Job Posting: Finance & Administrative Officer
Job Posting: Finance & Administrative Officer
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is seeking a Finance & Administrative Officer to join our team.
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Active cutblocks the size of 68 Stanley parks in areas BC considers ‘protected’
Active cutblocks the size of 68 Stanley parks in areas BC considers ‘protected’
Less than one third of Old Growth Management Areas in BC is actually old growth
January 29, 2024
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – A new report from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) finds that areas the BC government counts as ‘protected’ and uses to conserve biodiverse old growth forests do not meet conservation standards and contain little old growth.
Key Findings:
- Less than one third (29 per cent) of legal Old Growth Management Areas (OGMAs) are composed of old forests (by area).
- The majority (58 per cent) of legal OGMAs are young forest (by area).
- Active forestry cutblocks also overlap 27,300 hectares of legal OGMAs in the province, an area 68 times larger than Stanley Park.
- Furthermore, when broken down into individual OGMAs, 37 per cent of the approximately 22,000 legal OGMAS in BC do not contain any old trees.
“We’ve known for a while that OGMAs are poorly protected but these results were just shocking and show how far off conservation standards these protections are,” says Meg Bjordal, author of the report and the conservation research and policy coordinator at CPAWS-BC.
The report also looked at examples of OGMAs in the Campbell River Resource District to see what was happening on a smaller scale, and found frequent boundary changes to permit logging, and fragmented areas that cannot foster biodiversity.
“Looking at these OGMA examples, between the data, satellite views and on-the-ground pictures, this is a black mark on BC’s progress to protect endangered ecosystems. It is devastating that we’re still destroying old growth forests.”
The report recommends three key changes:
- Amend OGMA guidelines to effectively protect old growth. OGMAs must be predominantly old forest, and represent large, unfragmented areas without clearcuts or roads. Boundary changes for resource extraction must not be permitted.
- Conduct a provincial review of OGMAs: assess OGMA management and immediately rectify where targets for retention of old forests are not being met. Identify sites that offer large, unfragmented, old growth forests to meet the retention targets and achieve biodiversity protection with OGMAs.
- Upgrade laws and regulations to ensure protection from boundary changes and industrial activity, such as logging and road building, to prevent further fragmentation of OGMAs. Put in place proper monitoring to track changes and incursions.
“B.C. recently reaffirmed their commitment to protecting 30 per cent of the province’s lands and waters in the widely celebrated Trilateral Framework Agreement for Nature Conservation. To reach this target, the province must either take significant steps to meet protection standards for ‘other conserved areas’ or completely exclude OGMAs from B.C. and Canada’s tally of protected areas,” says CPAWS-BC Executive Director Meaghen McCord.
-30-
For interviews, contact:
Max Winkelman,
Communications Manager
max@cpawsbc.org
604-685-7445 x22
Background:
According to BC government accounting, 19.6 per cent of BC lands are currently protected. This total comprises 15.5 per cent in protected areas, including Provincial Parks, Conservancies and Ecological Reserves; and the remaining 4.1 per cent in Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs), 37 per cent of which are OGMAs.
This report used open source data from the BC Data Catalogue and the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database. Old forest was classified by age and biogeoclimatic subzones as per similar methods that the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel used.
TAKE ACTION
We need BC to take action to protect at risk old growth and to make sure Old Growth Management Areas are actually fostering biodiversity, protecting old growth, and meeting conservation standards.
Email your MLA and tell them you want to see areas they claim as protected, actually protected!
Join CPAWS-BC Chapter Board of Directors: Member at Large
Board of Directors – Member at Large
Job Description
Last Updated: August 2023
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. Working in a way that respects the sovereignty and leadership of Indigenous nations, we are focused on conserving nature to respond to the dual crises of accelerated biodiversity loss and climate change.
With almost 60 years of success, we are Canada’s leader in conservation and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory! Our vision is that at least half of land, freshwater and ocean in Canada is permanently protected to sustain nature and people for current and future generations.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978 and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
CPAWS-BC works on the unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that all people have the right to a healthy environment. Identity, culture, and survival are often deeply rooted in people’s connection to the land and ocean. However, not all people have equal access to and decision-making powers over the use of land and ocean. As a conservation organization, we have the responsibility to uphold the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized voices and perspectives.
