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Post-Wildfire Restoration
Post-Wildfire Restoration
Course Series
čəqʷəɬ cə šiʔšəč
"the forest is burning"
translated by lək̓ʷəŋən elder Sophie Misheal as reviewed by Elmer George, Andrew Cienski and Ed Thomas
Fire regimes are changing, with fire seasons lengthening and disturbances becoming larger and more severe. A better understanding is needed of the restoration capacity of the communities and landscapes most affected by wildfire risk.
k̓ʷə́n̓t tən̓ ščəníŋəɬ - k̓ʷə́n̓t tən̓ št̕ᶿəikʷən
"take care of your garden - take care of your seed"
translated by lək̓ʷəŋən elder Sophie Misheal as reviewed by Elmer George, Andrew Cienski and Ed Thomas
Indigenous Gathering and Action Forum for Post-Wildfire Restoration
The Canadian Wildlife Federation and the University of Victoria are supporting an Indigenous Gathering for Post-Wildfire Restoration and co-hosting a Post-Wildfire Restoration Action Forum during č̓əč̓áy̓əƛ̓ ɬqélč̓ (the lək̓ʷəŋən short moon).
On February 20 and 21, 2025, Indigenous Experts and Knowledge Keepers, scientists, practitioners, and community leaders will gather in lək̓ʷəŋən territory at the University of Victoria campus to develop a comprehensive, science-based, community-informed strategy and action plan.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Learn more or register for the sessions below:
Session 1: Indigenous Gathering
Date: Thursday, Feb. 20
Time: 8 am to 5:30 pm
Location: First Peoples House, UVic
Session 2: Action Forum
Date: Friday, Feb. 21
Time: 8 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Michel Pujol Room, SUB, UVic
In keeping with the teachings shared in xwkwənəŋ istəl - W̱ȻENEṈISTEL (“helping to move each other forward” - the University of Victoria’s Indigenous Plan), we are all reminded by local Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members to:
héʔəkw ʔə cə čəléŋən ɫtə | HÁEQ TE OL TŦE ĆELÁ EN TE
(“remember our ancestors and birthright” - shared in SENĆOŦEN by J,SIṈTEN,
Dr. John Elliott (Tsartlip First Nation) and translated into lək̓ʷəŋən by Seniemten, Dr. Elmer George (Songhees Nation))</small
nəc̓ əmaat kwəns čeʔi | ĆȺNEUEL OL
(“work together” - shared in SENĆOŦEN by J,SIṈTEN,
Dr. John Elliott (Tsartlip First Nation) and translated into lək̓ʷəŋən by Seniemten, Dr. Elmer George (Songhees Nation))
nəues cən ʔay̓ šqweləqwən | ÁMEḴT TŦEN ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN
(“bring in your good heart and mind” - shared in SENĆOŦEN by J,SIṈTEN,
Dr. John Elliott (Tsartlip First Nation) and translated into lək̓ʷəŋən by Seniemten, Dr. Elmer George (Songhees Nation))
leʔt šxw helə ʔə cə mak̓w sčeʔi səʔ | S,HOI EI MEQ EN ENA SE SĆȺ
(“be prepared for the work to come” - shared in SENĆOŦEN by J,SIṈTEN,
Dr. John Elliott (Tsartlip First Nation) and translated into lək̓ʷəŋən by Seniemten, Dr. Elmer George (Songhees Nation)
Funded by the Weston Family Foundation, the initial gathering (Thursday, Feb. 20) and subsequent forum (Friday, Feb. 21) will provide an opportunity to share knowledge and perspectives and develop a guidance document and strategy for post-fire recovery.
A focus will be on immediate needs and opportunities for practical, community informed science-based interventions, ensuring outcomes that help local communities and governments restore vital ecosystems, enhance resilience to climate change, and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
For instance, the gathering and forum will address the critical shortage of native seeds and plants necessary for effective and appropriate post-fire restoration.
For questions or more information, contact Tusa Shea.
Online registration temporarily unavailable
Sessions
Indigenous Gathering
Action Forum for Post-Wildfire Restoration
Fees
PLEASE NOTE: Please visit each session page for registration information.