFor more information, contact: training@coastalfirstnations.ca or 604-696-9889

Building a Stewardship Training Program for the North and Central Coast
A new evaluation report highlights the impacts of stewardship training in coastal communities—from building knowledge and capacity to inspiring further learning and creating strong personal and organizational networks.
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