We, the staff and Board at CPAWS-BC, recognize that decolonization is an ongoing process that requires all of us to be actively involved and responsible. CPAWS-BC is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within every aspect of our work to protect lands, inland waters, and ocean. We commit to be more inclusive, respectful, and honour Indigenous Peoples in all aspects of our work. CPAWS-BC’s hiring practices give priority to Indigenous, Black, and racialized people and those who face systemic barriers to employment.
Opportunity to join CPAWS-BC Board of Directors:
We have an exciting opportunity to add up to four more Board Members to the CPAWS-BC Board of Directors. Below you will find a short description of what is required of Board Members and the typical time commitment involved. You will also find a description of our different executive roles. Please note that all Board of Directors positions are volunteer and are unpaid.
If you are interested in joining the CPAWS-BC Board of Directors, please email your resume and a short cover letter describing why you are a good fit for the Board to recruitment@cpawsbc.org and please include in your cover letter whether you would be interested in any of the executive roles, and if so, which one(s) and why.
- Board Member at Large
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Vice-President
The deadline for applications is September 22, 2023.
Board Member at Large: Details
While there are many types of Boards, CPAWS-BC’s Board is a governance Board, as opposed to an operational Board. That is, the organization’s work is done by staff, not Board Members. The role of Board Members is to ensure that the organization stays true to our mission and meets our fiscal and legal requirements.
Board Member at Large Expectations
CPAWS-BC’s Board is a governance Board, as opposed to an operational Board. That is, the organization’s work is done by staff, not Board Members. The role of Board Members is to ensure that the organization stays true to our mission and meets our fiscal and legal requirements. All Board members are expected to:
- Regularly attends all board meetings (approximately 5 per year) and important related meetings / events, where possible.
- Makes a serious commitment to participate actively in Board work.
- Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time
- Prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports prior to meetings.
- Gets to know other Board members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Participates in fundraising for the organization where appropriate, including making a personal financial contribution to CPAWS-BC at a level that is meaningful, no later than December of each year and without having to be asked.
- Acts as an advocate for the organization and works to steward donors, where possible.
- Commits to assisting recruiting, selecting, and training successive board members.
Board Elections and Term Limits:
In accordance with the society’s bylaws, elections for directors will normally occur at the annual general meeting and will take office commencing at the close of the annual general meeting. The term of office will normally be two years, with the hope that all Board members will remain for the full term. No Board member can stay on the Board for more than three terms, and third terms should only be pursued with specific rationale: e.g. Board member taking on, or within, an executive role, or committing to bring something additional to the Board, etc.
Directors may be elected for up to three (3) consecutive terms, regardless of the duration of such terms. A Person who has served as a Director for three (3) consecutive terms may not be re-elected for at least two (2) years following the expiry of their latest term.
Average Time Commitment: One 2.5 hour Board meeting per quarter, which requires some prep work to review and summarize the organization’s monthly financial statements, staff report, etc. Additional meetings may be called if required. Board members are encouraged to actively participate in at least one committee, which can take up approximately 1-5 additional hours a month.
Join CPAWS-BC Chapter Board of Directors: Vice-President
Board of Directors – Vice-President
Job Description
Last Updated: August 2023
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. Working in a way that respects the sovereignty and leadership of Indigenous nations, we are focused on conserving nature to respond to the dual crises of accelerated biodiversity loss and climate change.
With almost 60 years of success, we are Canada’s leader in conservation and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory! Our vision is that at least half of land, freshwater and ocean in Canada is permanently protected to sustain nature and people for current and future generations.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978 and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
CPAWS-BC works on the unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that all people have the right to a healthy environment. Identity, culture, and survival are often deeply rooted in people’s connection to the land and ocean. However, not all people have equal access to and decision-making powers over the use of land and ocean. As a conservation organization, we have the responsibility to uphold the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized voices and perspectives.
We, the staff and Board at CPAWS-BC, recognize that decolonization is an ongoing process that requires all of us to be actively involved and responsible. CPAWS-BC is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within every aspect of our work to protect lands, inland waters, and ocean. We commit to be more inclusive, respectful, and honour Indigenous Peoples in all aspects of our work. CPAWS-BC’s hiring practices give priority to Indigenous, Black, and racialized people and those who face systemic barriers to employment.
