shíshálh Nation and the Loon Foundation Sign Landmark Collaboration Agreement to Support Environmental Education, Research and Stewardship in kalpilin (Pender Harbour)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (SECHELT, BC) – The Loon Foundation and shíshálh Nation have signed a historic, 15-year Relationship Agreement that represents a landmark collaboration in the development and operation of the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS), a community-based noprofit NGO. The agreement also covers the future operation and transfer of the Iris & Billy Griffith Interpretive Centre.
PODS, located within kalpilin (Pender Harbour), will be a net-zero facility dedicated to elevating research, education, and cultural enrichment. PODS will provide exciting opportunities for potential employment, training, and mentoring for shíshálh members in its development and operation, supporting economic advancement for the community and specifically the shíshálh Nation.
“We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to work with the Loon Foundation on the Pender Harbour Discovery Station,” said lhe hiwus (Chief) Lenora Joe. “This Relationship Agreement sets out a mutually beneficial path forward, respecting the inherent rights of the shíshálh Nation to be actively and meaningfully involved in decision-making and environmental stewardship within our shíshálh swiya and at kalpilin. Respect for, and recognition of shíshálh laws, history, culture and practices is a critical aspect of reconciliation within our swiya. This Relationship Agreement demonstrates how we can all work together for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of our lands and waters, which will benefit both shíshálh and non- shíshálh for generations to come.”
“This agreement enables us to advance meaningful opportunities for all, bolstering the Sunshine Coast economy, enriching kalpilin (Pender Harbour), and opening new horizons for generations to come,” said Dr. Michael Jackson, Executive Director of the Loon Foundation. “This partnership between the shíshálh Nation and the Loon Foundation is a testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, blending shíshálh knowledge, western science, and local culture in harmony,” continued Jackson.
More information on the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station: https://www.openpods.com/
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Media Contacts
lhe hiwus Lenora Joe, shíshálh Nation: 604.885.2273
Lana Brandt, Loon Foundation: media@LoonFoundation.org 778.833.2954
shíshálh is a self-governing First Nation, with inherent rights and responsibilities to protect and manage all lands and resources within the shíshálh swiya, which lies between Queens Reach in lekw’emin (Jervis Inlet) and Howe Sound on the south coast of British Columbia. Historically there were four main settlements at kalpilin (Pender Harbour), ts’unay (Deserted Bay), xenichen (head of lekw’emin) and tewankw near alhtulich (Porpoise Bay).
The Loon Foundation is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to protecting biodiversity, connecting people with the natural world, and fostering responsible stewardship for future generations.