The Metlakatla Cumulative Effects Management (CEM) Program proudly hosted its first-ever Metlakatla CEM Gathering, a landmark two-day event aimed at identifying the top community values to prioritize for future work.
Day One: Insightful Discussions and Workshops
Day one was filled with insightful discussions focused on understanding the values deemed important by Metlakatla membership. The day began with an inspiring welcome and open prayer from Kiesha Pahl. She talked about “how important it is for us to draw on our strengths and resilience as a community so that we can address any issues and move forward in a meaningful way. At the heart of our CEM approach is a simple idea: everything is connected. This understanding guides our vision for the future, based on our shared values and dreams, and made stronger by our members’ valuable insights.”
The morning also featured updates and presentations from the Metlakatla Stewardship Society, Language, Culture and Heritage Department, and Ecotrust, highlighting significant projects within Metlakatla’s territory and initiatives such as Restorative Regenerative Kelp Farming.
Following the presentations, we transitioned into discussions where members actively contributed to creating a list of values that are the most important to Metlakatla. This list of values will be the foundation for the CEM Program’s work. The day concluded with closing remarks from Chief Robert Nelson, who expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the day a success. The Metlakatla CEM Program extends heartfelt thanks to the leadership, presenters, Metlakatla staff, and community members for their invaluable contributions.
Day Two: Territory Tour and Wildlife Encounters
Day two took us on an enlightening Territory Tour to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, traveling along the coast between Prince Rupert and Lax Kw’alaams. This was a perfect conclusion to our two-day gathering, as we were fortunate to witness four Grizzly Bears and several Humpback Whales, making it an unforgettable experience.
Next Steps: Prioritizing Community Values
The next step for the Metlakatla CEM Program is to prioritize the candidate values list. To achieve this, we will engage Metlakatla members in the territory through focus groups, which will play a crucial role in finalizing our values list. This will be the focus of the program’s work for the upcoming years.
We are excited to continue this collaborative journey and appreciate the continued support and participation of the Metlakatla community.