Position Summary:
The CPAWS-BC Vice President is an executive member of the Board. The Vice President’s key role is to support the Board President, where required, in the Board President’s key roles as preparation to become Board President after one term as Vice President.
Average Time Commitment: One 2.5 hour Board meeting per quarter, which requires 1-2 hours of prep work to prepare for the Board meeting. Additional meetings may be called if required. Vice Presidents are also expected to support the Board President in their Key Roles, which can take up approximately 1-5 additional hours a month.
General Board Member Role and Expectations:
BC’s Board is a governance Board, as opposed to an operational Board. That is, the organization’s work is done by staff, not Board Members. The role of Board Members is to ensure that the organization stays true to our mission and meets our fiscal and legal requirements. All Board members are expected to:
- Regularly attends all board meetings (approximately 5 per year) and important related meetings / events, where possible.
- Makes a serious commitment to participate actively in Board work.
- Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time
- Prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports prior to meetings.
- Gets to know other Board members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Participates in fundraising for the organization where appropriate, including making a personal financial contribution to CPAWS-BC at a level that is meaningful, no later than December of each year and without having to be asked.
- Acts as an advocate for the organization and works to steward donors, where possible.
- Commits to assisting recruiting, selecting, and training successive board members.
Board Elections and Term Limits:
In accordance with the society’s bylaws, elections for directors will normally occur at the annual general meeting and will take office commencing at the close of the annual general meeting. The term of office will normally be two years, with the hope that all Board members will remain for the full term. No Board member can stay on the Board for more than three terms, and third terms should only be pursued with specific rationale: e.g. Board member taking on, or within, an executive role, or committing to bring something additional to the Board, etc.
Directors may be elected for up to three (3) consecutive terms, regardless of the duration of such terms. A Person who has served as a Director for three (3) consecutive terms may not be re-elected for at least two (2) years following the expiry of their latest term.
Vice-President Officer Role:
Officer Terms:
Unless appointed for a longer term by Board Resolution, each officer appointed or elected by the Directors will hold office until the first meeting of the Board held after the next following annual general meeting. Directors may be appointed or elected as an officer for consecutive terms.
Term Limits:
A Vice President is expected to serve one term, but the term may be extended by one term (maximum two terms) under certain circumstances and if the whole Board approves. Vice Presidents should intend to become Board President after their Vice President term is up.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Supports the Board President where necessary and acts as the President in their absence. Specific roles of the Board President that the Vice President should support include:
- Assessing the performance of the Board and its committees when required, and makes changes if necessary
- Assuring ongoing recruitment, development, and contributions of Board members
- Ensuring the Board’s directives, policies, and resolutions are carried out
- Coordinating an annual performance review of the Executive Director
- Serving as an ambassador of the organization and advocates its mission to internal and external stakeholders
- Provides continuity in the leadership of CPAWS-BC through the commitment to a full term as Board President after the Vice President term is up
Qualifications:
- Experience in strategic planning, ideally related to nonprofit organizations
- Direct management experience
- An ability to lead and manage complex programs or projects
- An ability to facilitate diverse groups of people in making collaborative decisions
- A demonstrated history of good interpersonal skills and an ability to interact with other members in a professional manner
- Knowledge of and commitment to current and equity-focused governance organizational governance practices
Board recruitment process
If you are interested in joining the CPAWS-BC Board of Directors, please email your resume and a short cover letter describing why you are a good fit for the Board to recruitment@cpawsbc.org and please include in your cover letter whether you would be interested in any of the executive roles, and if so, which one(s) and why.
Join CPAWS-BC Chapter Board of Directors: Secretary
Board of Directors – Secretary
Job Description
Last Updated: August 2023
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. Working in a way that respects the sovereignty and leadership of Indigenous nations, we are focused on conserving nature to respond to the dual crises of accelerated biodiversity loss and climate change.
With almost 60 years of success, we are Canada’s leader in conservation and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory! Our vision is that at least half of land, freshwater and ocean in Canada is permanently protected to sustain nature and people for current and future generations.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978 and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
CPAWS-BC works on the unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that all people have the right to a healthy environment. Identity, culture, and survival are often deeply rooted in people’s connection to the land and ocean. However, not all people have equal access to and decision-making powers over the use of land and ocean. As a conservation organization, we have the responsibility to uphold the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized voices and perspectives.
