This article originally appeared in Currents and has been provided courtesy of the Bluewater Cruising Association

Cruising in First Nations’ Territories

As the days become longer and the weather slowly warms up, many Bluewater Cruising Association (BCA) members make plans for the cruising season. These plans may involve cruising the Salish Sea, Desolation Sound, the Broughton Archipelago, around Vancouver Island, along the British Columbia central and northern coast, Haida Gwaii, or maybe even Alaska or Puget Sound.

From our survey of BCA members last year, we know that about half of those who responded were very or quite concerned about the effects cruising boats and related activities have on the environment. More than half of the respondents also wanted more information about the concerns of coastal BC communities on the impact of cruising, and how we can better support or assist these communities.

In many cases, the areas that we plan to explore are in unceded territories of First Nations; you may be wondering how to manage your impact and support the communities in these territories. Most coastal First Nations are maritime peoples, and unceded territory includes large marine areas that extend from their unceded land-based territories (see links to maps below). Diane Selkirk provides some excellent guidance for travelling in these areas in her Pacific Yachting article “Boating with Respect”. The following guidelines, which include and build upon Diane’s suggestions, will help BCA members cruise respectfully in First Nations’ territories. A list of online resources is included after the guidelines.

This photo is taken from Fury Cove on Penrose Island, looking across to Calvert Island; shows Fury Cove midden and shell beaches from previous Indigenous habitation and is located in Penrose Island Marine Park. Calvert Island Conservancy across Fitzhugh Sound from Fury Cove is co-managed under an agreement between the Wuikinuxv Nation and the Province of British Columbia. Both are in First Nations’ territories and cruisers may meet First Nations members or guardians in both these locations.  Photo Courtesy Connie Morahan –  Bluewater Cruising Association.

Guidelines

Be aware. When travelling in coastal waters of British Columbia, Washington, or Alaska, be aware that you are in traditional First Nation(s) territories that have been occupied for thousands of years. Three hundred years of colonization have done much damage to the land and people; a process of revitalization is now going on, which is reclaiming what was lost or forgotten.

Reflect. When arriving in places with non-indigenous names, realize that those names have existed for only one or two hundred years, whereas the place names given by the First Nations are thousands of years old. With their long history of residing in and caring for the area, many First Nations are reclaiming their place names. Find out what these names are, and use them when you can (see below).

Research. Spend a few minutes on First Nations websites (see below) to see if there is a cultural ambassador or other resource available for visitors. You will find that some indigenous communities are very ready for visitors. If you find a contact, connect with them to ask if you are permitted to be in the area that you desire to visit. Asking permission to land is not usually required but would be appreciated.

Explore. If you have time to visit and explore a place, ask if there are any local First Nations tours, events, or activities available to the public (or refer to www.indigenousbc.com). Is there a local museum or cultural centre available to provide you with more information? Are there any cultural protocols or sacred sites to be avoided that you should know about? Note that not all areas are open to visitors at all times. During events and ceremonies, certain trails and buildings may be closed.

Ask. Confirm with the local nation, tribe, or Visitor Information Centre that it is okay to take photos of buildings, art, or artifacts. If you want to take a photo of a First Nations person, ask for permission.

Be Considerate. Think about the impact of your presence as a boater: noise (motors, partying, music); water pollution (bilge, grey water, black water, bottom paint); harvesting (know the fishing, crabbing, shrimping limits and seasons); rules of anchoring (avoid, when possible, anchoring in sensitive areas, e.g. over eelgrass or clam beds). Commit to keeping your environmental impact to a minimum and your social impact positive.

Show Respect. First Nations peoples are stewards of biodiverse and remote areas in BC, and protectors of resources in those areas. Respect their stewardship and governance of these areas and be able to recognize – and avoid disturbing – cultural sites such as clam gardens, sea gardens, rock art, culturally modified trees, and village remnants. Many small islets are ancient burial sites (particularly in the Salish Sea), and are therefore considered sacred.

You may be approached by First Nations’ Guardians such as the Coastal Guardian Watchmen (Great Bear Initiative). Always be open and respectful when speaking with Guardians: they can be very helpful in providing guidance and ensuring cultural awareness of the area. Many coastal First Nations are developing their own guardian programmes, which means that we are increasingly likely to interact with them. Do not move, remove, or damage rocks, plants, trees, or driftwood on the land, beach, or intertidal zone, and do not tag locations on social media. Anchor, walk, or camp only where permitted. Be aware and respect campfire bans.

Be generous. If you have extra fish or food, offer it to the elders of nearby villages, or guardians at watch houses. Donate money to programs run by the First Nations.

Always treat all lands, waters, and people with respect. Speak gently, listen thoughtfully, and be aware of your privilege. You may never see that person or visit that place again, but to that person you represent the entire sailing community. Be a good ambassador.

Resources

Maps of First Nations Areas

Vancouver Island First Nations names and websites
BC Assembly of First Nations
Native Land (A Canadian initiative, but also includes unceded/disputed territories worldwide)
The tribes of Washington State
Alaskan Native Cultures

Information for Visitors

Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative (includes information on Central Coastal Guardian Watchmen Programme)
Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance
Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) – co-led planning process with 17 coastal First Nations and the Gov of BC
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs – increasing number of marine IPCAs in BC waters)

Coastal Guardian Websites

Haida Gwaii Guardians
Coastal Guardian Watchmen – Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative
QENTOL, YEN (W̱SÁNEĆ)

Most First Nations Have Their Own Websites

This list will get you started, but please research your proposed sailing areas before you go.

Haida (Haida Gwaii)

• Haida Nation
• Haida Heritage Centre
• Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge

Heiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella/Wágḷísḷa)

‘Namgis (Alert Bay)

W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich Peninsula)

Makah (Neah Bay)

Examples of Place Names

FirstVoices is a fantastic website for many First Nations’ languages, including local place names. This is a joint effort, sponsored by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, and created by numerous volunteers from Indigenous nations, bands, and other non-profit organizations.

• ṮEḴTEḴSEN – Saturna Island
• W̱ÁSW̱EṈ – Prevost Island and reefs
• ĆTESU – D’Arcy Island
• K’emk’emelay – Vancouver (Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil Waututh)
• Ayyulshun – English Bay (Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil Waututh)
• Atlakasem – Howe Sound (Squamish)
• shíshálh – Sechelt
• Saysutshun – Newcastle Island (Snuneymuxw)
• Snuneymuxw – Nanaimo
• K’omoks – Comox
• Pélbála (Heiltsuk) – Bella Bella

Many thanks to Tamiko Suzuki for all her contributions to this article.

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About the Author

The role of the Bluewater Cruising Association – Environmentally and Socially Responsible Cruising (ESRC) Working Group is to develop and implement BCA’s ESRC Pledge, through a variety of initiatives, projects, publications, talks and workshops.

Working Group Members are: Deb Bryant, Don Chandler, Rick Ellis, Connie Morahan, Marilyn Sanford, and Patrick O’Hara.

All photos courtesy of Connie Morahan.

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This content was reproduced with permission from Bluewater Cruising Association.  

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.

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