A small Indigenous Nation with a big vision for nature
We are the Kwiakah.
Together, we are upholding our rights by developing a new way of living—one that heals our fragmented forests and oceans.
For you, for us, for nature
THE STORY
Along the west coast of British Columbia, there are ʔiʔaƛ̓i (forests) and ƛ̓ase (shorelines) where a story has been unfolding for decades.
It’s not the story that you think it is.
Years of old growth logging, habitat loss, and fish farming have degraded our Traditional Territory past recognition. And, despite the famous, protective land agreement that covers it, our forests shrink with each passing day. This unearths carbon that fuels climate change, a disaster that has touched all of us.
It’s time to write a new chapter.
OUR PLAN
We’re building a conservation economy
In collaboration with world-renowned figures—like author Peter Wohlleben and forest ecologist Dr. Suzanne Simard—we are planning to establish an Indigenous-led, conservation-focused, regenerative economy in our territory. This will involve:
This a holistic and science-backed approach to forestry that will encourage carbon-storing old growth characteristics in logged forests.
Implementing regenerative forestry.
GROWING businesses on our territory.
These will range from sustainable kelp farming to ecotourism ventures run by the Kwiakah. These complementary businesses will give back to the lands and water instead of extracting from them.
Testing OUR NEW economic system.
If successful, we’ll help other communities adapt this model to help them combat unhealthy industrial systems, and provide a bold solution to climate change.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US
Help us bring our Vision to life
If you are a philanthropist, business, academic, or someone that wants to make an impact with their time and resources, we would appreciate added capacity or financial support to help bring our Vision to life.
Together, we can heal, mend our territory, and soothe our warming planet.
Who we are
The Kwiakah Nation
We, the Kwiakah Nation, are a small and resilient First Nation in British Columbia led by Chief Steven Dick. Our core territory covers the Phillips Arm and Frederick Arm region—an hour’s boat ride from Campbell River.
We believe in making brave choices to build a new reality, in sharing our knowledge as we pursue our dreams, and greeting friends and strangers with warmth and respect.