We, the staff and Board at CPAWS-BC, recognize that decolonization is an ongoing process that requires all of us to be actively involved and responsible. CPAWS-BC is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within every aspect of our work to protect lands, inland waters, and ocean. We commit to be more inclusive, respectful, and honour Indigenous Peoples in all aspects of our work. CPAWS-BC’s hiring practices give priority to Indigenous, Black, and racialized people and those who face systemic barriers to employment.
Position Summary:
The CPAWS-BC Secretary is an executive member of the Board. The Secretary coordinates meetings, manages Board documents/portal, distributes key information to Board members, takes meeting minutes, action items, and supports the Board function efficiently.
Average Time Commitment: One 2-3 hour Board meeting per quarter, plus the time involved organizing Board meetings, as per the Key Roles of the Secretary. Additional meetings may be called if required. Secretaries are also expected to support the Board President in their Key Roles, which can take up approximately 1-5 additional hours a month.
General Board Member Role and Expectations:
BC’s Board is a governance Board, as opposed to an operational Board. That is, the organization’s work is done by staff, not Board Members. The role of Board Members is to ensure that the organization stays true to our mission and meets our fiscal and legal requirements. All Board members are expected to:
- Regularly attends all board meetings (approximately 5 per year) and important related meetings / events, where possible.
- Makes a serious commitment to participate actively in Board work.
- Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time
- Prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports prior to meetings.
- Gets to know other Board members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Participates in fundraising for the organization where appropriate, including making a personal financial contribution to CPAWS-BC at a level that is meaningful, no later than December of each year and without having to be asked.
- Acts as an advocate for the organization and works to steward donors, where possible.
- Commits to assisting recruiting, selecting, and training successive board members.
Board Elections and Term Limits:
In accordance with the society’s bylaws, elections for directors will normally occur at the annual general meeting and will take office commencing at the close of the annual general meeting. The term of office will normally be two years, with the hope that all Board members will remain for the full term. No Board member can stay on the Board for more than three terms, and third terms should only be pursued with specific rationale: e.g. Board member taking on, or within, an executive role, or committing to bring something additional to the Board, etc.
Directors may be elected for up to three (3) consecutive terms, regardless of the duration of such terms. A Person who has served as a Director for three (3) consecutive terms may not be re-elected for at least two (2) years following the expiry of their latest term.
Secretary Officer Role:
Officer Terms:
Unless appointed for a longer term by Board Resolution, each officer appointed or elected by the Directors will hold office until the first meeting of the Board held after the next following annual general meeting. Directors may be appointed or elected as an officer for consecutive terms.
Term Limits:
A Secretary is expected to serve two terms, and the term may be extended by one term (maximum three terms) under certain circumstances and if the whole Board approves.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- The Secretary is responsible for doing, or making the necessary arrangements for, the following:
- issuing notices of the AGM and Board meetings;
- taking minutes of the AGM and Board meetings;
- keeping the records of the Society in accordance with the Societies Act (except for those records for which the Treasurer is responsible);
- conducting the correspondence of the Board; and
- filing the annual report of the Society and making any other filings with the Registrar under the Societies Act
- Maintain records of the Board (e.g., contact information, etc.) and work with the Executive Director to ensure effective management of organization’s records
- Coordinate and distribute Board meeting agendas, minutes, action items, and other relevant documents at least two weeks prior to meetings
- Record minutes of Board meetings and follow up with other Board members when questions arise from minutes
- Ensure draft minutes are distributed to members within two weeks after each meeting by posting them on the Board portal
Qualifications:
- An ability to be organized, and to support keeping others organized as well
- An ability and desire to take concise meeting notes
- An adequate level of writing proficiency and access to a computer
- High levels of comfort using a wide variety of online software (e.g. Google Workspace / Office)
The position works closely with the Board President and the Executive Director, who support the Secretary with private secure access to the Board portal.
