On March 4, 2025, the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (IWI) hosted Watershed Reflections, a day-long celebration at the Vancouver International Film Centre that brought together community leaders, partners, and supporters to honour the work of Indigenous-led watershed projects across the province.
This gathering marked the culmination of a three-year initiative supported by a $15 million investment from the provincial government that was delivered through a partnership of MakeWay and Watersheds BC. Through this investment, IWI funded 49 Indigenous-led or co-led projects focused on watershed health, climate resilience, and Indigenous rights.
IWI ‘Watershed Reflections’ Event. Photo: Kieran Jarvis
The event provided a powerful space to celebrate these efforts, share stories, and reflect on the impact of the initiative. Many advisors and funders were in attendance, including POLIS’ Oliver M. Brandes, members of the Canadian Water Agency, and members of the First Nations Water Caucus.
The program featured short films produced by IWI project teams, two fireside chats with Indigenous watershed leaders, and the premiere of Our Waters, a new IWI-produced film spotlighting the work of five communities.
Indigenous advisors, who have been instrumental in shaping and guiding the IWI, took on key roles in hosting the event. Graphic recorder Michelle Buchholz offered a visual witnessing of the day, weaving together the themes and messages shared by participants.
IWI ‘Watershed Reflections’ Event. Photo: Kieran Jarvis
Throughout the day, speakers acknowledged the importance of relationship-building, intergenerational knowledge-sharing, and the need for sustained investment in Indigenous-led watershed governance. The reflections shared by project teams — from restoring salmon habitats and protecting drinking water, to advancing food sovereignty and cultural revitalization — demonstrated the diversity and depth of work being led in communities across B.C.
IWI ‘Watershed Reflections’ Event. Photo: Kieran Jarvis
The event also highlighted what’s ahead, with a focus on the evolving work of the Watershed Security Fund. Co-developed and co-delivered by First Nations, this Fund will support the continuation and scaling of this work into the future.
As staff and advisors reminded attendees, Watershed Reflections was not an ending. Although it celebrated the culmination of a three-year initiative, this gathering was a recognition of the momentum built and the path forward — a stepping stone in the ongoing journey of Indigenous-led watershed protection.
As one of the founding partners of Watersheds BC, the POLIS team will continue to support this ongoing work.
See short films, more photos, and Michelle Buchholz’s graphic witnessing>