Board recruitment process
We care greatly about adding new board directors that will help advance conservation in a context of justice and equity. We aim to increase diversity on the board and we are actively engaged in learning and shifting our practices, actions, conversations, decisions and processes. We understand that this is a long process and we are committed to putting in the time, resources and energy.
We will reach out to possible candidates directly and also invite interested folks to get in touch with us. To help us assess good fit, please answer the following questions if you decide to apply directly:
- Relevant experience and/or employment (attach a resume if relevant)
- Why are you interested in our organization?
- Area(s) of expertise/contribution you feel you can make
- How can you contribute to advancing conservation with a justice and equity lens?
Please send your answers to: recruitment@cpawsbc.org.
We will aim to respond to all applications. Our first step will be an informal conversation where we will share more about CPAWS-BC and the board role and hope to learn more about you. Should there be a mutual good fit, we will share more information and might invite you to visit a board meeting and/or attend upcoming events.
Recruitment is an ongoing process and we accept expressions of interest at any time.
Join CPAWS-BC Chapter Board of Directors: Treasurer
Board of Directors – Treasurer
Job Description
Last Updated: August 2023
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. Working in a way that respects the sovereignty and leadership of Indigenous nations, we are focused on conserving nature to respond to the dual crises of accelerated biodiversity loss and climate change.
With almost 60 years of success, we are Canada’s leader in conservation and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory! Our vision is that at least half of land, freshwater and ocean in Canada is permanently protected to sustain nature and people for current and future generations.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978 and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
CPAWS-BC works on the unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that all people have the right to a healthy environment. Identity, culture, and survival are often deeply rooted in people’s connection to the land and ocean. However, not all people have equal access to and decision-making powers over the use of land and ocean. As a conservation organization, we have the responsibility to uphold the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized voices and perspectives.
We, the staff and Board at CPAWS-BC, recognize that decolonization is an ongoing process that requires all of us to be actively involved and responsible. CPAWS-BC is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within every aspect of our work to protect lands, inland waters, and ocean. We commit to be more inclusive, respectful, and honour Indigenous Peoples in all aspects of our work. CPAWS-BC’s hiring practices give priority to Indigenous, Black, and racialized people and those who face systemic barriers to employment.
Position Summary:
The CPAWS-BC Treasurer is an executive member of the Board. The Treasurer’s key role is to monitor the society’s financial situation, present easy to understand financial summaries and advise the Board on fiscal matters.
Average Time Commitment: One 2-3 hour Board meeting per quarter, which requires some prep work to review and summarize the organization’s monthly financial statements. Additional meetings may be called if required. Treasurer’s are also expected to support the Board President in their Key Roles, which can take up approximately 1-5 additional hours a month.
General Board Member Role and Expectations:
BC’s Board is a governance Board, as opposed to an operational Board. That is, the organization’s work is done by staff, not Board Members. The role of Board Members is to ensure that the organization stays true to our mission and meets our fiscal and legal requirements. All Board members are expected to:
- Regularly attends all board meetings (approximately 5 per year) and important related meetings / events, where possible.
- Makes a serious commitment to participate actively in Board work.
- Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time
- Prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports prior to meetings.
- Gets to know other Board members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Participates in fundraising for the organization where appropriate, including making a personal financial contribution to CPAWS-BC at a level that is meaningful, no later than December of each year and without having to be asked.
- Acts as an advocate for the organization and works to steward donors, where possible.
- Commits to assisting recruiting, selecting, and training successive board members.
Board Elections and Term Limits:
In accordance with the society’s bylaws, elections for directors will normally occur at the annual general meeting and will take office commencing at the close of the annual general meeting. The term of office will normally be two years, with the hope that all Board members will remain for the full term. No Board member can stay on the Board for more than three terms, and third terms should only be pursued with specific rationale: e.g. Board member taking on, or within, an executive role, or committing to bring something additional to the Board, etc.
Directors may be elected for up to three (3) consecutive terms, regardless of the duration of such terms. A Person who has served as a Director for three (3) consecutive terms may not be re-elected for at least two (2) years following the expiry of their latest term.
Treasurer Officer Role:
Officer Terms:
Unless appointed for a longer term by Board Resolution, each officer appointed or elected by the Directors will hold office until the first meeting of the Board held after the next following annual general meeting. Directors may be appointed or elected as an officer for consecutive terms.
Term Limits:
A Treasurer is expected to serve two terms, and the term may be extended by one term (maximum three terms) under certain circumstances and if the whole Board approves.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- The Treasurer is responsible for doing, or making the necessary arrangements for, the following:
- receiving and banking monies collected from the Members or other sources;
- keeping financial records, including books of account, in respect of the Society’s financial transactions in accordance with the Societies Act and the Income Tax Act;
- preparing the Society’s financial statements and rendering the same to the Directors, Members and others when required; and
- making the Society’s filings respecting taxes
- Works with the Executive Director to review finances of the organization and advise the Board of issues that arise
- Fiscal oversight of the organization and is a signatory on the organization’s bank account
- Reviews the annual budget prior to being presented to the Board for approval
- Supports the development and Board review of financial policies and procedures
Qualifications:
- Thorough understanding of financial reports (e.g. balance sheets, income statements, etc.), and some financial background, ideally with nonprofits
- Able to translate financial information and financial concepts for the board; and an ability to explain and re-frame the reports until everyone understands them
- An ability to interpret and translate the board’s questions, goals, or concerns about the financial information or financial situation to staff
The position works closely with the CPAWS-BC staff and Executive Director, who support the Treasurer with ideas generation, access to past files, database information, etc.
Board recruitment process
If you are interested in joining the CPAWS-BC Board of Directors, please email your resume and a short cover letter describing why you are a good fit for the Board to recruitment@cpawsbc.org and please include in your cover letter whether you would be interested in any of the executive roles, and if so, which one(s) and why.
CPAWS-BC Celebrates New T’akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area
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Photo credit: Taku River Tlingit First Nation
January 26, 2023
Unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) joins Taku River Tlingit First Nation in celebrating the Declaration of an important new protected area in their traditional Territory.
Located in the far northwestern corner of BC is the sprawling Taku watershed, a biodiverse ecosystem that sustains five species of Pacific salmon and a vibrant network of life. The T’akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (T’akú IPCA) will encompass 60 percent of the Taku River system to preserve critical landscapes, and the remaining 40 percent will be in specially managed landscapes.
“This Declaration is an example of how Indigenous-led conservation is at the forefront of work to halt and reverse biodiversity loss,” says Meaghen McCord, Executive Director CPAWS-BC. “Support for IPCAs are an important opportunity for BC to honour Indigenous rights, further reconciliation efforts and are central to the province’s commitments to protect 30% of land by 2030.”
The Taku is the largest fundamentally intact watershed on the Pacific Coast of North America and CPAWS has long recognized its significance and supported additional measures to protect it. The inclusion of diverse and critical habitats within the T’akú IPCA, including lush valley bottom wetlands, important salmon streams, and high elevation caribou range, is a testament to their ongoing and longstanding stewardship.
CPAWS-BC Terrestrial Conservation Manager Tori Ball adds: “We fully support the Taku River Tlingit and urge the Government of BC to recognize that the T’akú IPCA hits the mark in safeguarding a range of species and ecosystems and, very importantly, protection of Lingit Kusteeyí (Tlingit way of living).”
Congratulations to Taku River Tlingit First Nation on the Declaration of the T’akú IPCA.
For more information, visit the Taku River Tlingit Declaration 2023
Main photo: View north on Inklin River, just below Sutlahine confluence in Northern British Columbia
Painting the town blue for ocean conservation
Painting the town blue for ocean conservation
Find out where you’ll find these ocean-inspired murals in Downtown Vancouver as part of Van Mural Fest 2022
Looking for fun things to do in Vancouver this summer? If you love the ocean – we’ve got two special treats for you this summer! Through lunchtime strolls and cycling commutes to our downtown office, the CPAWS-BC team started dreaming up ways to splash Nature art on the blank city walls about five years ago. This year, we’re thrilled to connect with Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF) and three Indigenous artists to create two massive ocean-inspired murals in Downtown Vancouver.
The artists have woven their culture and shared values to depict stories from the Salish Sea, along the Central Coast and up to Haida Gwaii and the North Coast. Both murals celebrate that while we may come from different places, it’s our shared responsibility to come together as one to protect our ocean and the coast for all life that depends on it. You can read more about the artists and the mural statements below.
The marine waters depicted in these murals have important conservation initiatives in progress. In the Salish Sea there is a proposed National Marine Conservation Area reserve for the Southern Strait of Georgia, learn more about the importance of this region by visiting Home of the Orcas. And in the waters around Haida Gwaii and along the BC coast from the Alaskan border to Northern Vancouver Island there is a process to create a network of marine protected areas. Learn more about the Great Bear Sea and how you can help support protecting these waters for future generations.
Thank you to the entire team at Vancouver Mural Festival for your support and guidance to bring these murals to life. These murals were made possible by generous support of the Doherty Family, BIA Vancouver, and IMPAC5.
The winds and the waters will always call us home
- Photo: Mavreen David
The winds and the waters will always call us home
By: Ocean Hyland/ shḵwen̓/ ts;simtelot
Printed vinyl located on lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations at 999 Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver, BC.
Herring lines the hair of the being connected to the sea. The visual representation of the changing tides is seen in front of her using Coast Salish elements, and an orca can be seen dancing in the current above.
Pacific herring are a staple food source for many inhabitants of the Salish Sea, including orcas and people. It is important to maintain a balance among the many species that live in the ocean. Our environment has looked after us, and although it remains generous, our relationship with it must be reciprocal. As much as we take, we must also give back.
Above the water line, droplets of the Salish Sea are absorbed by the sky so they can transform and make their way down as rain. Trigons represent the space where the water is called up to the sky and sent back down to water the plants, trees, and streams where the salmon are called to return. The moon sits high in the sky, and the Coast Salish eye mimics the sun and oversees the work done in our world. All life is connected: as the moon travels the sky, the tides flow, the wind blows, rain falls, the orcas are fed, and our people are happy. This reciprocal relationship ensures the well-being of us all.
About the Artist
Ocean Hyland/ shḵwen̓ / ts;simtelot
She/Her
Tsleil-Waututh
@dropletfromthesalishsea
salishshkwen.com
Ocean Hyland is an artist who works in the realms of painting and digital design. Along with her practices, she enjoys participating in language revitalization of Coast Salish languages. Ocean currently lives in Qualicum Bay on Vancouver Island.
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Gud Gad iis & Nucama:t
- Photo: Sabrina Miso Creative
Gud Gad iis & Nucama:t | Coming Together & Working as One
By: SGidGang.Xaal / Shoshannah Greene and Jessie Recalma/ Xwulqsheynum
Located on the lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations at 1111 Hastings Avenue in Downtown Vancouver.
The Haida word, “Gud Gad iis” translates to “Coming Together”, with the meaning behind it being “Meeting people to discuss and talk”.
Inspired by the efforts to bring Indigenous leadership together for ocean conservation, this mural by SGidGang.Xaal / Shoshannah Greene and Jessie Recalma/ Xwulqsheynum reflects the collaborative approach to strengthen our combined efforts in working together to protect our home.
The design depicts a SGaana Saahlan Sdings, a Two-Fin killer whale. Inside the body are human figures, one in each dorsal fin and one in the belly. Together, they are traveling south from Haida Gwaii into Salish waters.
Welcoming them is their host, a two-headed sea serpent, sʔi:ɬqəy̓, who guides them through the mouth of the Fraser River.
A school of oolichon, an anadromous species of smelt, swims through the waters. A sea otter playfully holds the artist’s names like a sea urchin.
Learn more about how you can support a network of marine protections for the Great Bear Sea on the North and Central Coasts.
About the Artists
SGidGang.Xaal / Shoshannah Greene
She/Her
Haida
@thecatking
shoshannahgreene.tumblr.com
Shoshannah Greene was born and raised on Haida Gwaii, on the traditional Territory of her paternal ancestors. She was adopted into the Cumshewa Eagle Clan and given the Haida name SGid Gang.Xaal, meaning wild rose.
An appreciation of her culture and art came from an amalgamation of watching her father carve jewellery, attending local art classes, and being inspired daily by the natural surroundings.
Since childhood, Shoshannah loved to share stories and express her thoughts visually. Following graduation, she chose to pursue a Bachelor’s of Media Arts with a major in Animation at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Today, her work focuses on combining hand-drawn animation with watercolour backgrounds, centering on the Super Naturals within Haida culture. Connecting the physical experience of the natural surroundings with Haida Supernaturals, thereby establishing a perspective on the juxtaposition of her natural world with Haida cosmologies. From what she sees around her, plants and animals, she draws a connection to what she feels and believes: everything has power and flowing energies. Having studied animation, she is using computer software to extend the ideas of supernaturals inhabiting the natural world with movement and character traits. This allows her to explore movement within natural cycles; her work concentrates on using light as a structural element in both animation and watercolor painting she is inviting viewers of her work to view natural elements as more than just representation, and to allow for the possibility of a deeper connection to their surroundings nourishing mind, body and spirit.
Jessie Recalma/ Xwulqsheynum
He/Him
Coast Salish – Qualicum First Nation
@saatlamarts |facebook.com/saatlamarts
salishshkwen.com
Jessie Recalma is a Coast Salish artist and a member of Qualicum First Nation. Jessie is a self-taught artist who learned watching and listening to the stories of his grandfather. One day Jessie had come across a carving knife in his grandfather’s desk and was given the knife to take home to try. This knife would be the first of many carving tools that are now used to create a unique blend of art that has a contemporary feel to it with a significant influence from the older generations. While carving is one of Jessie’s favourite mediums to work with, he also devotes his time to painting, Indigenous languages, and digital design. Jessie currently works privately out of his studio in his private studio in his house.
Sign up to learn more about how you can help protect the Salish Sea, the Great Bear Sea and more.
British Columbians Worry About Busy and Understaffed Parks This Summer
June 13, 2022
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC – As hot and sunny weekends arrive across the province, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia Chapter (CPAWS-BC) surveyed British Columbians about what their expectations are as they visit BC provincial parks this summer. The results illustrated an enthusiasm to get out into nature this summer, as well as concerns about overcrowding and not enough staff in provincial parks.
“We share the concerns of park users. A long-term lack of resources for BC Parks has created problems with accessibility, wildlife conflicts, and failing infrastructure inside our parks,” said Kristina Charania, Conservation Coordinator at CPAWS-BC. “Nature supports our health in every way, and it should be made a priority in every corner of the province.”
Despite the immense popularity of parks during the COVID pandemic, 82.8% of respondents said they still expected provincial parks to be busier this summer than the previous two summers. When asked about what concerns them about their visits to provincial parks, their top concerns were:
– Inadequate parking (62.8% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned)
– Limited enforcement of park rules (59.4% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned)
– Not enough staff or park rangers (54.5% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned
– The top improvement respondents recommended for BC’s provincial parks was more staff in parks (42.9%)
The jury was still out on the day-pass program that limits the daily number of people that can enter three of BC’s busiest parks: Garibaldi, Golden Ears, and Joffre Lakes. When asked whether the program effectively addresses park impacts like crowded trails, packed parking lots, and impacts on wildlife during peak periods, many respondents (44.0%) said they weren’t sure. However, a majority of British Columbians (52.1%) said they supported the program and only 16.9% opposed it.
The survey results also reiterated how much British Columbians value nature. 93.9% of respondents agreed that provincial parks were important or very important to protecting nature in the province. 84.4% said they’d like to see more provincial parks created in the future.
“Our parks have been short-changed for decades, and park users are feeling the effects of that more and more every year,” said Kristina Charania, Conservation Coordinator at CPAWS-BC. “It is time to address the cracks in the system. We need to increase staff presence, park maintenance, and ecosystem monitoring to improve recreation experiences and protect the diverse nature in parks.”
Half of those who answered the survey said they planned to visit a provincial park at least once a month, with 8.0% of respondents saying they planned on multiple trips to parks each week. The most popular provincial parks amongst respondents were Golden Ears, Strathcona, Manning, and Goldstream.
The survey was completed by 905 British Columbians, with a margin of error of 3.26% and confidence level of 95%.
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For interviews, contact:
Rippon Madtha
Communications Manager
rippon@cpawsbc.org
604-685-7445 (x23)
About CPAWS-BC:
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, CPAWS has played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometers. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
Follow us! @CPAWSBC
Golden Ears Provincial Park, 2022.
Photo by staff photographer Adam Combs.